The Eva Project, p9, More fittings, and progress so far
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01 - I cannot remember if I was deep in thought as to what component to work on next, or who stole my hull?
02 - Perhaps they also took my barrel?
03 - The large ring on the floor was later fitted-up inside the bottom of the turret. This is the "basic" turret ring that I will fit a race to later.
04 - Rear of the turret showing the dangerous bin-brackets that I have often hurt myself on. Have now learned and have put padding over them for the time being!
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07 - There is now a steel-beam with block and tackle so the heavy turret can be lifted. But the straps stretch too much, and so I will need to make a steel framework section for better lift control and stability.
08 - I really don't know the turrets weight, but its certainly at least "several hundred kilos"!
09 - The aluminium top spare track-brackets after most of the milling and drilling, before installation. Note the original (darker) bracket in the center with the extra "lip" added to its end.
10 - Note the "original" bracket in the center. This one has an unusual extra period "lip" added to its end. This would have helped keep the top of the track-link from slipping out of the bracket. After looking very closely at period photos I was able to see how easily the turret spare tracks would often become dislodged and turn on the lower brackets pins!
11 - This unique original top bracket seems to be just like that on the Tiger in the lower photo, on page 36 of the book "Tiger I and Sturmtiger in detail" by Culver and Feist. Ryton Pub. I would like to know if anyone else has spotted these in wartime photos?
12 - Unfinished stand I am making to represent a "gas-cut" section of 80mm thick turret-wall, to hold a single track-link.
13 - A track-link sits on top of the "section" stand.
14 - Showing the top track-brackets in place.
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16 - Track-brackets before weld-beads are added.
17 - The open loaders hatch, with some fittings still to be made. Note the cable and its handle.
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20 - Bottom track-brackets and their makers/part numbers.
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22 - My two original Tiger track-links and pins. Note the new condition of the ice-chevrons. I would like to be able to make a mould and cast resin copies for the turrets sides...
23 - Turret how it currently appears. I put a temporary board around the bottom to catch the very messy Zimmerit application!
24 - This is the first "key coating" of thinly applied Zimmerit that will help the next coat adhere properly. This is also the way they applied this material during the war in the factory. It was scored with a fine notched-trowel while still wet.
25 - The mock-up cardboard turret-bin being tested for fit. It has dropped a little from the weight of the camo netting on top of it! Am hoping to get this made from thin sheet-steel when I have gathered all the information on it I can...
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27 - Close-up of the two top track-brackets on the loaders side, before final welds and primer are added.
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29 - The fronts of my two single tracks. Note the top one has very worn-down ice-chevrons,indicating it has once seen considerable use on a Tiger!
30 - The rear escape-hatch with first "key-coat" of Zimmerit in place.
Many have asked me "will I carry-on and make the 1:1 scale hull for the turret"? After buying a large amount of treated sheets of plywood, gathering plans, dimensions, photos ect, and much thought and discussions on the subject, I would like to say "yes, I will attempt to build the hull"! But, there are many obstacles in my path. The lack of space, funds, and also help, are all a problem! As is the large box-section steel- chassis framework that would need to be constructed first, as a very strong basis. I do have a full-time job commitment, and a family too and there is only "little old me" doing this project, part-time and when ever time allows.....
Then there is all the motor, suspension, and the myriad of mechanical components also to be considered. Not to mention the very important huge tracks!
A "static-model" of a complete 1:1 scale detailed Tiger I is one option of course, but I cannot deny that some form of motorization/mobility is a much preferred option -if I could achieve it.....
Anyway, for me at present I am happy to still have the passion for the "Tiger", and to work on completing the turret exterior. There is the Zimmerit paste, turret bin, muzzle break, episcopes and some hatch fittings that still have to be made.
Of course I do not know what the future will hold, but a later possible "hull-build" is never far from my eventual ambition! Should some kind volunteers/helpers show themselves, I would not hesitate to begin the hull, but please remember there is only me "on the job", so progress is consequentially somewhat slow at times!
Many thanks again Rob for not only your friendship, support, and kind help with research, but also for allowing me to show Eva to a wider audience through your excellent panzer research site. I also would like to thank my dear wife Laurel for putting-up with this time consuming "hobby", and to my dear late mother for her inspiration!