Hi all, I have some questions and was curious to hear your feedback, (First one) I am working on a mid version of a tiger I and while doing research on it I came across some reference photos of some early versions with the spare track on the side of the turret, covering the vision port on the side. Now was this done a lot and if so, would it be proper to place on the mid version as well. Now my (second one) in the dio I am making I have 2 tigers paused before battle, and I wanted to place some AA in there as well, but I noticed that the whirlwind reference photos are from later period during the war, is this true?. And that they where not in use on the Russian front?. And now for my last question dos anyone know if there are any problems with the tamyia kit of the 8-ton half track with 20mm four-barreled AA machine gun (Sd.kfz 7/1)

Wirbelwind was a late war 1944-45 vehicle. For a great selection of Tiger photos as well as detailed histories of all Tiger units, get "Tigers in Combat" by Wolfgang Schneider, now available in a somewhat edited form from Stackpole Books. Volume one covers Army Battalions, Volume two covers SS battalions, as well as the divisions that had organic Tiger units. These paperback editions are nearly as useful as the original hardbacks and much more affordable. They should answer your questions.
The Tamiya halftrack is based on their 1972 kit, and is very basic. Tracks are incorrect width and have detail on the outside face only--inside is a smooth strip of vinyl. Hubcaps on the road wheels are the vinyl keepers holding the wheels in place, and are difficult to cut cleanly from the sprue, as you canot sand the attachment point. The Model Kasten replacement tracks also include a set of replacement outer road wheels, so it solves both problems, and is well worth the investment.

thanks for your feedback on my questions, and also thanks for the advice about the halftrack.

The wirblewind went into service mid to late summer 1942 only on the western front.