German Tiger I Early Production Tank

I've just finished with the tiger. It's everything and more than I thought it would be. Just a beautiful model once it's together. It was a good enough challenge but easy enough. Everything literally fell into place. The detail is spectacular. It's one you must have if you like a great looking model. I can't say enough about it. Four different versions with paint schemes. Tamiya was on point with this one. I want another one.

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.