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Armor/AFV: Axis - WWII
Armor and ground forces of the Axis forces during World War II.
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Tiger II Rear Deck Screen 'Frame' Question
cabasner
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Nevada, United States
Joined: February 12, 2012
KitMaker: 1,083 posts
Armorama: 1,014 posts
Posted: Saturday, September 13, 2014 - 05:26 PM UTC
Hey All,

I'm working on my Tiger II (Dragon 6303, Henschel Turret). I'm at the point where I need to decide if (and how) to install what I would describe as 'elevated frames' to hold a 'secondary screen' that sits above the forward rectangular engine air intakes. These frames sit just forward of the round intake structures. The kit has these frames as fairly thick plastic, which serve as a base for photo etch screens. I have the Eduard photo etch kit which allows these frames to be included, but in a far more 'delicate' fashion. What I'm interested in knowing is how common these frames were (I can't find any photos of this frame), and if these WERE common, whether the photoetched frame is a more accurate representation that the kit plastic frames. Thanks!
GeraldOwens
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Florida, United States
Joined: March 30, 2006
KitMaker: 3,736 posts
Armorama: 3,697 posts
Posted: Saturday, September 13, 2014 - 08:56 PM UTC

Quoted Text

Hey All,

I'm working on my Tiger II (Dragon 6303, Henschel Turret). I'm at the point where I need to decide if (and how) to install what I would describe as 'elevated frames' to hold a 'secondary screen' that sits above the forward rectangular engine air intakes. These frames sit just forward of the round intake structures. The kit has these frames as fairly thick plastic, which serve as a base for photo etch screens. I have the Eduard photo etch kit which allows these frames to be included, but in a far more 'delicate' fashion. What I'm interested in knowing is how common these frames were (I can't find any photos of this frame), and if these WERE common, whether the photoetched frame is a more accurate representation that the kit plastic frames. Thanks!


Actually, they were nearly universal on King Tigers in service. They prevented enemy troops from inserting mines or satchel charges between the turret bustle and the engine deck, where a contained blast could dislodge the turret.
I think the one-piece brass types look much better than the chunky plastic frames in the kit. Not sure what kind of bracing (if any) was under the screen section. Dragon shows two huge cross braces, but the screen is so fine, it's hard to tell from photos of museum specimens what was actually there. The wire itself was pretty hefty, with very little space between the wires, so it's possible it didn't need further support (the screens over the rear rectangular louvers and the round fan covers was of a more open mesh).
ACBailey
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United States
Joined: January 14, 2011
KitMaker: 13 posts
Armorama: 13 posts
Posted: Sunday, October 05, 2014 - 08:49 AM UTC
I have that kit. The photo-etch screens that go with the triangular frames are too long. I started by gluing the widest side first, then laid it down on the frame towards the downward curve. The photo-etch goes several mm's past the frame. I thought it might have been me,but the same thing happened on the opposite side.
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