Also, using a system of smaller tanks allows for use of small areas of the hull. The space the size of a closet wedged between a bulkhead could hold 400-600 gallons. Spread out like that, it should help with potential damage control, fuel quality issues, and even refueling. I would think this thing would be shaking rivets loose when the guns fire.

I figure the engineering is being pushed to the limits. And there's probably a bit of fudgery going on by the engineers to inflate their expected specs for top speed, fuel consumption, range, etc. They would probably count on the issues being worked out...and maybe even have the expectations scaled back.

Anyway, this is a very interesting project and I am enjoying the process behind the build.

Work focusing in the upper portion:





Mostly on the turret base and placement of the MAUS and Kugel positions.

Mike

(third picture ^^^) The MAUS turrets will sit so that the bottom edge of the rounded front of the turret and the top of the track housing don’t offer too much of a “shot trap.” The Kugelblitz right behind it will sit up on the angle platform. This will give the Kugel a bit more distance it can range an aircraft (with the MAUS between it and its target). The Kugel next to the main turret will sit more towards the outer edge (again so it can get more distance towards the front side (versus having so much of the main turret base in its way)). This one will sit flush with the track housing.

(first and third picture) The two small circles on the front of the track housings are where the Commander’s cupolas will go. The IR container (from a Panther) will be attached to the base of main turrets platform (behind the cupola).

(first and second picture) You should be able to make out the black lines that parallel the main turret base angled corners (from inside to outside of the track housing); these are initial placement lines for the hand rail system for the top side. The rail will go along the housing’s outer edge also. I plan to put steps from the engine deck to the tops of the track housings…this will offer easier access to the three turrets on each side. There will also be steps from the railed portion to the engine deck.

(second and third picture) There will be at least one troop access door (most likely two) on the angled back of the main turret housing. This will facilitate the troop’s access to the back of the Ratte and access to the Kugels. The troops can access the MAUS’ either from below or above. I assume that the Kugelblitz turret can only be accessed from above (set up like a B17’s ball gun??).

Next up is clean up of all the new edges/seams and making one more Kugel base. After that it’s time to figure out the engine deck and rear.

Mike

Nice progress so far. I like it.

Stunning work!

If the Kugels can only be accessed from above, you might want to add a hatch on top of their "pyramids", on one of the inboard corners, so the crew don't need to run the whole length of the deck to reach 'em. Spare loader's hatches from Tigers would look cool here...

What are you thoughts on protecting the cooling deck?

Also have you though of the twin 88 turret? You would have the benefit of a dual purpose weapon.

I'm quite impressed with your progress Mike. Admittedly, I would of stopped this project long ago, but you're doing great!

Hi Mike,

Great job so far ! Go ahead !

There's not enough room on the top of the "pyramid," but there is on the side of it. Each side will only have one "pyramid" so I'm thinking of a hatch between the two Kugels. Hatch with a folding grab handle so it's not so much a trip hazard (that first step is a doozie!!)




Still struggling with the 'make up' of the engine deck. Pulled out the deck from a Tiger and was trying to figure out how to 'arrange' it. Also pulled out a Panther deck. Same issue; arrangement. I could "cheat" and just make a bunch of raised covers "simulating" what's under...but that's a shortcut I'm not keen on. At this moment I'm kinda lost as to what to do. I'll probably take picture of the Panther and Tiger decks, crop 'em, and make a collage of them on the PC...that should allow me to better visualize various arrangements.

The only threat to this beast's engine deck is from Air or Artillery. I can make shrapnel raised covers easy enough from the brass sheet I have...that'd solve the Artillery issue (can't stop a bullet in the air). Versus an Air attack, they better hope the Kugels do their job...a 500-pounder can't be stopped once it's dropped.




I considered those early on. Price and availability made me stick with the standard MAUS turret. Those truly would have been wicked.

I really appreciate the comments and suggestions. Keeps the brain-juice from coagulating and getting sticky.

Mike

Hey Mike,

Since this is a "What if......." how about look at the Maus or E-100 series rear decks for some ideas also. Why just stick with the Tiger I or II's deck. Expand the mind! Heck throw in a few early 50's style decks just for giggles to see how it may have looked had the war been prolonged. (Thank god is wasn't. )
After all, your dealing with Sub motors too, maybe the rear deck grills are not needed. Armored side intakes and exhaust?
Or a combo of both.

See ya in the funnies................

I was thinking an armored deck over the engine compartment with air intakes on the front or sides and exhaust at the rear. With this arrangement you could add extra AA.

