HMS Tiger
by John Werler

1/700 HMS Tiger (Combrig)

HMS Tiger had been 1^st on my wish list for quite some time when Combrig finally came out with one in 1/700 scale. As with most kits from this manufacturer, I found it to be beautifully cast and well detailed. Then came the perfect companion to this kit when a wonderfully designed PE set for Tiger was released by White Ensign. It was time to get started.

Although the kit itself represented Tiger in 1914, the PE set fortunately provided additional pieces for various later configurations. I had always thought that HMS Tiger looked more impressive and “classic” in her later configuration than in her WWI rig. So I decided to build her in a 1920’s rig – partially inspired by a beautiful broadside photo of Tiger in 1928 that I found in the excellent book Dreadnought by Richard Hough. Surprisingly enough, I found that little was actually available in the way of detailed plans to document this later configuration. Most of what was available was in the form of photographs in various books. Fortunately, Jim Baumann was kind enough to send me plans from Burt’s British Battleships of World War I (thanks again Jim). Also, I became aware that another modeler on this forum, Mike McCabe, was also starting a 1920’s era Tiger at about the same time as I. We agreed to correspond with each other during our respective builds. This was the first time that I’ve corresponded regularly with someone doing a parallel build and I must say that I really enjoyed it. Being able to share photos and information and to discuss problem areas was most helpful; especially considering the relative lack of modeling information that appears to exist out there on Tiger. Both of our builds turned out reasonably close to each other based upon our own research and ongoing dialog (thanks again Mike for your helpful assistance and encouragement). Mike finished his beautiful build of HMS Tiger in time for the 2006 Telford show and it was later showcased in a 21/12/2006 photo set on this forum. Check it out.

I’ve always had a special preference for “between wars” British warships and HMS Tiger fit this bill perfectly – a very enjoyable build. Here are some specifics:

Modifications to basic kit:

• Added new fighting top and misc. upper platforms – scratch built.
• Added bridge extensions and modifications – scratch built.
• Added new after main armament director – scratch built.
• Converted main derrick post into main mast – PE & scratch built.
• Extended search light platform behind 3rd funnel – scratch built.
• Added 6 ~ 4 inch HA guns – from another kit.
• Added flying off platform on B turret – White Ensign PE set.
• Replaced main turrets – Modified 14 inch turrets from Pitroad E-3 set (turrets supplied w/ kit appeared in my view to be too small).
• Added WEM PE throughout.

References:

• British Battleships of World War I by R.A. Burt (plans).
• Battlecruisers by John Roberts.
• “The Design and Construction of the Battlecruiser Tiger” by John Roberts (Warship Nos. 5 and 6).
• Dreadnought by Richard Hough.
• Miscellaneous photos from various other reference books.

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