TIGERMODELS announces pre-orders on its 1/35 FLAK 88 Famo Conversion.
Our conversion is designed to work with the TAMIYA Famo (35239) and DML FLAK 37 (6287). The price of our kit is $135 and I expect shipping to start between July 9 and 16. Note that his is a true limited run of only 150 Worldwide.
Here I offer a description of the Tiger Models kit and the interpretation(s) I made from the 17 pictures available to me.
The basic armor structure of the engine compartment is made of a special engineering resin that does not warp easy or deform over time. It is heat-stable to 170 F. The resin is about 0.006 in thick, which equates to 20 mm, so it is slightly over scale thickness. However, all of the rivet detail is accurate and cast into the armored plates, along with speculative mounting brackets on the back sides. The armored vent doors can be assembled open or closed and come with internal and external handle details. There is a new radiator assembly to replace the kit parts that would have had to have been removed in reality. Finally, the hood has the radiator filler cap extension molded into it.
The forward armor shield has the correct rake to it. The kit also has the correct front bumper halves. The front bumper and light mounts have so far never been accurately portrayed by anyone. I have made them according to my interpretation of a VERY clear picture, a close up of which is shared in the instruction sheet. I have also included new width indicators and mounts to replace the kit parts, and a new front fender assembly so you do not have to worry about removing and filling any tricky detail to your kit parts. This includes replacement fender supports which stand off the fender in the Tiger Models conversion like the real vehicle, and replace the molded-in detail in the original kit.
The cab is constructed in the same manner. I have included internal and external rivet and joining plate details. From what I have seen in the pictures and the one drawing I have, some serious modifications have to be made to the drivers floor and the forward section of the rear fender assembly. I have made these for you and they are included in the Tiger Models conversion. I have also provided BOTH roof options: with and without hatches. The doors and side flaps can be shown open or closed, and I have included separate castings so you do not have to do any cutting or splicing of parts. The back wall has 2 openings with the design feature that allows these 2 windows to be made into one continuous open area. Again, I share the evidence in close-up images in the instruction sheet.
The detail parts on the cab are also included. The turn signal is a little crazy as you can actually show it in use. The internal and external handle detail is present. The armored visors have their operating tabs and can even be made to function. The mirror mount is included as well. The one point I differ on from most people is what is actually on the gun deck behind the drivers seat. I do not include a bench, but I do show you how to use leftover kit parts to make one. Again, I explain my interpretation and show you with pictures why I think I am right in the instructions.
The gun deck includes more details that I have found in pictures but so far I have not seen on ANY interpretation of this vehicle. And I show this in the instructions using close-ups of pictures. There are many differences between the ammo box and those I have seen on other kits and plans. These are explained in picture form as well. The side screens have been made with PE, but this is due to limits in manufacturing processes. I could make them correctly out of resin, but they would drive the average modeler crazy trying to clean them up, so I chose PE. I can assure you of this much: the bed on the kit is significantly different from most renditions of this vehicle, and many people will be surprised when they see what I have done and why. But I will keep stressing to you, EVERYTHING is backed up by close-ups from pictures of the actual vehicle in the instructions.
If you know me and Tiger Models reputation, then you will know how much effort I put into research on the kits released. I have put it up for pre-sale on Tiger Models web site. There is no discount for ordering it early, but I will provide FREE SHIPPING anywhere in the world - on all pre-orders. If you have concerns, then please wait until the kit is in full release and all the pictures are available. Remember, I am ONLY making 150 conversions for general sale. After I sell 150 of these kits, THERE WILL BE NO MORE!
--Joe Bakanovic
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