Best 1/35 Tiger I out there?

I have yet to try one of the new kits from Rye Field or Meng as i have had an extended hiatus from modelling.

However as Tigers is my area of expertise i will throw in my 2 cents worth. I will link to an OLD thread i had under a different username way back. It's a WIP thread of a DML Tiger II.

http://cs.finescale.com/fsm/modeling_subjects/f/3/p/100756/990435.aspx#990435

Now i have looked at alot of reviews of the new kits, and they look great and i will try them at some point, no question about it. But if you are not intending on doing an interior, i don't see much reason to pay the extra buck. I was extremly satisfied with the quality of the DML kit for my build (which still isn't finished), and when i find myself in the market for another Tiger kit, which i most certainly will, i'll make sure to get one that fits the build i have mind (interior or no interior) no need to pay extra for the interior if it isn't needed.

I was watching a YouTube video two nights ago that was comparing and contrasting "all the different Tiger I kits in 1/35 scale."  The producer was showing the different kits by production models,  Tiger I Early Production, etc.  And it struck me that the kits seemed very similar, except that some included interiors, and other had enormous amounts of parts that would not be used.  He posted the different completed models side by side, showing that there was little to choose between them.  He then denigrated several manufacturers kits without stating his reasons for claiming that these kits were poor.  We all could easily predict those he chose, naming specifically Zvesda and Italeri.  Hence, I resurrected this old thread to try to address the specifics of what makes one kit great and another poor.

Anyway . . . Happy 4 July!

Bill

The Tigers im Focus site is an excellent resource.

I’ve built the Italeri initial production Tiger I, and it will look like a Tiger OOB, but needs help. The parts show the compromises made to kit both an early and later Tiger with using as many common sprues as possible. The tracks need to be replaced as they are of the late type. The upper hull tool stowage needs to be modified as it is again late type, and initial production Tigers had changes in the arrangement. This is where the good reference comes in very useful. The spare tracks on the turret and hull front are also in that category-missing on the earlier vehicles, but showing up on later ones.

When they first came out, the Italeri Tigers were a bargain compared to the Tamiya or Academy kits. The only other option being the older Nichimo Tiger I. Nowadays, have plenty to choose from, in pretty much every possible sub variant, from multiple companies. 

Personally I prefer the Tamiya Tigers, just for their lower parts count and ease of assembly. I know there are more accurate and more intricate kits available, but those do not appeal to me. If you’ve got the time, mind set, and finances for those new ultra Tiger kits, go for it!

It also depends if you really want to deal with a nicely detailed interior which isnt going to be visible unless you open it up somehow.Thats why I prefer Dragon,lot of extras you can see.

Also check out David Bryden's Tiger site,excellent info

www.Tiger1.info 

warshipguy

I suppose my question centers on what makes Rye, or Dragon, or AFV, et.al., better than the others when, sitting side-by-side, they all look like Tigers?

Bill

 

I have enjoyed building the Tamiya series of Tigers in years past.  And, although I do not have any from the Italeri series, I have seen them done and done well.  My son also gave me the Academy Early with Interior, and their Normandy Middle Tiger for Father's Day, knowing that I have dabbled in getting back into armor.

I suppose my question centers on what makes Rye, or Dragon, or AFV, et.al., better than the others when, sitting side-by-side, they all look like Tigers?

Bill

warshipguy

Greetings!

It is now eight years after the last post and thought it might be fun to reappraise the points of view here.  For example, one earlier post stated that the only Tiger kit with manufacturer molded zimmerit was the Dragon late Tiger I; Italeri has since provided this.  Another stated that Tamiya does not make zimmerit sets for their Tigers, when, in fact, they do.  Additionally, new Tigers are out there with the Rye Field Models kits and the Meng offerings.

Italeri's zimmerit Tiger kit dates back to 1995-96 or so along with their Panther, although the zimmerit is provided as flat, thick sections that attach to the sides of the hull and turret. Not a Tiger expert or fan for that matter, but I'm fairly sure it isn't close to the level of accuracy as Dragon's first ones. The one I got was quite clunky (Italeri Tiger).

Rambo

I haven't built one yet but have a rye field early tiger in the stash that looks amazing with full interior

 

This one kicks Dragon's behind big time. The level of detail is amazing.

I don’t think that Meng has a Tiger I,just the toon version.

