Tiger model is giving the modellers a new version of their simple Tiger I in 1/35th Scale. Our preview has answers with sprues, colour profiles, decals and etch & the build & painted kit. We have some answers with sprues, colour profiles, decals, etch & the build & painted kit in our preview…
….ModelPanzerkampfwagen VI Tiger Ausf.E (Sd.Kfz.181) Tiger I – Early production
WW2 German Heavy Tank 1942-5
From Tiger
Kit no #4901Model
1/35th scale
Photo-etch, metal barrelled & plastic kit
Designed in co-operation with Khaki Hobby
The package:
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This preview has a lot to show so we will get straight to it. This box has a nice display of some of the features and colour schemes of this kit. We can already see a few things without too much investigation…
Instructions are next. First, we are struck by the ease of use. There are only thirteen steps (only thirteen!). This is constructed in thirteen (only thirteen!) steps. It’s a bit Tamiya-esque in its simplicity. That’s not a bad thing, guys! The plastic comes next. You can tell by looking at the sprues that the detail is simple. We will start with the whole sprue, and then move on to the details…
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The sprue details are the next step. This is not something you see in modern kits. This is not usually a thing in modern kits.
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Link and length tracks say no movable suspension BUT a fast construction.
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Speaking of fixed suspension, the suspension arms are moulded INTO the hull, giving no flexibility of movement, but again a fast kit to make..
Speaking of moulded on – the roadwheels are moulded with loops in them to capture the other rows of roadwheels on to. It’s a strange design that limits the possibilities of the modeller. It will be a nightmare for more experienced modellers to remove these tools. The kit includes poly caps, but they are not necessary for a kit with no turning wheels. )
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The rear engine deck has the vented sections, but no interior detail that we could see.
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Photo-etch in the kit covers the mesh for the grilles to hide the lack of detail…
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Weld seams are a little too regular for our tastes…
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Only one type of mantlet is included.
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Notek lights are moulded vertically in half with lenses separate and the regular early (standard type) stowage bin is included.
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Come on man, mould the cupola in one circle please…
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The weld seams on the turret gaps re prominent, regular and not that bad. The track holders are moulded on which isn’t the best for experienced modellers, but good for new modellers.
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Some singular track links are included for the turret side extra armour.
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Feifel filters were cyclonic air filter units supplied with new Tiger tanks during a period of about a year into the first production. This kit does not have all the marking options. I’m not certain if it will fit. The answer seems to be simplicity of construction and/or a beginner’s kit. The answer seems to be simplicity of construction and / a beginner’s kit.
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We get another shovel, a sledge, shackles that are separate from the kit’s hull.
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The main gun is supplied in turned metal which is a great plus and again, looking at a simple construction.
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are provided for five Tigers, well known ones at that – and modeller’s favourites.
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The colour schemes are provided in colour on the instruction manual.
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The acid test – how it looks all built up and painted by Tiger
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‘s model makers. The instructions are in colour and show the color schemes for five Tigers. It’s like an old Tamiya kit or one from a lesser-known brand. It has a good metal barrel and some nice decals. There is very little photo-etch, and the track design is simple (but again no variations). This kit is a bit odd, but it’s a good choice for beginners or those who want something easy and simple.