This was the first kit I had, a win on ebay. It is Tamiyas early production model. The early production model differs from the later version in the large , drum type commanders cupola and the fiefel air cleaners at the back which were later removed due to them being rather unnecessary in most climes and prone to damage. Before I started this kit I pestered some of my colleagues at work, who were keen modelers for any information. I was handed a wonderful set of articles on modeling the Tiger in Fine Scale Modeler magazine, which inspired me to try some new techniques like weathering and rusting. Being my first kit, I did not aspire to using any superdetailing kits or other after sales bits and bobs, so the kit was built as is.The quality of manufacture was fantastic, Tamiya may be a bit pricey but you really get your moneys worth, all of the sprues being perfectly formed and having little or no flash.
The paint job was mostly hand painting, I used techniques I had picked up painting fantasy miniatures on it, because I lacked both experience and confidence in using my new airbrush. However the stripes were applied by the airbrush, the final pattern being based on a recommended scheme for the kit, which represents the tiger in the colours of the ss Liebstandarte just before the battle of kursk. ( I think). It was a very satisfying kit to finish and inspired me to venture into other areas such as superdetailing on my next tank, the Jagdpanther. One thing I did discover was the need to replace the kit barrel with a metal one. Serious modellers nearly always do this , as the kit barrel comes in two halves and has a visible split line running its length no matter how well you paint it.So My jagdpanther would recieve a metal barrel. These are not cheap, but I consider the expense worth while when viewing the final finish.All in all I really rate this kit and would recommend it to anyone wanting a good tiger model, its first class.
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