Scale: 1 / 35
The kit
This is one of Takom's first three 1/35 Tiger kits, which share most of their parts. The other two are Tiger I mid production and Tiger I late production.
This kit builds a specific "Mid" Tiger that was commanded by Otto Carius in the summer of 1944. It was his second Tiger tank, and he was not its first commander; it was already months old when he acquired it. Its original tactical number was "217".
Tiger "217" cannot easily be covered as a decal option in a standard "Mid Tiger" kit, because it was fitted with the old style of tracks when Otto Carius crewed it. The tank had the usual cleated tracks when it was new; they can be seen in its earliest photos.
Tiger "217" was unusual in having a Tiger (P) mantlet, very probably recycled from a worn-out Tiger that was sent back to Henschel. But Tiger "217" also had some features associated with later times; the notched hull front edges, and a glacis plate without clamps for a shovel.
As well as reproducing the unusual features of this Tiger, the kit includes a full-length figure of Otto Carius himself, suitable for inside or outside the tank (but it has no intercom equipment.)
This kit includes Zimmerit, a metal gun barrel, transparencies for the periscopes, link-and-length tracks with separate guide horns, metal tow cables and P.E. mesh screens for the rear deck. There are also a number of diorama accessories including an oil drum, buckets and jerrycans.
My ongoing review and comments;
| Misplaced cupola | Mantlet frame | Holes for radiator |
| Decals | Shock absorbers | Cupola hatch |
| Gun sleeve | Notch in mantlet |
These are reviews or examinations of the kit;
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