Work progressed on the Upper Hull, with the addition of the engine grilles. These are from Aber, and were purchased through Pacific Coast Models. They are gorgeous.
With the grilles in place, the tow cables were fabricated using aluminum picture hanging wire. The original kits' ends were used, and after boring a receiver hole, the aluminum wire was glued inside, once the correct length was decided. As you can see, on these early Tigers, the layout was a little different, with two clamps on the back deck, and one near the crew hatches. (Here's a tip: if I ever did this again, in this scale, the aluminum wire is pretty stiff. Copper would bend more readily)
The clamps were made using bar stock, 0.020" x 0.030", and cut to the correct height, then glued in position. With the cable resting between these, a small piece of 0.010" strip was cut, to represent the closure arm. The were held in place on one side with a large wing nut, which are on order from Grandt Line Products. When these come in, they will be complete.
The fire extinguisher was also re-mounted, near the right-rear corner. The antenna mount was already drilled for a wire to be installed later. The barrel cleaning rods were replaced with scratch built items made of styrene rod. I did bore a small hole in one end to serve as the female connection point, and a smaller diameter piece of rod was connected to the other end as the male piece. Three sections were then mounted on a small piece of stock that serves as a riser underneath. On each side, and pulled closely to them, is the tow cable. Once in place, the original kits' clamp assembly was re-installed. lastly, the cable has a loop near the front hatch, and there should also be a holding clamp at this point as well. I made this just like the two on the rear. The original bolt cutters were also mounted in place.
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