Another big cat.

[browningautorifle]

*I understand the rendering of the weapons on the vehicles they could have at least put the hole near the breech end underneath so it's not that noticeable.

You could also put a false plate over it, just tin and paint...and a spot of wire feed to hold it.

[Flying10uk]

But putting that hole where they did, close to the muzzle, doesn't it make that barrel potentially still capable of firing a round, in theory? Yes I know there would be a large escape of gases through the hole but like I say it is near the muzzle.

[browningautorifle]

doesn't it make that barrel potentially still capable of firing a round, in theory

I should agree, just would act like a giant muzzle break...but the projectile could pass. We'd need to examine the whole of it though.

[42rocker]

Want to know how to run a big cat?

A friend of mine reprinted in English the German TigerFibel which shows how to and lots of info.

The TigerFibel - WW2 German Army Issue

TigerFibel - The Tiger Primer. 92 pages + folded posters about the operation and care of the Tiger tank, translated to English in the original booklet format, but at a slightly larger size to make reading easier (7" H x 8.5" W). This manual was originally printed in full color with cartoonish illustrations - a very risqué manual in its day. It has been reproduced in its beautiful full color with all original illustrations and extra sheets showing the danger zones of different tanks.

Where??
About 1/2 way down this page.

German Reenacting Manuals

Later 42rocker

[CINDERS]

I have Tigers in Combat III ~ For the first time, efforts are described in detail of what was taken to create units and what was required to keep the Tiger tank in action regarding handling and operating the vehicle. Other chapters deal with crew training and specific tactical aspects to employ such a heavy tank under all fighting conditions.

I also have TIC 1 & 2 along with a fair bit more on them and certain commanders like Von Rosen, Wittmann & Otto Carius.

[CINDERS]

Something bit different the full monty of a Russian SAM complete with truck, trailer with launch facility just happened to have one in the back yard !
Could not fit it all in sorry chaps.

[42rocker]

Cinders
Nice collection of tank books, happy to say I have over 1/2 of them. In a side note, look on page 126 of your Tiger Ace book and see what Micheal Wittman had to say about the TigerFibel manual. I thought that it was interesting.

Later 42rocker

[CINDERS]

I fully intend to read it cover to cover eventually and the Commanders of the Leibstandarte but at the moment I'm engaged in a war with my Tiger 1 1/16th scale tracks which are very time consuming.
After the cutting & clean up of the grousers and horns I'm working with a lit magnifier so after a couple of hours with that I'm toast for a bit I am 6 completed of 9.6 sets of 10 grousers per set with 20 guide horns per set !
And I still have another track to assemble !

Sledgehammers By Wilbeck gives a no nonsense view of how they used the Tigers one stuck out for me was using them to clear minefields by tracking over them with the resultant damage to their running gear forcing repair work onto the crews, also gives the flaws and weaknesses of the Tiger and their tactics a good read.
So is this one see pic #2

[CINDERS]

Seems they had a sense of humor back then maybe the buxom blondes had them studying harder.
I really suggest if you want the nuts and bolts of running a Tiger procure Tigers In Combat III they are a H/C and still cheap.

The T in C 1 & 2 H/C's will set you back around $200/USD each.

[CINDERS]

US M47 Patton.

I think the top tube on the barrel is a flamethrower guess they still used them in VN is this correct.