New Model

The treads themselves are quite easy. I finished them in about an hour per side, prepainting them on the sprue. It realy is a fun build, and has the chance to really take your skills to the next level. As for the top of the main body, I've had no problems with removal or fit. The top of the turret is a bit snug, but overall looks really nice. This is one kit that you can build SOOB, or really detail it up with aftermarket sets, though it doesn't really need it.

Beav,

There are some NICE photos of Bovington's Tiger I being restored at http://www.tankmuseum.org/tiger.html It's well worth a look. It'll get you psyched up to have fun with your kit.

An aside about the Academy Stuarts. I have both the M3 and M3A1 and to be honest with you, the only things that are useful for the interior on the M3 are the driver and bow gunner seats. On the M3A1, the seats and the main gun are useful, well, maybe you could use the driveshaft tunnel, but I wouldn't. Other than that, the interiors are pretty much inaccurate. I was really disappointed... there are SOOOO many Stuarts out there to reference for accurate interiors.

Have fun with the TIGER!!

Ron.

The way the weld seams and armor plating is configured on a Tiger I turret, it is an ideal vehcile for doing an interior build. If you do it right, you can build it so that by using an open hatch as a "handle" you can lift the top of the turret off for a peek inside. If done well at the start, it can be replaced "seamlessly" and is equally an atractive showpiece.

The same can be done on a chassis as well, but more time and effort must be spent on the hull.

Personaly, I have mixed feelings about this type of build. On one hand its a wonderful showpiece and foil for demonstrating individual skill as well as being able to delve into not only aftermarket but also scratch build techniques and the associated research involved, will give the individual a wonderful education on a particular vehicle. Unless you are planning on showing this or entering into contests, it is up to you how detailed you want to be. If you are planning on entering this type of display, be forewarned. There is an assumption of skill involved and it will be scrutinized by rivet counters to the nth degree. I think its a worth while endeavor because of how much you can get into the piece. And will no doubt take your building to a new level.

Mike

if you go for the Tiger with interior make sure its the one with the interior they mke versions of with or without
heres a review of the stuarts http://pmms.webace.com.au/reviews/vehicles/academy/acd1399.htm
http://pmms.webace.com.au/reviews/vehicles/academy/acd1398.htm
the AFV clubs M10s are good (metal barrels and PE on some)
http://www.jbwholesalers.com.au/reviews/afvclub/afv35024.htm

Thanks Bill, I do believe I am going to have to try and locate one. The tracks will be a challenge as I have never done the individual ones but like I said though, I'm going to have at least 6 weeks of sitting on my rear out of work so I can't think of a better time to tackle that kit.

Academy's kit is pretty cool. There are some shortcuts and a few inaccuracies in it, but if you don't want to "count the rivets", it's not that big of a deal. After building, the top and the turret can be taken off to show the interior. If you find one on e-bay, a lot of times they show the exterior of the box which shows what the kit looks like built up.

As for better, I don't think anyone else out there is doing an interior model of a tank. You either go with Academy, or do the after market, resin bit. But I could be wrong. They have a full interior Tiger I Early, Tiger I Mid, Honey, and an M5a. Those last two are supposed to be pretty cool kits, too. I don't have either of them. The only one I have is the Tiger I Early. Be warned, though, that about 300 of the parts are the individual link tracks. If you don't mind working with them, you're all set. (I like them, myself, but haven't started the Tiger yet, so don't know if Academy's are a pain or not. But they are good enough that they sell them as an aftermarket add on.

Good luck and keep us informed of what you do.

Bill

One question about the interiors. Are the kits when finished able to reveal the interiors or is it something that you can just look into the hatches and see? After seeing that Tiger I think I am going to have to get one since I found out yesterday that I'll have another 6 weeks laid up come jan. , figure that leaves me plenty of time to build so i don't go crazy this go around. Also is the acadamy kit the best one or is there a better one?

Steve,

I usually model US armor, but seriously, who can pass up a nice model of the Tiger I with a full interior!? You'll enjoy every minute of building it, like I did! It's a fine kit just out of the box.

Ron.

Steve, go to missinglinks.com and look in their articles section. They have some interesting stuff on both the early and mid versions of the Academy kit.

Good luck and keep us informed on your progress. (I have the early, but haven's started it yet. Soon...very soon.

Demono is right!

Ron

That model is simply beautiful! I can't wait to get one!

If you care to see the kit, here is the page for it:

http://www.academyhobby.com/en/index.html

Good luck!

demono69

oooohh, wow, I've never done a full interior tank before--my only real tank is a KV-1 that I built last summer, and a little Panzer II. I'll see if my hobby shop has it.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Academy 1/35 Tiger Full Interior. I can't say enough good things about this kit. It is truly a masterpiece. It's also under $40. Got mine on e-bay for around $25.

demono69