Basic facts about "233"
Tiger "233" belonged to s.Pz.Abt.505 and was presumably part of a batch of new Tigers they got in March 1943.
"233" was a standard Tiger. Therefore it had a single antenna base, on the hull roof's right side. It had no holders on the right wall of its hull, or chimney on the hull roof. The kit's instructions correctly tell you to remove these items.
Our knowledge of "233" comes from a pair of photos.
Optional features of "233"
Three different kinds of mantlet were being fitted to Tigers in early 1943, more or less at random. We cannot clearly see the mantlet of "233" in the photos. It may have the standard mantlet, but I suspect that it had an unusual mantlet with a thick wide area. That one is not provided in the kit. The answer may come if we manage to identify "233" in more photos, operating under another number.
Two different kinds of loader's hatch were fitted to Tigers, more or less at random. We can't see what kind was on "233".
S-mine launchers and headlamps were removable features of the Tiger, and were often absent. Both of them are missing from "233" in both photographs, which were obviously taken at different times. That suggests the crew preferred to leave these items off their tank.
It was very common to remove both of the front roadwheels from Tigers to prevent them scooping mud into the system. One of the photos shows "233" with a full set of wheels.
The full smoke-launcher system was installed on "233".
A photo shows "233" with a customisation that s.Pz.Abt.505 are famous for : barbed wire is attached all along the hull sides. But another famous edit found in this unit, the removal of the cupola arm to make the hatch lie down, is not seen in "233".
Time-related features of "233"
"233" had no openings above the driver's visor. This kit includes an appropriate front wall without openings.
Because of uncertainty about its build date, we don't know if "233" had an engine cover with a triangular access panel. This kit includes covers with and without. I cannot say which one is correct.
"233" had the second type of Feifel filters, and they are installed in both photos, giving us another clue as to the crew's preferences.
"233" had no spare track holders on its turret.
We cannot see whether "233" had a turret roof periscope. This item was being introduced at the time when "233" was built.
"233" had the old, rounded sprocket wheel hub which is the only one supplied in the kit.
Based on its date of manufacture, we don't expect "233" to have two support legs on its engine hatch. They are not in this kit.
When "233" was built, the outlet grilles on the rear deck had mirrored patterns, and that is what this kit provides.
"233" should have had the old HL210 engine, given its other features. The kit provides a starter adaptor plate for the HL210 only.
Given its build date, "233" should have had welded mudflap frames on the rear hull wall. They are on this kit's rear wall.
"233" had the original type of folding rear mudflaps, with cross-shaped holes. But this kit provides only the later version, with rectangular holes. It should be possible to cut them to shape.
"233" had two bolts flanking its hull MG.
"233" had the usual sheet-metal exhaust shields, and a cap (part S6) suspended over the exhaust outlets.