I posted this question on Missing-Lynx.....Just hoping to get some more answers.

I'm planning on making a Ferdinand from Pz.Abt. 653. I know that the jack, jack block, tool box and some other items were moved as field modifications....but I'm not sure when these items would have been moved....if all where moved at the same time, some of the items moved at different times, or what ????

Thanks for any more help.

Bart

The Ferdinands were at Kursk and had no zimeritt, the jack in the front and the storage box on the right side I think. After Kursk, they became Elephants with the hatches on the roof re-worked, zimeriit and those other things moved around. I would google 'Ferdinand Kursk Pic' and it sjould give you some help.

Thanks for the reply.

I know that some...not sure if all...Ferdinands had some field modifications...which included moving of the tool box, jack and jack block and cutting off of the grab handles on the back of the vehicle....I'm just not sure when the various items were moved if all at one time or at different times.

oh, and of course the machine gun was added to the 'Elephant' after Kursk, which is probably why they moved the Jack

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elefant


Look at your kit and see if it has the round hatches and copula and MG, then you'll know if you're doing a pre 'Ferdinand' or post 'Elephant' Kursk tank



'In September 1943 all surviving Ferdinands were recalled to be modified based on battle experience gained in the Battle of Kursk'

The surviving Ferdinands went back for their rebuild in winter of 43/44. The modification known as "Elefant" were applied and the one company was sent to Italy to counter the Allied invasion there. THEN in April (IIRC) A.H. changed the name to "Elefant". So the modfications were applied before the name was changed. Also the crews continued to call them Ferdinands or Ferdies ti the end.

Some of the tool boxes were moved by the unit in the field to the air exhaust vent on the rear of the vehicle. Some still had their boxes in their orginal position and one in the rear. All were moved to the rear during their refit.