I like the idea of a turret in the front, but I don't know about the Tiger I. The whole Tiger I design wa already outdated by the time the tanks were fielded.

Considering the other known elements you will use like the Maus and Kugelblitz turrets, the Tiger I turret with its complete absence of slopes would seem rather anachronistic. To keep in line with the other more advanced stuff, personally I would go with a Schmalturm (Panther) or E-50 turret.

Looking forward to see those barrels you talked about...

Mike,

You made a sacrifice to the modeling gods and your barrels are now in the works.

I'm beginning to think I need to upgun the front. Though that little 75 fits well, it's just too small IMO to effectively defend against armor. So, I think I'm going to look for an 88 barrel and mantlet/mount.

Mike

Why stop at one 88? Why not two?

12.8 cm at the least

Why a gun. Go with a missile launcher.

LOL! Hmmm...kind of like me and my personal fire arms; trying to reduce the # of calibers/round types.

Now, I do have a Nebelwurfer I'm contemplating...only if I can find a spot that makes sense.

I haven't been doing any modeling for a bit now. Work drains me a lot, I have some outside projects that need to be done before the bad weather comes, and my back has really been giving me fits.

Hopefully soon.

Mike

http://www.wehrmacht-history.com/luftwaffe/missiles/x7-rotkaeppchen-anti-tank-missile.htm

How interesting Steve! I LIKE that! I wonder if anyone has this in 1/35? I'd damn sure add some.

Mike

Hi Mike,
a google search showned no sign of a X-7 Rotkäppchen in 1/35 scale. But given the small side of the missle, scratch building should be a piece of cake
I found this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLsBtlc9f_4

about Nazi secret weapons and building the replica of the Fritz X precision bomb. From the 13 minute mark, some minutes cover the Ratte P1000 project.

Just scratch some ready boxes to store the missiles.

Yes indeed and a few launch rails.

Mike

So, I'm going to go a little different from the norm with the gun on the front. I'm going to "kitbash" an 88 barrel to a Brummbar barrel/mount.

Cheap and old Elefant or JagdTiger kits aren't so cheap - dang things are rather expensive. I found an old MB resin conversion that has everything I need but the turned 88 barrel (which is very easy to find). I think this will greatly aid the upfront mid-range offensive/defensive capabilities and should look pretty neat (unusual for sure).

More to follow.

Mike

Mike,
Dragon's Tiger IIs with Zimm come with both zimm and plain cast mantlets. And two versions of the barrel. Trumpeter's E-75 comes with two barrels and two mantlets as well. If I still had my extras I'd offer them to you.

You might want to ask around to see if anyone has a spare they'd donate to the Ratte cause.

As far as the antitank rockets I could see a couple of launch rails on each side of the rear deck. It'd give the vehicle some firepower for its sides. The same argument for adding an extra gun to the front could be used for the sides, perhaps even moreso. Even 37mm gun blisters on the sides could look really sweet.

Mike, have you found a mantlet? Otherwise I can look through my spares box. I believe I have an old jagdpanther mantlet somewhere.

Let me know if you need it?

Yep, happened again; lost my job. This really isn't any fun. Needless to say, I'll have some time on my hands.

Jesper, good on the mantlet. Thanks, and sorry for the late reply.

So, here's my solution to a Brummbar style front main gun:



Scratched the "ring" for the barrel and added some Tichy Train hex bolts. The barrel mount came from an old resin kit and the barrel shown is strictly for sizing. Of course I'll be using either a turned MAUS or JagdTiger barrel or one from a 88 (like the one for an E50). 88mm or 128mm? Either will fit this, but I'm liking the idea of one caliber.

Hopefully I can start working more on this. It does appear that one main gun barrel is done...waiting on the second to be finished. Can't wait for that!!

Mike

Sorry to hear about the job - been there, done that... Still, it can be seen as a convenient "modelling break"! (Hope there are other work opportunities in your near future!)

Gotta say, a common ammo type is attractive, but everything we know about the Reich suggests there's no way they'd go that way. It's far too obviously sensible! For all the stereotypes, "efficiency" never seemed to feature in the Nazi plans. Was there a funky muzzle brake on the 128? That'd be MY deciding factor.

Tom,

I haven't seen any muzzle brakes on the 128mm barrels. MAUS & JT's all seem to be nekkid on that end.

I'll need to turn down the diameter of the 128 if I go that route. I could go with a nekkid 88mm from an E50 (the flak barrels won't work for this idea) or go with an 88 from a Tiger with a muzzle brake. Also, the 128's don't have a secondary shaft to slip into a hole (ie male/female) except the MAUS barrel.

An 88 is easier (and generally cheaper) for me. What do you think? To muzzle or not to muzzle?

Mike

P.S. Thanks for hanging in there with me on this.

P.S.S. Ooooo....Pak 44 has a cool brake.


SS-MODEL 35217 1/35 German 12.8 cm 128mm Kanone 43 bzw. 44
$12.00 shipped to me. Hmmmmmm......(we'll see if a couple models I have on eBay sell)

That pepper-pot is pretty neat! And I like the way the gun designer kept the lathe operator on his toes with all those shape changes...

Agreed. It'll be long as heck...going around corners in a street might be tough. Oh, what am I thinking....jeeez. The Ratte don't need to worry 'bout no stinkin' corners!

Mike

If your on facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10205280363623794&set=gm.1305634612795609&type=3&theater

Thanks Steve B. Not long ago I picked up a Schneider 1897 gun by RPM. On the back was the X-7. That link you provided pretty much shows that the kit is "no bueno."

One guy has it drawn up for 3D printing. There is another possible for this...can't say anything about it yet, but would be the way I'd go. Nothing says I can't set up four or so launch rails on the turret top.

Mike

SS-MODEL 35217 1/35 German 12.8 cm 128mm Kanone 43 bzw. 44

Barrel is on the way. I may have to enlarge the "ball" and "frame" around it OR I may shorten the barrel from the rear...we'll see once the barrel gets here.

Mike

Barrel arrived yesterday:

I removed all of the barrel from the "Brumbar" and drilled it out to accept this 128mm Kanone 43 bzw. 44 barrel. I'll pop a picture up once the bit of filler that was needed has dried and is sanded (and maybe once the barrel is assembled and one when it's primed). The barrel is quite nice and not expensive at all.

I was fearful that this would look awkward sticking out of the lower hull, but I don't think so now. Should be pretty nice.

Mike