Tiger I in Ardennes

[AlanG]

All information is greatly appreciated and received Andrew. The Tiger I build is down the line after the King Tiger and Panther G, so i have loads of time to decide on the unit(s) and actual tank to buy.

[minitnkr]

German tank production used a process whereby "last in first out" was the norm. This is why you can find late suspension & early turrets and early suspension & late turrets. They use up the good stuff first for refit & initial construction. PaulE

[BattleshipBob]

They also had tanks etc returned from the front, they were repaired and then refitted with the latest improvements. Nightmare to work out age, Ausf etc!

[Mini Me]

It actually makes for some very interesting "Sub" variants for us modelers to sink our teeth into and also some very sticky stuff for the "Rivet Counters" to argue about :tongue-out3: :tongue-out2: :tongue-out: :thinking: Rick H.

[Guest]

On the positive side, it’s hard to get your model really wrong, given that system of production and repair

[AlanG]

Just a little more info on Panzerkompanie "Hummel" if possible?

Would they have had a unit mark on the tanks? If so. Anyone know what it looks like or if there is a decal out there with it?

[minitnkr]

The Axis History Forum has an extended history of tank 114 of the "Hummel" Company integrated into sPA 506 for the Ardennes. When 506, had a large white W w/black outline with a Tiger carrying an orange shield w/white cross over the center of it. The shield was held towards the front on both sides. Either earlier or later, it was simplified to an orange circle w/white cross. PaulE

[Mini Me]

All the information I have seen on German vehicles used in the Ardennes offensive seems to indicate the lack of said markings......don't know if they were omitted for operational security or just to further confuse Allied intelligence.
Rick H.

[AlanG]

The Axis History Forum has an extended history of tank 114 of the "Hummel" Company integrated into sPA 506 for the Ardennes. When 506, had a large white W w/black outline with a Tiger carrying an orange shield w/white cross over the center of it. The shield was held towards the front on both sides. Either earlier or later, it was simplified to an orange circle w/white cross. PaulE

It would appear that the number of the Tiger I tank numbered 411 was destroyed by it's crew when it became impossible to recover it (the only picture available of a Tiger I in the Ardennes Offensive). 4.Kompanie sPz.Abt.506 renumbered the 'Hummel' tanks from 401 to 414. No other insignia was present on the tanks.

[minitnkr]

True, the second time "Hummel" tanks were attached to 506 (for the Ardennes) they were repainted. The first time was on the Ost Front. The insignia were usually on signs for marshaling, HQ/rear area vehicles & signs.