But I still stand by Dragon Tigers.I have built the Late with Zimm,Wittmans 007,and the Tunisian Tiger and have enjoyed all of them.Still got 131 in the stash.

Greetings!

It is now eight years after the last post and thought it might be fun to reappraise the points of view here.  For example, one earlier post stated that the only Tiger kit with manufacturer molded zimmerit was the Dragon late Tiger I; Italeri has since provided this.  Another stated that Tamiya does not make zimmerit sets for their Tigers, when, in fact, they do.  Additionally, new Tigers are out there with the Rye Field Models kits and the Meng offerings.

Unfortunately, we all have our prejudices. Italeri has been described as "craftsman kits", Tamiya has been called "shake 'n bake" kits, and most kits have been criticised as including mishappen turrets.

So, to reopen the question, what are the best Tiger I kits out there in 1/35? As a fairly new builder of tanks, I really would like to hear opinions.

Bill Morrison 

I wouldn't worry about the DS tracks. They are very easy to modify to the correct length.

Whittmann's Cyber-Hobby Tiger really isn't worth the extra cash when compared to the standard Dragon Late. The only differences are markings for 007/009 and Befehls Tiger radio antennas. I wouldn't get one unless you are a Whittmann fan. That being said, I've got one in my stash...

Erik

You may also consider the Cyber-Hobby #6610, "Wittmann's Last Tiger". It also comes molded with zim, and has a lot of photo-etch parts, workable torsion bars, and obviously Wittmann's markings (#007). It's a little more money though.

spruebrothers.com has then in stock ready to ship

I've built the Tamiya Tiger I Late and it was arguably my favorite build. Not as accurate as Dragon and doesn't come with the engine screens, but the fit was perfect.

Cavalier and Atak make the best resin zimmerits, but alas, they come at a bit of a price.

Good luck on the zimmed Dragon kit. I have heard that the DS tracks have too many links in them and might need some cut off. It doesn't come with Magic-tracks.

Thanks for the very insightful post Erik,

It's the one that had caught my eye but you have just sealed the decision for me-I'll order the Dragon late with Zimm.

ATVB

Ben

It depends on what version of the Tiger you want to build. Dragon's Intitial Tiger is awesome but hard to find and very expensive. The Tamyia kit is fine if you don't want to spend the cash. Tamiya's Early Tiger is great and really your only option for that type. Same for Mid-production but you're going to need resin zimm. I've got Dragons Late with zimm and it looks fantastic. Haven't built it yet because I'm still researching Whittman's tank. Tamiya's Late is a great kit as well but you're going to need resin zimm.

So if you want a simple and great looking kit get a Tamiya. Just remember that the mid and late production will need zimm. Cavalier makes sets for both tanks.

If you want a more complicated kit with premoulded zimm go for the Dragon late.

Erik

I am by no means a zim expert but my personal preference is the after market resin zim.  I have the Cavalier stuff several times.  If you get the set for the kit you are building it will be a perfect fit.  I like the look of it better compared to the pre-molded stuff and when comparing both to a photo of the real deal.  But as I said, that my preference.

Hmmm, I don't fancy raking Zim! Just yet anyway!

I had pretty much resigned myself to a DML Tiger-I thought that would be the way tbh.

What is the general concensus when it comes to Academy, Trumpeter and AFV club kits? I've been looking at them on a website.

ATVB

Ben

Hi Ben,

If you want a 1/35 Tiger with pre-moulded Zim, there's really only one choice, Dragon's #6383, A "Late" Tiger 1,. All other Tiger 1 kits in 1/35 require you to add the Zim yourself.

However, if you want all the bells and whistles, including a metal barrel, PE and Magic Tracks (The later issues of the "Late" Tiger 1 have one-piece DS tracks), then look for #6253 , the "original" Tiger 1 Late "3-in-1" kit.

Tamiya does not make after-market Zim, the closest they get to it is a Zim raking tool set and (separately, putty.

Jeebus

With Zimmerit or without?, either way the Dragon Tigers are hard to beat.

Good question Jeebus. Not too fussed but I do love a bit of Zim but if it was to have Zim it would have to already in place. My skills aren't up to a decent Zim job yet!

Saying that doesn't the additional Tamiya Zim come on ready to stick on 'patches'?

Has anyone built a Dragon 1/35 Tiger? Could they post a photo for me please?

Ben

With Zimmerit or without?, either way the Dragon Tigers are hard to beat.