here is a site you might already know about, perhaps he still makes the parts?
http://www.sdkfz-modellbau.de/modelle.htm
Guntech you really sound very savvy at deciphering how things work just from experience and eye-ballin'! I too took up the hobby mainly for the mechanical challenges, of constantly re-engineering and improving our hobby grade tanks- but this would blow me mind!
Looking forward to seeing you perfect this rare Tiger 1, I can tell by your determination and effort nothing less is likely to stop you from finishing. And amazing model it will be someday soon too.