About this detail of the Tiger
The Tiger's turret was given a major redesign in order to solve a number of problems at once. The first turret in the new design was #392, released in July 1943 [2] .
One problem was that the 'Box', a support structure in the right side of the turret, could break away from the turret support ring due to an inadequate number of bolts. A new design for the Box was introduced, attaching it to the turret wall as well as the ring.
This is a general view of the new Box. It extends from the right-hand turret wall down into the hull. The two small holes at center left are for attaching the loader's seat, which has been removed from this museum vehicle.
Looking at the top of the structure, we can see there are 6 large bolts attaching it to welded supports on the turret wall, and 4 bolts attaching it to the turret ring.
The Turret Manual [1] reveals the reason for the uneven spacing of the bolts; they had to avoid some equipment storage strips by the turret wall. This storage was later deleted and so it is not present in the photographed tank.
The Box was not attached directly to the turret support ring; it bolted into an 8mm steel plate that was welded to the ring. This is the German workshop diagram explaining where to cut the M16 threaded holes in the plate.
From that German original, one can derive this drawing of the base plate.
The photographed vehicle has been painted green since the war, but close study reveals its Box was originally painted "Ivory". This diagram shows the complete Box in its original colour.
This plan shows the location of the Box relative to the turret axis.
The purpose of the Box was to support 3 items; the elevation gearbox for the main gun, a transverse beam called the 'Bridge' (die 'Brücke') and the loader's seat.
This profile shows the attachment points on the side of the Box.
This diagram shows all three items attached to the Box.
The Box protruded below the base of the turret. This diagram shows its appearance as seen from outside.
Here you can see that there were 3 fillets welded under the Box to give it strength. These webs, and the side plate, were made of 16mm steel; but the folded top plate was 8mm steel.
This section through the Box shows the arrangement of the three fillets.
The radio operator's view into the turret.
[2] DW to Tiger 1
[3] Survey of vehicle 251114, at Saumur, by Jean-Charles Breucque