Hello modelers,
I took advantage of these days of vacation to start a new project: Tiger panzer commander, the idea is to represent the elegant black uniform of the tank drivers, for the hat I have to decide which type to use, comments are appreciated, thank you for watching

...first type of hat, after will add headphones ..

Great start, I like it.

progress tank commander, hat type "Feldmütze"

Fine start, another interesting subject to me.

The copula - proportions or something doesn't seem right, or maybe I'm just not used to seeing it presented this way?
There are some measurements found here, just to double check:
http://tiger1.info/EN/Turret-dimensions.html

Thanks a lot JackG, you're absolutely right, I imported into Rhino your attachment, to compare the copula, and in fact I have to stretch it, maybe the blueprint that I used were not correct...

I stretched the cupola, unfortunately I can not find documentation on the inside of the door...

Looks good, I like how the copula doubles as a base for the figure. Just noticed the view of the figure from the rear, to me his proportions might be too much on the bodybuilder side - narrow waist and and broad shoulders, not quite the reflection of the average soldier back then.

Some of the forums/sites dedicated to 1/6 scale modeling appear to have accurate detail. Try this one, takes a while to load due to the number of photos. Scroll about half way down for the copula details. http://onesixthnet.yuku.com/reply/91610#.VLb-o3tBJHA

I have an unbuilt Tiger in 1/35 scale, so here are some approximate measurements scaled up 1:1 to double check against your work:

copula opening width : 437.5mm
copula cover width : 490mm
padded piece underside of cover: 262.5mm

Thanks JackG
as always your suggestions are very helpful, looking at the site you indicated I saw an interesting photo.
You have confirmed my impression I have to work on the back to remove that effect bodybuilder

progress in modeling, radio headphones, and insignia...

Looks great so far, some really fine detail on the headphones and holster.

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It appears you have the SS style skulls on the collars - I think Totenkopf was the only SS panzer unit to wear these on the collar. The other insignia looks to be Heer, so to match, you want these style skulls:


https://www.google.ca/search?q=panzer collar skull&biw=1614&bih=918&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=MtC6VLfwD8mNyASprYKoBw&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ

When it comes time to paint, it would be easier if the cockade has the outer circle and center dot raised, instead of building up like a pyramid?

Thank You JackG !
You're right (as always ) I have to correct the skull; for the cockade you mean a models as image?

Yes, rendering the cockade like this would be much better I think.

correction skull emblem and small details...

Great job with the skulls.

I think the waffenfarbe (the pink trim surrounding the collar insignia and EM/NCO rank shoulder boards) should be same size?

is good point, in fact, the idea was to make a strap as in the photo, but I would like to know whether it is likely for an officer of tiger panzer..

The above shoulder board is NCO rank. Officers begin rank at 2nd lieutenant and higher, and the surface is completely covered in silver braid. You should be alright with the one you have for a vehicle commander within a platoon, or perhaps even platoon commander, according to this post:
http://www.network54.com/Forum/47207/thread/1145629873

509 was definitely the number of a heavy tiger tank battalion. Can't say with certainty without further research, if members were allowed to wear unit identification like this while in combat.

One problem might be of historical nature - the copula style you have is of an early style Tiger and may not fit in with sPzAbt 509 as the unit was created in late 1943. Again more research...

Well, I think it will be ok to go with unit ID on shoulder straps. There was an order dated January 24 1940 that prohibited further production of this type insignia, but apparently this was rarely complied with both the wearer and producer. Also found some measurements for shoulder boards:
- piping was 2mm
- width (including piping) was 4.5cm, but could be 5.3cm if designed for wearing a three digit unit insignia
- length varied depending on the wearer's shoulder size, but was attached at shoulder seam to about 2cm away from collar edge
- NCO tress was 9-10mm wide
- button hole 2.3cm long, and 1.5cm from upper edge

Now to the commander's copula, this was upgraded to a different type in July 1943.
http://www.alanhamby.com/changes.shtml

Cross referencing that date with the Tiger battalions, your options are 502, 503, and 505. I did not include the 504th, as they were stationed in Sicily and likely wore tropical uniforms.
http://www.fprado.com/armorsite/tigers.htm

Excellent work.
Necessarily need to add Panzer Assault Badge - it was worn all tankers. It is also possible to add Wound Badge.

thanks JackG you are excellent !!