Tiger I (Panzerkampfwagen VI Ausfuehrung E Early Version) 1:35 Scale Tamiya Model Kit #MM-156

Right On Replicas, LLC SnapShot Review 20150929*  Tiger I (Panzerkampfwagen VI Ausfuehrung E Early Version) 1:35 Scale Tamiya Model Kit #MM-156

Review and Photos by Steven Hardwick

Developed through discussion’s with Hitler starting in May 1941, Germany needed a tank with a gun that could penetrate 100mm (4″) of armor at a distance or 1500 m (1640 yards) or roughly 15 football fields. On April 20^th, for Hitler’s birthday, the first prototypes went through field trials. By November 1942 the production rate was up to 25 per month. These were the Pz. Kpfw 4501(H) a predecessor to the Tiger I. Some of the drawbacks of the Tiger I were transport capability and a short range of action due to a fuel consumption rate of 2¾ gallons per mile along with a slow turret traverse. Hitler started using them as a defensive role as their amazing frontal armor enabled them to roll head on into the allied tank forces with little or no damage inflicted.

 

For the Modeler: This review covers the Tiger I (Panzerkampfwagen VI Ausfuehrung E Early Version) 1:35 Scale Tamiya Model Kit # MM-156. Re-released in 2009, it has been discontinued but is still available at online auctions. It has been previously released as motorized version so this kit has been around for quite a while. I would rate this as a Skill Level 2 for intermediate builders.  The kit has a nice piece count with tree numbers easily read and understood for piece placement The instructions are clear enough that even a beginner can build it straight from the box however. Some wonderful decals are included to make one of four versions, two for European Front (231 & S02) and two for the African Front versions (102 & 142). You also get the division markings Heavy Tank Battalion, 501st and Wehrmacht, along with a nice basic painting guide to follow. The kit includes the accessories needed to really make this tank look realistic i.e., a shovel, separate tow cables (on top of body) and movable turret which can be made with hatches open or closed along with the driver and gunner hatches.

Construction: As per Tamiya’s standards the fit and finish is wonderful, very little clean up is required. It comes molded in a very close German grey. It also comes with two figures, nicely detailed one piece each. They look fantastic in the completed model; the lower hull is one piece ready for the road wheels and drive gear. This is where taking a little time and test fitting the road wheels on the guide really pays off. The pair of tracks are one-piece rubber units (one on each side) and they suggest using a hot knife to seal the tracks when finished. Standard Model Master glue was used for construction and Microsol setting solution for the decals.

Overall: Building this tank is an absolute dream as most of Tamiya’s kits are. That being said however, take heed to do this one step that will make your building experience either a great one or a good one. In the kit they give you a “road wheel guide”. Please use the guide as it will help in more ways than one. The only thing I didn’t like were the tow cables on the sides of the tank molded to the body (losing a little detail).

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