Richard Merrill has entered the conversion scene in a big way with his Tunisian Tiger 142. Historical reference and an obsession with soldering brass has led this man to an incredible level of detail that has raised the bar at DAK. Even though the real vehicle’s life was short lived, this conversion is worth a look. Key word here, BRASS!

DAK photo
A few cosmetic changes to the engine deck to simulate 142’s configuration. Richard had assembled and painted the vehicle once before so this is a rebuild.
A few cosmetic changes to the engine deck to simulate 142’s configuration. Richard had assembled and painted the vehicle once before so this is a rebuild.
Tiger1 142
Tiger1 142
Tiger1 142 2
Tiger1 142 2
Tiger1 142 top
Tiger1 142 top
Nice looking tread plate on the fender.
Nice looking tread plate on the fender.
DAK photo
DAK photo
Can’t say enough about the work done on the tow cable brackets.
Can’t say enough about the work done on the tow cable brackets.
Walk-arounds are always fun, feels loike the real thinng.
Walk-arounds are always fun, feels loike the real thinng.
DAK photo
Nice looking rear!
Nice looking rear!
This is how it appeared at he SCAT battle Jan 25 2009
This is how it appeared at he SCAT battle Jan 25 2009
On the table with the soon to be converted Panther.
On the table with the soon to be converted Panther.
First time out for a spin with the DAK gang Jan 31.
First time out for a spin with the DAK gang Jan 31.
She’s a looker!
She’s a looker!
All thats left is the turret markings and weathering.
All thats left is the turret markings and weathering.
Work began with removing the headlight brackets and fenders. Brass hinges were added to the eventually smaller mud flaps. The new headlight brackets were made from soldered brass!
Work began with removing the headlight brackets and fenders. Brass hinges were added to the eventually smaller mud flaps. The new headlight brackets were made from soldered brass!
The “K” sprue from the static kit was employed to open the hatches and install the correct mantlet for a desert version.
The “K” sprue from the static kit was employed to open the hatches and install the correct mantlet for a desert version.
Subtle changes include the too placement and removal of the stowed track. Richard plans to add tow cable brackets from brass and other goodies.
Subtle changes include the too placement and removal of the stowed track. Richard plans to add tow cable brackets from brass and other goodies.
Correct Fiefel Air cleaners installed.
Correct Fiefel Air cleaners installed.
This Tiger has the dual pistol port configuration and a early ventialtor. Richard got the parts from Germany.
This Tiger has the dual pistol port configuration and a early ventialtor. Richard got the parts from Germany.
Front end mods include transmission brackets and metal tow hooks with the correct flat plate. Note the small screws used to attach the brass hinge!
Front end mods include transmission brackets and metal tow hooks with the correct flat plate. Note the small screws used to attach the brass hinge!
DAK photo
After a layer of Mr Surface for texture, Richard added a red primer coat.
After a layer of Mr Surface for texture, Richard added a red primer coat.
Grab handles added to engine deck.
Grab handles added to engine deck.
DAK photo
DAK photo
DAK photo
Exhaust stacks are being changed to a earlier version with the flappers. Another coat of mr surfacer was added with a brush to areas in need of a little love.
Exhaust stacks are being changed to a earlier version with the flappers. Another coat of mr surfacer was added with a brush to areas in need of a little love.
DAK photo
Flappers installed and real bolts used to attach the housing. I am so proud.
Flappers installed and real bolts used to attach the housing. I am so proud.
DAK photo
Nice addition!.
Nice addition!.
Stowage begins. Metal tow cables, brass brackets and gun bore brush handles with threaded rod!
Stowage begins. Metal tow cables, brass brackets and gun bore brush handles with threaded rod!
fenders reworked and rivets added.
fenders reworked and rivets added.
DAK photo
More brass fashioned into the spare track block holders.
More brass fashioned into the spare track block holders.
DAK photo
Desert Yellow base coat applied.
Desert Yellow base coat applied.
Looking good!
Looking good!
DAK photo
DAK photo
All the detail starting to come together.
All the detail starting to come together.
DAK photo
142 had mismatching air cleaners. Nice detail to keep them in the original panzer grey.
142 had mismatching air cleaners. Nice detail to keep them in the original panzer grey.
Suspension added.
Suspension added.
DAK photo
DAK photo
DAK photo
DAK photo
Balken Creutz! Richard has to adjust the size of the crosses as per the real paintjob.
Balken Creutz! Richard has to adjust the size of the crosses as per the real paintjob.
Headlights are now wired up and look really good.
Headlights are now wired up and look really good.
DAK photo
Got to have the bucket.
Got to have the bucket.
DAK photo
DAK photo
DAK photo
DAK photo
142 had the angled exhaust shrouds. Richard fabricated new ones out of aluminum.
142 had the angled exhaust shrouds. Richard fabricated new ones out of aluminum.
Oh yeah Richard has metal tracks on this Tiger.
Oh yeah Richard has metal tracks on this Tiger.
DAK photo
DAK photo
Following a previous example, 00.90 size bolts are employed to keep the side skirts firmly on the tank.
Following a previous example, 00.90 size bolts are employed to keep the side skirts firmly on the tank.
Historical reference for the shrouds. Nice job.
Historical reference for the shrouds. Nice job.
DAK photo
One subtle detail is the weathering of the road wheels to match other photos of 142
One subtle detail is the weathering of the road wheels to match other photos of 142
DAK photo
To go even further, small wire and brass handles were soldered together......
To go even further, small wire and brass handles were soldered together......
To make the tarp attachments!
To make the tarp attachments!
Spare antenna carrier was made from brass tube.
Spare antenna carrier was made from brass tube.
Open on the end!
Open on the end!
Looks good with all the other stowage.
Looks good with all the other stowage.
Several of the tie downs were added to the engine deck and hull.
Several of the tie downs were added to the engine deck and hull.
Rear painted up. Rear mud skirts still to be manufactured.
Rear painted up. Rear mud skirts still to be manufactured.
DAK photo
Coming together nicely. All parts with base coats except for the new brass.
Coming together nicely. All parts with base coats except for the new brass.
Now for crazy detail, note the brass boresight added to the mantlet.
Now for crazy detail, note the brass boresight added to the mantlet.
142 had mounts on the cupola for sun shades, once again scratchbuilt from brass.
142 had mounts on the cupola for sun shades, once again scratchbuilt from brass.
On the hull has been added the manufacturing numbers in white.
On the hull has been added the manufacturing numbers in white.
Weather proofing tie downs and correct binocular cut outs are present on the glacis. Hull number transposed to jack block as from photos.
Weather proofing tie downs and correct binocular cut outs are present on the glacis. Hull number transposed to jack block as from photos.
DAK photo
The tie downs can be seen on the rear hull sides.
The tie downs can be seen on the rear hull sides.
DAK photo
Brass mud skirts from scratch! These were soldered together.
Brass mud skirts from scratch! These were soldered together.
As usual the first coat should always be a rusty primer.
As usual the first coat should always be a rusty primer.
Then a healthy coat of Afrika yellow
Then a healthy coat of Afrika yellow
Two coats usually covers these bad boys.
Two coats usually covers these bad boys.
NICE!
NICE!
They look really good mounted.
They look really good mounted.
They look stock to me!
They look stock to me!