Scale: 1 / 35
This is a preliminary look at an unreleased model kit. Opinions here are based on early information from Rye Field Model. Facts may change when the final product gets released.
A Kurt Knispel Tiger?
With model kits such as "General Patton's M20", "Rommel's halftrack" etc., we usually know that the celebrity often used the vehicle depicted. That is not the case with this kit, although it's labelled "Ace Kurt Knispel".
Knispel, a Tiger gunner who became a legend, served in the 1st company of the 503 battalion. There is little information about him, much of it considered unreliable. No records name a Tiger that he crewed permanently, and indeed, he may have swapped around between tanks for all we know.
He was photographed in Tiger "101", which is the subject of this kit. But "101" belonged to his company commander, and the photo was posed for a newspaper. Sources name two other Tigers that are more plausible vehicles for him.
A new version of Tiger?
The 503 was an important Tiger unit. Its original 20 Tigers were visually unique. Oddly enough, no kit maker has represented those early Tigers until now.
Three kinds of Tiger mudguards were tested, with the third type becoming standard. But the 503 battalion was already set up with Tigers using Type 2. Turret bin designs were also evolving. Panzer III bins were used as a stopgap, usually replaced later. But the 503 battalion kept their ones permanently.
It is regrettable that this kit captures only one of the two features of these special tanks : the small turret bin. In fact the kit does not accurately model any real version of Tiger.
My ongoing review and comments;
| Decals and Tigers | Mudflaps | Engine hatch legs |
| Wrong side skirts | Antenna tube |