Padge's King Tiger refurbishment by John Fitzsimons

[John Fitzsimons]

Some nice shiney things arrived from Steve Winstone.
Modified turret rear hatch
20 ton jack and brackets
Headlight and mounting bracket
Convoy light
Reflector
MG with LED
Cleaning rods
100 7BA hex head screws and nuts for the deck. Did'nt order enough. Must learn to count over 100. Need about another 50.

[John Fitzsimons]

Few parts missing include the circular cover on the rear deck, Plate that holds the driver periscope, mesh covers for the rear deck, Side fenders and front mudguard side pieces.

[padge mc grath]

Hi John

You are really teasing me with these pictures. I love the work on the rear hatch. Its bearly recognisable from the tank I once knew. Its amazing how much work you have done in a very short time. The top deck looks like its fitting very well now. Really looking forward to seeing the tank in the flesh. Thanks once again for agreeing to refurbishing this beast for me.

Regards

Padge

[John Fitzsimons]

I'm away for the weekend but before I left got the zimmerit sorted. Tool clamps fitted and finnished base coat. Tracks should be repainted and back on soon. Rear deck is now removeable and feels a lot more solid using Simon Manning's method. she is looking a lot betted. Hope you will be pleased with her.

[padge mc grath]

Hi John.

I am absolutely delighted with the work so far. I am like a child at the moment, looking forward to seeing the next stage of the refurbishment.

I have been in touch with the organisers of the Duncannon military festival and they are delighted to have the Armortek tanks at the show. This I think will be a first for Ireland and could well lead to others becoming interested in the hobby even if it to start with tanks on a smaller scale. I think your Tiger will be one of the main highlights of the show and will get a strong reaction.

Look forward to talking soon.

Padge

[John Fitzsimons]

Work has moved on a bit. Starting to come together now.

[yves mouton]

Hello John,

Nice job so far John,
dit you buy the KT or are you do de refurbish the KT
for someone else?

best regards Yves

[John Fitzsimons]

Hi yves,

No I did not buy it. I am carrying out the refurb. For Padge McGrath. It has kept me very busy lately. Just a few small parts to make now and add the markings and a final paint touch up. I hope Padge will be happy with it.

[michael hilton]

Hello John, lovely workmanship...you don't hang about, Padge, sounds like he is getting very excited, these tanks have that effect on us. Classy job, well done...Mick

[John Fitzsimons]

Mick, we have a military festival here at the bank holiday weekend and the tanks need to be in some sort of shape for that. My Tiger will never be finished. I have a long list of jobs to do.
The two tanks are blocking the route to the switch for heating the house so they are saving me some money on my fuel bills.
I hope to have the KT ready for Padge very soon. I realy want a King Tiger now.

[padge mc grath]

Wow, Wow, Wow. Now that KT is one impressive looking piece of kit. I wouldn't even recognise my own tank at this stage in a line up. Its looking really great john. The new bits really make a difference. I am really delighted with the results. The paintwork is especially nice. Those two tanks look very well together. I can just imagine the both of them lined up with the animatronic figures in position waiting to engage the enemy. Cant wait to see the tank.

Padge

[simon_manning]

what a nice transformation, looks good from here, well done john. regards simon manning.

[John Fitzsimons]

All deck bolts replaced.



Cupola ready for some periscopes.

[padge mc grath]

Hi John,

The pictures are very cool. The soldiers look really good in the tank and the tanks look very well together. The 2 animatronic figures I ordered from Churchill should arrive late this week or early next week and Sym has done a nice job. I will have to ask to to help me set them up. To see them working, go to you tube and type in "Padges animatronic crew". We will have to have a chat soon to discuss a plan of action for the June weekend. My brother has built the bridge and it will help to demonstrate the power of Armortek.

Talk real soon.

Regards

Padge

[Robert E Morey]

John,
Fantastic job on the refurb, the KT looks ready to take on the enemy. Hard to tell its not an original Armortek. Very nice paint work. Are your periscope housing metal or plastic? They look very good installed.

I have a couple unbuilt tanks you can "refurb" for me if you have plenty of spare time.
Best regards,
Bob