Kit, DML 6406, Tiger I Late Production 3-in-1

DRAGON MODELS LIMITED


6406, Tiger I Late Production 3-in-1. 1/35th-scale styrene/multimedia kit containing 621 styrene parts (including 20 clear), one etched brass fret, two DS-100 track lengths, five stamped/etched brass parts, one metal spring, one piece of pre-formed wire, two pieces of braided metal wire, six water-slide decal markings schemes and eight pages of instructions in 19 steps.


Introduction.

By now, DML should be firmly established as a manufacturer that is never satisfied with a “finished” product; they seem to be quite content to offer a kit as a relatively short production-run item. Then, rather than re-run the same molds, they will add incremental improvements and then re-issue a kit. This apparent policy drives some modelers crazy, but pleases others.


The ubiquitous Tiger I (probably the all-time favorite of German AFV modelers) has come in for this treatment. This offering will allow the modeler to build several sub-variants, including a Befehlspanzer Tiger, while offering a number of refinements and improvements over the previous release.


Tracks.

The first things the modeler will note are the two lengths of tracks made from DS100 flexible styrene material. These are packed in a separate channel-shaped card, so the guide horns are not distorted. One advantage of this material is that it can be pulled from a multi-part (“slide”) mold with no loss of detail on any face of the part. In this case, that advantage has been used to mold guide horns with the proper openings and to have very fine detail on the edges of each link, particularly the connecting pins. Overall, the detail is very crisp, and the lengths can be joined together with standard styrene cement. This last attribute will also allow the modeler to glue the tracks down on top of the road-wheels so that sag can be easily introduced. Finally, with very little effort from the modeler, the finished tracks will rival many individual-link after-market tracks (as well as DML’s own “Magic Tracks”) in overall appearance.


Suspension System.

This variant mounted the so-called “Gummigefederten Stahllaufrollen” (rubber-cushioned steel-tired road-wheels) as well as the smaller-diameter idler wheel. These are nicely represented with crisp details and there is also a set of the larger-diameter idler wheels so the modeler has maximum flexibility regarding the finished display piece. Likewise, there are also two variations of drive sprocket. All torsion bars are separate; they are designed to allow for movement similar to the prototype, so the modeler can make the suspension system conform to irregular terrain on a diorama base. The idler wheel has a “cranked” axle, which can be adjusted so that the track tension can be easily manipulated for the proper finished appearance. I strongly recommend that it is not fixed in place until the modeler is satisfied with the look of the tracks. The last items related to the suspension system are the separate, well-detailed final drive housings.


Hull.

The hull pan is from a slide mold; its sides feature molded-on details for some torsion bar bump-stops, as well as the holes to mount the swing arms. The flange seen between the hull sides and the pannier bottoms is also well-represented, while the “step” seen in that area is also properly depicted. The belly plate has panel details molded in place as well; this is one of the areas that have been improved compared to earlier releases. In particular, some of the round access plates that originally sat “proud” of the belly plate’s surface, are now flush, with recessed separation lines. The final items on the hull sides are the separate inner sections of the final drives.


The rear plate has a number of separate fittings such as multi-part exhaust stacks, mounts and heat shields. There are in fact, TWO rear plates, one for a standard Tiger I and the other for a Befehlspanzer Tiger. The main differences between them are mounts for an antenna storage tube. Both have also been re-tooled to add mounting pads for the exhaust stack heat shields and a separate port for the “Kuhlwasserheitzgerät” (water coolant heater). To compliment this, a blow-torch and mounting bracket (also part of the cold weather starting system) has been included.


Other separate parts include rear mud-flaps and multi-part vehicle jack with separate mounts; C-shaped tow hooks and U-shaped clevises; a tail-lamp, a starter crank cover plate and if applicable, the antenna storage cylinder assembly. Everything else is molded in place including the idler wheel adjustment port covers and other small detail items. The bow plate is integral with the hull molding; it receives a pair of U-shaped tow clevises as a final touch.


Superstructure.

Assembly of the superstructure begins with the placement of the side plates upon the hull molding. These are complete with weld bead detail where appropriate as well as mounting pads for the separate, one-piece side skirts. The latter can be damaged or cut apart by the modeler to depict a combat veteran. One side mounts a multi-part styrene, etched brass and metal wire track changing cable; it can also be replaced by a one-piece, all-styrene assembly. The glacis plate comes with nicely-rendered front mud-flaps attached; a second plate has no mud-flaps, so if the modeler wishes, after-market etched metal items can be easily adapted to the kit. The final detail for that item is a separate shell splash guard.


