German Tiger I Early Production Tank

For the money, this is a great kit. Fit was very good, instructions clear and concise if perhaps a bit bland. Sprues and parts were clean with minimal flash. Decals worked as they should. Many folks do not like the 'rubber band' tracks but I have no problem with them. fast, easy, and getting the proper sag was not an issue with Super glue in the right places. I would gladly build this kit (and I will) again, which to me is the best way to judge any kit.

In 1976 I had three of these Tigers in my Afrika Korps armor collection and all painted with Tamiya German Sand to blend into the desert in which I depicted each one! They were very well detailed for the age of the modern models beginning with Tamiya back then. The tracks were easy to place on the then complex suspension as the three rows of wheels had to be placed on the model in a certain sequence which was difficult as no one except Monogram had come out with such an enormous job. With prices of kits back then I could afford three tanks and have money left over to purchase the Tamiya up and coming Afrika Korps figures which went along side the tanks as in real life. Lots great memories with the kit.

A very good kit. Tamiya has produced an exceptionally detailed kit. The figure in the turret is really detailed, and the instruction book also has placement for the photo-etched grills (not included). There are also six different markings for three different variants of the tank. It also includes a length of fabric tube for the exhaust. It is a nice detail that makes the tank more realistic however, the fabric frays easily and is a little hard to cut. Also, I would recommend putting the wheels on after you paint it, because of the overlapping suspension system. All in all, a very great addition to any modeler's collection.