Scale: 1 / 35
The kit's background
"Bergepanzer Tiger 1" is the fourth Tiger kit from Rye Field Model. It represents a unique vehicle used in Italy in 1944.
This tank started life as a Befehlstiger (Command Tiger) but, due to production shortages, it was converted to be a normal Tiger while still at the factory. Many of the Command fittings were left in place, but it now had a coaxial MG and only one radio antenna (on the left side). It was issued to the 508 battalion, and we have two colour photos of it in an Italian depot.
Early in 1944 this Tiger suffered battle damage, including hits to the turret rear and a fire. It's not clear what the damage was, but the fire was probably external only, because the tank was now considered unusable and yet could still drive. The battalion workshop converted it to be a "demolition charge layer", according to their journal. Photographs show that they also added recovery equipment. We have no further information from the German side.
In May 1944 the Allies found this Tiger abandoned in the Anzio region, apparently due to engine trouble. A further 12 photographs of it were made. In some photos it has been moved slightly and stripped of some wheels and parts, but it is clearly the same Tiger. These photographs are the only record of the tank's special equipment.
The gun was removed. The Zimmerit was mostly gone from the turret walls, due to the fire. Most of the spare track hangers were removed. The hull had towing hitches added on front and back. A crane and winch were added to the turret. The crane is obviously inadequate for vehicle recovery, so we can believe that it is for charge laying as stated.
This kit competes with DR6850 by Dragon/Platz. Neither model can be fully correct because we lack photographs of the assembled crane; the kits therefore contain speculative parts. This also represents the first release of new-tooled parts that apparently presage future "Mid" and "Late" Tiger kits from Rye Field. In fact, this box contains almost everything needed to build a standard "Mid" Tiger.
My ongoing review and comments;
| Pipe on hull side | Feifel duct | Feifel mounts |
| Hooks on turret | Colours and markings | Toolbox frame |
| Pistol port | MG for cupola | Rear towing hitch |
| Hook for cable end | Engine ports | Bolts beside MG |
These are other reviews of the kit;
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