Working aft, the next item is the separate superstructure front plate; it mounts a multi-part Bosch head-lamp in the center, which is complimented by a pre-formed metal wire part to represent the electrical conduit. A multi-part, slide-molded, movable MG34 and ball mount is fitted on the starboard side; it includes a pre-bored muzzle. On the opposite side is the armored view-port flap; this comes in two versions, one of which is completely opened, while the other is a multi-part item that can have the flap in any position from fully opened to fully closed. There is also a clear part for the internal vision block.


All tools and fittings for the (separate) superstructure roof plate are separate parts. There are options as well. For example, there are two sets of tools; one has molded on clamps and brackets, while the other set is bare. The latter has etched brass clamps for the modeler who wishes to go that route. The tow cables are presented as one-piece all-styrene moldings, or multi-part etched brass, styrene and metal wire assemblies. The separate driver’s and radio operator’s hatch lids have internal hinge detail, separate armored guards for the periscopes and clear styrene parts for the ‘scope heads themselves. Between them is a separate dome-shaped cover for the fighting compartment vent fan. The turret ring has the armored guard segments molded in place.


The engine deck has a separate main access hatch lid, with a host of separate detail parts to include dome-shaped vent cover, lift handles, hold-open latches, etc. The forward-most engine air grills are molded with the roof plate; those towards the rear are separate and are two parts each, so as to properly render the angles of the cooling slots. Above them all are pre-shaped etched brass screens, while below the grills are multi-part fuel tank/radiator assemblies, which include etched brass parts. Other items for that area include a fire extinguisher, antenna mount (for the standard and command versions of the tank) and flap for the deep-wading port.


Turret.

This is based on a one-piece slide-molded shell to which a choice of roof plates can be attached. There are also two different slide-molded commander’s cupolas, which include a multi-piece hatch lid, separate clear styrene periscope heads and “Fliegerbeschußgerät” (anti-aircraft machine-gun mount) for the (not included) MG34. Variations on the loader’s hatch lid are given (with internal detail), while a separate cover and clear periscope head are provided for the loader. One roof plate has Pilze mounts for the jib crane molded in place, while the other does not, but there are separate Pilzen for use if the modeler wants that particular combination on his Tiger. The roof vent has a standard armored cover, while the “Nahverteidigungswaffe” (close defense weapon) is provided with an opened or closed port and a slide-molded internal mechanism. An antenna base and rod aerial are also included for the roof if a command tank is to be modeled.


The usual “Gepäckkasten” (baggage bin) is provided for the rear face of the turret; it too uses slide mold technology for enhanced detail, while the lids for it are separate so it can be depicted opened or closed. Spare track links are provided for the turret’s side. Each link is slide-molded so it has crisp connecting pin details; there are separate guide horns with the proper openings for a completely authentic appearance. The escape hatch lid behind the loader is separate and can be depicted opened or closed. It has also been revised so it sits at the correct angle when opened.


The 8.8cm KwK L/56 is based around an all-styrene assembly (there is no turned aluminum gun tube) that includes a choice of slide-molded multi-part muzzle brakes; there is also a steel spring included so the recoil of the gun can be mimicked. Internal detail is given to include the breech and seats. A pair of gun mantlets with the monocular sight openings are provided; one has a blanked-out port for the co-axial MG34, which is to be used if a command tank is modeled. A third mantlet choice has binocular gun sight openings.


Molding, Fit and Engineering.

DML has paid a great deal of attention to these kits so the fit is really very, very fine. There are no sink marks anywhere and ejector pins do not mar any visible or critical surfaces, except for the inner face of the engine deck access hatch lid.


Accuracy.

Scale drawings in references 1 and 6 show the kit to be extremely accurate, with no major issues as all.


Instructions.

These are of the line-drawing style and are typically complex, due to the sheer number of parts and relatively few steps. There are also sub-steps and options spread throughout, so the modeler should study these things carefully, plan ahead, and test fit before the glue is used. As usual, colors are keyed to Gunze and Model Master paints.


Decals and Marking Information.

Water-slide decals by Italy’s Cartograf are included for six tanks. The decals themselves are well-printed, with excellent registration (especially the “Charging Knight” of s.H.Pz.Abt.505), fine color saturation, and thin carrier film. Markings for the following schwere Panzer are provided:

• Black 334, 1./s.H.Pz.Abt.505, Ostfront 1944.
• Black/white 122, 1./s.SS-Pz.Abt.101, France 1944.
• White outline 202, 2./s.SS-Pz.Abt.102, France 1944.
• Blue/yellow 304, 3./s.SS-Pz.Abt.101, France 1944.
• White outline 933, 9./SS-Pz.Rgt.3, 3.SS-Pz.-Div. “Totenkopf”, Poland 1944.
• Black/white 133, 1./s.H-Pz.Abt.510, Ostfront 1944.

