Reviewed by Ian Whyte (Big E)
The subject of this review requires little introduction as it must the best known Armoured Fighting Vehicles of all times. Ask anyone to name a tank and I bet you that in most cases the “Tiger” will be the first one that most people will reply with. Why do you think this is? I know that there are many historical and technical reasons why this tank should be so well known but I think it is because no other machine has ever left its mark on history by evoking such lasting feelings as fear, panic and dread, but above all of these respect, than any other machine before or after it.
Initial Assessment…
The first thing you will admire about this kit from AFV is the box art, you are presented with picture looking straight down the business end of the muzzle with the which leaves you no doubt that you are about to embark on an exciting journey into the world of armour modelling. The box itself is of sturdy construction protecting the familiar olive green AFV sprues inside. The kit is made up from 4 sprues (sprue C containing the road wheels and drive sprockets is repeated), the lower hull with moulded on suspension arms, the upper hull complete with moulded Zimmerit (more about this later), turret with Zim, a small etch fret containing the engine grills and MG34 gun sight, a small bag of screws, pair of vinyl tracks, decal sheet and instruction booklet.
Accuracy…
From what I have check against my reference the dimensions appear to be correct and with comparison with other Tiger kits I have everything appears to be in order.
Fit…
This is my fist 1:48th AFV kit and it has a lot to live up to if its larger 1:35th brothers are anything to judge it by and first impressions are that it will not disappoint. I have test fitted several parts and everything looks good with all parts dry fitting well. The cleanup is minimal due to small sprue gates and no flash to be found. There are some mall ejector pin marks but nothing that will hopefully cause any problems.
Unusually all of the road wheels are held on by screws which are then covered with caps. Hopefully this will aid in the construction and painting process allowing the wheels and tracks to be fitted towards the end of the construction process.
Quality…
This is where this kit excels. The first thing you notice is the well represented moulded Zimmerit anti mine coating.
AFV have to commend on this as to produce the random “hand applied” finish of this coating in this scale with such realistic effect is admirable. All other parts show excellent detail (even down to the wood grain on the jack block ); they have even tapper the ends of the exhaust shrouds to try and achieve a more realistic scale effect, although this can be improved upon with a little sanding. The moulding on all parts is crisp and not over done. The tools have moulded on straps but are well detailed.
I feel that it is worth giving a mention to the vinyl tracks. Now I know may people hate these but I have to say that these are some of the best that I have seen with good detail and no flash. They are also manufactured so that they can be stuck together with ordinary liquid modelling glue!
One thing I do need to mention is the strange texture of the styrene on the top of the hull plates. It is I have to assume AFV’s attempt to show the rolled steel texture as seen on all German tanks but unfortunately this totally misses the mark. I am not sure if it will able to be addressed in construction or whether it is best just to leave it alone, funny thing is they made no attempt to replicate this texture on the turret?
