Kit: No. 6189
Scale: 1/35
Manufacturer: Dragon, imported by Dragon Models USA, 1315 John Reed Court, City of Industry, CA 91745, 626- 968-0322, www.dragonmodelsusa.com
Price: $33.95
Comments: Injection-molded, 577 parts (8 photoetched), string, decals
Pros: Excellent photoetched intake screens, two types of 88mm gun barrels
Cons: Tracks difficult to assemble and fit too tightly to chassis; no Zimmerit provided
Dragon’s first King Tiger tank kit (the Porsche-turreted version) features new hull and turret details combined with the suspension and tracks from Dragon’s earlier Jagdtiger kit. All the parts are well molded and flash-free.
The fit of the separate suspension arms to the hull is a bit sloppy, so I paid extra attention to make sure they were aligned before the glue set. The idler wheel is neatly designed – it can be adjusted to tighten or loosen the tracks as needed.
The two-piece track links have good molded-in detail, but it was difficult to link the parts. Be prepared for hours of work on the tracks and wheels.
The turret is well molded and has lots of detail. There’s detail on the inside surfaces of the loader’s hatch and rear-entry hatch. Interior details include the substantial breach assembly of the 88mm gun.
A small separate side panel that goes below the commander’s cupola is a strange piece, and requires careful filling and sanding to eliminate the seams around it. Perhaps this was molded separately to accommodate the complex shape, or to allow for some future option.
The turret has molded-on indicators for locating the spare-track hooks. You’ll need to sand these off if you build the Normandy version.
A nice feature of the kit is the inclusion of the two types of barrels used on the 88mm KwK 43 gun. Also, the photoetched engine deck intake screens are great. Dragon even reproduced the woven-wire pattern found on the full-size screens!
Almost every Porsche-turreted Tiger II was covered with Zimmerit antimagnetic paste, but there’s no provision for it in the kit. There are several aftermarket photoetched-metal and resin Zimmerit sets, or you can add it the old-fashioned way with putty and a razor-saw blade.
I painted the kit with Polly Scale’s German World War II tank colors. Decals are provided for two vehicles, one at Normandy and one in a winter scheme for Hungary in late 1944. The numbers went on with no problems.
My prime reference was Walter J. Spielberger’s Tiger & King Tiger and Their Variants. The finished model matches the reference’s photos and drawings.
I completed my Tiger II in 37 hours, much of that time spent constructing the tracks. I recommend it to experienced armor builders.
– Jim Zeske