Sources indicate the schemes as given are substantially correct. Schwere panzer 304 needs the insignia of the 1.SS-Panzer-Korps placed on the port-side faces of the front superstructure plate and hull rear plate; this is not included and must be sourced elsewhere by the modeler. All of these tanks are painted in a base color of Dunkelgelb RAL7028, with patterns in one or both supplementary colors, Olivgrün RAL6003 and Rotbraun RAL8017. In addition, all of these Tigers should have Zimmerit added to all vertical surfaces; curiously, this is not mentioned anywhere in the instructions.


Conclusion.

It is hard for a manufacturer to go wrong when kitting the Tiger I, since its popularity amongst modelers of German AFVs is extremely high. Those who want all the latest corrections for their model, coupled with an excellent level of detail and relative ease of assembly, will not want to miss this one.


Highly recommended.


Frank V. “Curly Stooge” De Sisto


References consulted for this review included, but were not limited to:

1. “Schwere Panzerkampfwagen”, Panzer Tracts No.6, by T. Jentz & H. Doyle.
2. “Encyclopedia of German Tanks of World War Two, Revised Edition”, by P. Chamberlain, H. Doyle & T. Jentz.
3. “Tigers in Combat I”, Fedorowicz, by W. Schnieder.
4. “Tigers in Combat II”, Fedorowicz, by W. Schnieder.
5. “Tiger, The History of a Legendary Weapon 1942-45, Fedorowicz, by E. Kleine & V. Kühn.
6. “Germany’s Tiger Tanks, D.W. to Tiger I”, Schiffer, by T. Jentz
7. “Germany’s Tiger Tanks, Tiger I & II Combat Tactics”, Schiffer, by T. Jentz
8. “Panzertruppen 1”, Schiffer, by T. Jentz.
9. “Panzertruppen 2”, Schiffer, by T. Jentz.
10. “The Eastern Front, Armor Camouflage and Markings 1941-45”, Squadron 6102, by S. Zaloga & J. Grandsen.
11. “Tiger I”, Squadron Armor In Action No.8, by U. Feist & N. Harms.
12. “Tiger”, Squadron Armor In Action No.27, by B. Culver.
13. “Panzer Colors III”, Squadron 6253, by B. Culver
14. “The Tiger Tanks”, Osprey Vanguard No.20, by B. Perrett.
15. “Tiger I Heavy Tank 1942-1945”, Osprey New Vanguard No.5, by T. Jentz & H. Doyle.
16. “Panzerkampfwagen Tiger”, Achtung Panzer No.6, by M. Bitoh, H. Kitamura & M. Udsuki.
17. “Pz.Kpfw VI Tiger I and Tiger II (Kingtiger)”, AFV Profile No.48, by P. Chamberlain & C. Ellis.
18. “Pz.Kpfw.VI Tiger, Vol.1”, Tankpower No.13, AJ Press, by T. Melleman & W. Molski.
19. “Pz.Kpfw.VI Tiger, Vol.2”, Tankpower No.14, AJ Press, by T. Melleman & W. Molski.
20. “Pz.Kpfw.VI Tiger, Vol.3”, Tankpower No.15, AJ Press, by T. Melleman & W. Molski.
21. “Tiger”, Sturm & Drang No.1.
22. “German Heavy Tanks”, Decimus, by P. Chamberlain & C. Ellis.
23. “Panzerkampfwagen VI, Tiger I and Königstiger”, Aero by W.Spielberger & U. Feist.
24. “The Tiger Tanks”, Aero-Armor No.1, by H. Nowarra, U. Feist & E. Maloney.
25. “Tiger I on the Western Front”, Histoire & Collections, by J. Restayn.
26. “Tiger I on the Eastern Front”, Histoire & Collections, by J. Restayn.
27. “Panzers in Normandy Then and Now”, After the Battle, by E. Lefèvre.
28. And, of course, David Byrden’s fine site, www.Tiger1.info.


Reviewer’s note: Since May of 2005, I have been working on books for Concord Publications, a sister company to DML. The reader may wish to take this into consideration. For my part, I will attempt to maintain an objective viewpoint when writing these reviews.


DML kits are available from retail and mail order shops. For details see their web site at: www.dragonmodelsltd.com.


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