I am looking for some photos reference or completed models of the "c" hooks and other tools placed on these tanks. I am getting ready to paint them and would like some advice on colors. I was under the impression that all of these were painted while attached to the vehicle. But, I know through use they wear and it would help if I knew what they were used for to properly detail them. What was the "c" hook for and on the right rear of the Tiger I is that a jack? Thanks.

Steve,
The "C" hooks were used for attaching a towing cable to the towing shackles on the front and back of the AFV. Usually painted on the vehicle with the everything else. Would be subject to wear on the inside of the "C" and the outer edges.
HTH

Also, the tankers had a tendancy to leave them connected to the tow shackles and just let them hang down, or they would attach one end of a tow cable to a front tow shackle using the C-hook and one end to a rear tow shackle using the other c-hook. This made it easier to pull out of the mud shuld the tank get stuck. You would just unhook the other end and attach it to whatever was pulling you loose. This was probably more common during wet weather when there would be a lot of mud around. Sometimes the C-hooks would not be used for this, though, the tow shackle would be unhooked and passed through the eye of the tow cable then re-attached. Like Ron said the inside of the c and the outer edges would be worn to bare metal and/or rusty depending on the last time they were used. Where the stowage clamps held it in place would also be rusty.

Rob

Thanks, is the object above the right track on the rear a jack? Thats what it looks like to me. Just curious.

Correct, Tiger I's carried a jack on the right side of the rear plate

Thanks, I thought thats what it was. It's nice to now what all those little tools are.