Tiger ausf. E : Misplaced cupola

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Misplaced cupola

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Panzer cupolas had from five to eight ports or periscopes. But they all had something in common: one of the vision devices was exactly front and center, looking along the line of fire.

The original release of this Takom kit has an error in one of its two cupola parts (the kit will probably got corrected in a later release). The affected cupola is the earlier version, which has no drainage slots.

Cupola misaligned

The faulty part is keyed to sit in one position only, which puts it facing in the wrong direction. Here is an assembled kit; I have marked the forward direction. There should be a periscope front and center, but there is a gap instead.

Takom's two "Mid" Tiger kits must use this faulty cupola part. In their "Late" Tiger it is an optional part.

The cupola opening

The problem is easily fixed. First, remove this locating tab on the opening where the cupola goes. That will allow you to rotate the cupola to any desired angle.

The notch in the opening

On the other side of the cupola's opening, you will find this notch. The cupola itself has a shaft that mounts the hatch. Line up the shaft with this notch, and you will have the correct angle.

 
 

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