I think with all the hard work you've already done scratching two AA turrets out of the MAUS turrets would be a piece of cake.

Hi Mike,

Whilst sculking around the blackest darkest rececess of the internet I found a couple of pics.





Paul

Hi Paul, nice idea to put the pin up on the hull. Is it plausible ???

Anything is "do-able" in the world of "What if".
Heck he could put a lap pool in the thing.

See ya in the funnies................

Maybe some funnels for the ships diesel?

Been working on the house and yard. Too old for this cack.



I have both...I'll take a look and see what the E-100 offers. Not a lot for the MAUS, but possibilities.



Intakes on the sides are possible. I'm beginning to like the idea of an exhaust at the top rear (like A/C ducting - just thicker).

Paul, I like the top picture better. It looks more 1945-ish. The bottom one more fits the Warhammer genre. Mine will have rails and ladders.

Pin Ups on German equipment? A rarity I'm thinking.



Hmmmm.....interesting idea.

Most of what little time I've had for the Beastie has been spent on clean up on the turret base. This thing has gotten difficult to move around (ya think?). So, one side/end at a time.

Mike

Mostly done with the clean up of the turret base:







I've started the "frame work" for the underside; the portion that'll hide the nuts/bolt ends for the running gear. I initially made a jig so I could use some stick-stock (you can see the one attempt of that between the tan pieces). I then realized that that is way too time consuming and would be a biatch to install 20-24 of them. So, I reversed it and made solid ones out of the 1/8th inch flat stock:



Easier and more strength.

Mike

Supports in for the covering that will hide the threaded rod, washers, and nuts.



Moving along we are....

Mike

All the supports are in now. I played around with a piece of scrap 1/16th sheet and came up with the best way to run the fewest pieces of plastic down the length. The front and rear will need to be cut/angled/fiddled several times for the various angles and cut outs. The main spans will be done in two pieces. My scrap piece is the template. I'll cut one long piece and then scribe a cut down the length. This will allow me to partially fold the thinner "half" over thereby keeping it technically one piece. Two of these per side. If I get a wild hair I'll make several access panels for the angled sides. I'll probably also get several more of the Shapeways "drain plugs" to run along the bottom. I don't think much will be seen once done, but...trying to make it as realistic as my skills and wallet will allow.

I'm still stuck on the engine deck. I would like it to "look" like an engine deck, but I also like the idea of adding additional AA and a spotlight or a potential helipad (?).

Four or six funnels on top for intake and one or two armored vents along the top sides for the exhaust is feasible (not sure where I'd get the funnels though).

Ah...the design-cramps.

Thoughts?

Mike

Lots of plastic:



Paper mock up of the side exhaust:


Needless to say, it can be resized and relocated. It'll be a PITA to make two identical ones, but this is "scratchbuilding 204."

Mike

Openings for the engine air intakes and exhausts should not be a problem. The Type VII intakes are in green and exhausts are in red. The only thing to remember is the exhaust were cooled with sea water.

I borrow one of you pictures to illustrate my suggestion for the cooling problem. Fresh air is brought in through an inlet at the front of the engine deck, travels through ducting under the deck to the radiators and exhausted out the rear. Intake and exhaust would be protected by armored covers. The armored engine deck should be removable for engine swaps and other maintenance.

Steve B,

Would you have the length and width of those sub engines? That'll help with the design of the maintenance doors. I figure I can throw a couple of the Panther intakes with heater attachments on there too (would make sense).

Edit: Found it (Germaniawerft, 6-cylinder, 4-stroke, M6V 40/46 diesels):
Overall length: 5630 mm.
Overall Height: 2810 mm.
Width: 1400 mm.

And I'm tracking on your air intake, exhaust output idea. That I can do. I can set up the exhaust similar to that of an M1 Abrams. The intake will be a little different; I plan to put a door there at the front of the engine deck on that slope. i.e. intake panels - door - intake panels. I still need fuel ports. Oy.

Mike

First bit on the engine panels:

They can be moved, but I think there's plenty of room behind them for the exhaust system.

Then I started playing with the intakes and came up with this:

It allows for the intakes and the door I wanted.

And some Fireworks work:

I think I'll have only one set of steps on each side towards the intakes. I'll split the engine covers into two sections each and install lifting hooks (from a Tiger(?)). If I go the route of Panter intakes for the heating part, I'd put one beside each engine cover section or two beside each rear panel (closer to the exhaust).

Mike

Hello Mike,

Looking good.

I just noticed that Lil' Hanz is taller then the doorway cut out. Recessed stairway to solve this?

See ya in the funnies..............