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Hi all,

I've got the Dragon Early Tiger kit waiting, and I'm looking for an interesting scheme to mark it up in. I'd prefer to go without zimmerit if possible (I just don't want the hassle or another expense right now).

Does anyone have pics of an interesting scheme, or know where I can find refs for one? I have a bunch of books, but can't seem to find many pictures that I'm sure are early Tigers without the Feifel air cleaners, which Dragon didn't include.

Now, if some manufacturer comes up with a Feifel conversion...

Thanks for the help!
Chuck

Hey Chuck, not meaning to sound impertinent, but what's the big deal? There was no consistency in the use of Feifel air cleaners even within paritcular sPz. Abts. That is to say that, IMHO, color schemes would have been the same for a Tiger with the system or without and really depended on the unit, not the presence or absence of the Feifel system. You'll find pictures of Tigers without the system, with only remnants of it remaining, or with a complete system all within the same unit.

Like I said, I really don't mean to be offensive and I'll be glad to help if I can.
P.S., I really, really hate zimmerit....

Best Regards,
David

Hi,

No worries David, no offense taken. I had actually never realized that the Feifel system was that inconsistent in use. Was it unusual for a vehicle to have the system initially and then have it removed as the components were damaged? I've seen a number of pics of the system all shot up, and I've wondered if it was replaced or just removed.

My problem is that, with all the detail variation (tool locations, smoke dischargers, etc.) in the Tigers, I feel like I should model a specific vehicle so I can (maybe) get the details right. The curse of having too much information available, I suppose. I'm usually a pretty good researcher, but this thing has got me befuddled for some reason.

This kit is pretty overwhelming with all the choices! I have a fantasy that I will find a book on "How to build variants of the Dragon Tiger kit", that shows the specific details to use each time you have a choice.

The bottom line is that I'm looking for a good reference (details/color/markings) to build an early Tiger without zimmerit or the Fiefel system. Any suggestions? (I have "Tigers in Combat I & II"...maybe someone can point me to a page number there?)

Cheers,
Chuck

Hi Chuck, in Tigers in Combat I, look at the color profiles numbered C-13 to C-15. There are several sPz. Abt. 502 early Tigers on C-5 to C-7 and C-9. These profiles follow page 39 in the book.

The Feifel air system wasn't considered an absolute necessity and you are correct that it stayed until it was shot away or simply removed as it became damaged. I've seen photos of it in every imaginable condition.

Enjoy! The Dragon kit is awesome!

Best,
David

Chuck:

I'm not sure what you've got there. Dragon have not yet released any 1/35 Early Tiger. They have two kits titled Initial Tiger, and from your description I guess you have #6252

These vehicles predated Zimmerit and Feifels. They were all painted in plain grey. Some received a whitewash pattern, so that's the only real alternative for painting it.

David