It is well known there are a few issues with the Heng Long Tiger turret. Here I'll deal with some major structural fixes. The first is to move the rotational centre of the turret more towards the actual centre. The second is not really necessary unless you are going to be modelling a mid/late Tiger turret then it becomes essential especially if you want to add zimmerit or turret track links and holders.
NOTE: This mod may cause issues with the rotation of the turret and your molded on tools like the tow cables. Get the measurements right and check the rotation at all stages.
Below are two turret bottom halves, on the left is the original and the right is one with the centre rotation mod done. First thing to do is mark your score lines. I typically bring back the centre by 8mm. This may not be enough BUT you still have to take into account the molded tools.
Once you have maked your score lines it is time to cut out the parts of the lower half and join them permanently to the top half. As you can see below this is necessary for a zimmerit application. It also will make the turret look better as it hide the join between the turret halves.
The pic below shows the area that you need to remove from the bottom turret half.
Make right angle cuts at the appropriate locations.
Use a scorer on the inside of the turret to help remove the part.
Part removed...
Now use a bit a strip styrene as a brace and attach the removed lower hull part to the upper half of the turret.
Use your scorer to remove the centre of the lower turret half.
As you can see the score lines pass underneath the supports for the gun pivot.
To remove the central part use a saw to cut under the supports. This is made easier if you have removed the side bits beforehand.
Once the parts are removed the centre piece can be slid back into its new position.
Add strip styrene around the inside of the lower turret half to provide a secure brace for the repositioned centre piece.
Once glued in place I fill the gaps with putty. This will give extra strength. As it is the underside and not seen it will not require a super finish.
This is the new join between the upper and lower halves of the turret.
The repositioned turret is not 100% correct but certainly much more like the real tank than before.
