The Shrivenham Tiger II: A possible runner?

[Rikard_Hufschmied]

The Shrivenham Tiger II, for all its outward complete and restored looking appearance, is sadly missing its automotive components.

However, there is a complete Tiger II gearbox and engine at Axvall Armor Museum (Sweden)! If somekind of deal/exchange could be made (not uncommon in the Museum sphere) the Shrivenham Big Cat might run again.

In the spirit of the age-old rivalry between England and France it would indeed tip the scale to Englands favor, both a Tiger I and II running vs. Saumur's running Tiger II.

Just a thought ...

/Rik

[mike_Duplessis]

I recall visiting the pre-refurbished Bovington tank museum way back last century (1976-ish?). Spotting their Porsche turret Tiger II, I clambered up onto the rear engine deck (I assume the statute of limitations is up on my crimes) and peered into the turret through the mesh grate in the open back hatch. Though the tank looked complete from the outside it was thoroughly gutted from the inside! EVERYTHING was missing, even the gun cradle! The gun was held precariously in place by a big wood beam wedged between the breech block and the turret roof.

[jch_in_uk]

Having climbed over the Shrivenham Tiger II (Henshel turret incidentally) a few years ago, I suspect restoration is unlikely. The engine bay is full of concrete, the idea being to replace the weight of the missing engine.

In theory I guess that it could be removed, but difficult to acheive without further damage to the fabric of the vehicle.

When I first saw it, it was in Deep Bronze Green/Silver interior, though I think it was later repainted in more authentic colours. There was a move to raise funds for it's cosmetic restoration, but it never seemed to progress for a mulitude of reasons. I understand it's promised to appear (static) at the forthcoming Tankfest at the Bovington Tank Museum.

JH

[claude_GILLONO]

I am back from a model show at Saumur and the Tiger II moved this year.
In a straight line and on a short distance, but still impressive!
The Luchs and Hetzer plus Pz II were involved too, for the German AFVs.

[Rikard_Hufschmied]

- mike_Duplessis

I recall visiting the pre-refurbished Bovington tank museum way back last century (1976-ish?). Spotting their Porsche turret Tiger II, I clambered up onto the rear engine deck (I assume the statute of limitations is up on my crimes) and peered into the turret through the mesh grate in the open back hatch. Though the tank looked complete from the outside it was thoroughly gutted from the inside! EVERYTHING was missing, even the gun cradle! The gun was held precariously in place by a big wood beam wedged between the breech block and the turret roof.

Something like this then, courtesy of Dennis Trowbridge who also dared to climb the beast

[jch_in_uk]

Having climbed over the Shrivenham Tiger II (Henshel turret incidentally) a few years ago,

I should point out that interior of the Shrivenham Tiger II is virtually intact from the fighting compartment forward, the turret is very complete.

JH

[Rikard_Hufschmied]

A soft steel refitting of the Porsche turret Bovington Tiger II would look great and at a fairly modest cost. A new commanders cupola w/hatch, new rear turret plate w/hatch, a new gun cradle and exterior fittings including armored mudgards and secondary armamnent MG 34's. A zimmerit coating would be brilliant as well (putty will do).

Maybe an appeal for funds/donations could be started, it worked well enough for the Tiger I.

Cheers,
Rik

[RichardIsner]

Hello all,

I was also impressed with how good on the outside the Tiger II looked. I have heard that several Maybach engines are being made to original specs. Maybe one of these will find its way into the King!

Anyone know where I can see some running panzers....i.e. Pzkfw I, II, and IV?

Cheers,
Richard Isner

[Rikard_Hufschmied]

- jch_in_uk

Having climbed over the Shrivenham Tiger II (Henshel turret incidentally) a few years ago, I suspect restoration is unlikely. The engine bay is full of concrete, the idea being to replace the weight of the missing engine.

I don't see any concrete in the engine bay. See link:

tanxheaven.com/jg/Tige...cheljg.htm

[jtrowbridge5]

more photos inside engine bay[ click on photo] then page 3

dennis

[Rikard_Hufschmied]

Well ... now all they need to do is set up the trade with Axvall for the engine

I was led to believe that ALL automotive components had been removed, engine, transmission and gearbox ... but since the transmission coupling is still in place?

Can anyone shed light on this issue?

best,
Rik