Just joined up in "Armorama" and did the "Intro" thing. Now anxious to get into the meat of things. Planning on a moderate sized diorama (in 1/35th) dealing with "Battle of Bulge" and would like some idea inputs as well as some specific info. First is center piece which will be based on either a King Tiger or Jagdtiger. Which kits would be best (noticed the Tamiya "Ardennes" version King Tiger) for these subjects. Plan on several figures riding and advancing with tank. I have a set of Dragon "Fallschirmjager" so need to know if King Tiger or Jagdtiger is best for their "transport". Or should I go with Waffen SS troops or mix? Appreciate feedback as a starting point. Thanks,

Blade48mrd

Ola Blade

Well Funny enough we had a discussion about the involvement of the Jagdtiger in teh ardennes on another forum and this was the outcome:



The Jagdtigers never reached Belgium though they were destinated to go there. Instead they took action in Operation Nordwind.

I think the KT from Tamyia is quite a good kit though I haven`t built it myself. I have peaked inside the box of the DML KT and I have to say that kit is most impressive. Together with the 2 Fallschirmjeager sets from DML on the Back of the KT will be a stunning sight.

Well Blade I don't know if you are aware of the Campaigns we run on the site. If you go to the left hand column and click on Campaigns you can see the ones that are running and getting ready to start.

Basically they are themes that everyone who signs up builds a model/figure related to the theme. However it must start and end during the designated time frame. There will be a Bulge campaign called Ardenne Offensive beginning in December approximately the same date as the real Bulge start.

If you can wait that long to hold off your build you might be able to qualify for your first Campaign award. Just a thought.

Blade, as has already been pointed out the Tiger II would be the way to go. As for which figures to use you could go with the fallschirmjager, there is a very well known series of pics showing a group of fallschirmjager riding on the back of Tiger II "222" of sSSPz abt 501early in the offensive. One thing to keep in mind, contrary to what many people think, the Bulge did not take place during a major snow storm. Yes it did snow and get very cold but that was not till later in the offensive. The first several days the weather was just cold and rainey with some sleet here and there. Around Christmas was when the really cold weather and the snow moved in.

Mike

Hey Blade,

While reading your post and the responses, I can not help about remembering the idea of the movie "Battle of the Buldge".

Can you not see a dio of some road in the Ardenes with a couple of German painted M-47's with a few stock-piles of fuel druns olong the side. To throw some weirdness into this idea, I would have a Kubelwagen and a scooter as more German props.

Just a weird idea that I ahve, and not a real recomindation.

Dave

well, blade,

i am also building a diorama about battle of the bulge.
and i also need some advice from ya'll. Because i am not too sure about the involvement of TIGER 1 from Das Reich with Fallshcrimjaggers in the ardennes.

The Tiger tank is from a transfered Das Reich Unit to take part in the operations to punch through the Ardennes Forest in December 1944.

Do u think theres any paratrooper division fought with Das Reich at that time? all pictures shows that the paras are with king tiger but not tiger 1 tank.

Advice please... here are some pics ...

Thanks for feedback. Exactly the kind of info I need. I'm trying to find references for what actual armor did participate. The readily available pictures showing the King Tiger "222" w/Fallschirmjager is very tempting but maybe a to frequently visited theme. I'm now thinking maybe something similar with another vehicle say Jagdpanther (if used) or Sturm IV? need to research possibilities. Thanks,

Blade48mrd

Shermiesrule -
thanks for info. I jumped over to the site and signed up. I figured I'd be researcing some and "laying in supplies" for awhile anyway so any delay will be of benefit to better preparations. As mentioned in other response, I'm wondering if another subject vehicle would work better rather then the too common King Tiger "222" approach. Maybe another Tank Destroyer gathering fuel/supplies before moving forward again while escorted POWs are being moved to rear? Any ideas would be appreciated.

Blade48mrd

Sicktunez, Far as I can find out no Tiger1's faught in the Bulge it was mainly mark4,Panther and King Tigers,and a host of assault guns h.t.h.

My references are far from comprehensive, but from what I've read there was only one company of tiger 1s in the bulge. They were attached to the 506th heavy tank battalion as their 4th company. Also, the markings and version of the tiger you have would be more appropriate for a 2nd SS tiger during the battle of Kursk in 1943. I'm not saying that the 2nd SS positively didn't have tiger 1s, but the chances seem pretty minimal.