opinions on tiger I and tiger II kits

If you want interiour detail, and don't want to go AM, then i think Academy is your only choice when it comes to a Tiger I. I don't think any Tiger II have interioours. Bith Dragon and tamiya do Tiger kits with indy links, thoguh with both makes you would need to check the kit first.

You say you haven't built a Dragon kit since you were 12. Well, i don't know how old you are now, but if that was back in the 80's, there kits have changed alot since the Imperial series. Dragon kits are alot more detailed, but can somtimes be scary if you are not used to Armour. And there instructions can be confuseing to put it politely. For anyone new to armour, i think most of us would suggest Tamiya. Just depends how brave you are.

im only 18 but if you havent built something in more that about a year or two your skills start to get rusty(i know that from going back and forth from planes to cars). the dragon kit i did was pretty old, i believe it was a panzer III or panzer IV but at 12 it was a little too much and wound up in the trash after too much frustration, broken and lost parts, etc.

i have built 5 of the tamiya 1/48 Military Mineatures tanks (american and german) and they are fun and have decent detail, but i want something bigger to work with and maybe do some diorama work on. but i definetly need something bigger, maybe even both on the same diorama :) but i have burnt myself out a bit on planes and cars(the p-61 is already kicking me in ahe rear) and need a change of pace and since the tigers are my favorite tanks i figured i would start there.

was also contemplating a Stug. III but there are far too many things to worry about in that area lol

Tamiya's would be a better choice if you are concerned for your skills, smooth construction, and certainly for far superior instructions. But again, if you want an interior, try an Academy Tiger I.

I try to alternate between amour and aircraft builds, but i ahve been so wrapped up in GB's involving aircraft, i ahven't built an armour kit in over 18 months.

I would deffinatly suggest Tamiyas Mid Production Tiger I.  It has the indy link tracks you want, and its a nice kit. I have one built, but haven't done a dio for it yet.Off the top of my head, i can't remember which tracks their initial and early kits have, i would need to check. I have built there Tiger II with henschel turret, as well as the Porsche turreted kit but i am sure that they both have rubber band tracks. 

I'm currently in the process of building Academy's Early Tiger w/ interior. Good instructions overall, and typical of Academy (at least in my opinion) everything fits nicely. The interior is plenty detailed for me and there are decals for I think 5 different tanks. It also has indy links.

Ought to cost less than anything Tamiya.

Tamiya's Late version builds up like a dream. You would need to add PE engine screens, and perhaps an aluminum barrel. It does come with nice indy tracks. You can pick it up off of ebay for $20-25 and add the extras for under $50 total. Or, you could go all out an buy Dragon's first release of the Tiger I Late and it comes with over 1000 pieces and tons of AM goodies in it. Being a highly desirable OOP, it does demand high prices off ebay, but has come down over the years.

Tigerman, is the dragon tiger you are talking about a 3 in 1 kit? i am trying to locate one online but the only one i can find is a 3 in 1 kit and it has over 660 pieces according to most sources. im not worried about my talent level, i have high patience level and i want alot of detail.

does anybody else know if this kit is good?

Those 3 in 1 kits are not to much to worry about. I have one of those, and its a nice kit. The instructions need to be studied carefully to make sure you use the right parts for the version you want.

Alot of newer Dragon kits have alot of parts, but many of these won't be used. They may be for other versions of the same vehicle, or options for you. They are a good way to build up a spares box. But again, study the instructions closely before you start. Then read through them again.

Go with Tamiya if you want easier, go with Dragon if you want detail.

I personally think the Tiger IIs will be easier than the Tiger 1s simply as the vehicles were less 'involved'.

But over all, everyone and their uncle seems to obsess over damned Tigers, I suggest you explore the Stugs and in my view, they provide more model to enjoy and look nicer as a whole. Plus the Stugs look better in the company of infantry figures too.

Hi TheWildChild,
there is a US based sprue company that advertises frequently on this forum that has Dragons initial Tiger I on sale atm.
http://www.dragon-models.com/catalog/dml/new/6600/6600_poster_web.jpg 

You won't get interior detail or indy links but you will get a basic depiction of the main gun and Dragons DS tracks with open guide horns.
And you do not need to worry about Zimmerit.

As always
Boarder 

TheWildChild

Tigerman, is the dragon tiger you are talking about a 3 in 1 kit? i am trying to locate one online but the only one i can find is a 3 in 1 kit and it has over 660 pieces according to most sources. im not worried about my talent level, i have high patience level and i want alot of detail.

does anybody else know if this kit is good?

I believe it's kit #6256 or something like that. I have #6403 which comes with the much panned DS tracks.

One note: the kit will need zimmerit to be accurate. You could go after the pre-zimmed Tiger, but it too comes with DS tracks.

As far as the King Tiger, it looks like a great kit. Again, it too comes with DS tracks. Personally that doesn't bother me, as long as they fit well. My only experience with them was very positive for my Elefant tank.

Tiger, are you sure about that kit number. 6403 is the Panther F. I have 6406 which is a Late Tiger I 3 in 1 kit, but that doesn't have DS 100 tracks.

i can zim it with squadron putty and the rim of a pill bottle if i need to (did it on a 1/48 tamiya king tiger, looked big for 48th but should be just right for 35th) i appreciate the help everybody. i think i found the one i will go with and i will post back if i have more questions.

THANKS GUYS!!!

i am going to get the academy Tiger 1 with the interior and perhaps a few Verlinden goodies, maybe even some brass ammo to replace the kit pieces.

Bish

Tiger, are you sure about that kit number. 6403 is the Panther F. I have 6406 which is a Late Tiger I 3 in 1 kit, but that doesn't have DS 100 tracks.

I'm sorry, you're correct. I'm not home to check the number.

I'm confused. You're saying that kit number 6406 doesn't come with DS tracks? I'm pretty sure it does. That was initially one of the reasons I got it. I'd be happy f it came magic tracks. I know that kit 6253 comes with magic tracks.

Academy also makes a seperate set of Indy link Tiger I tracks if you want that style. Affordably priced.

I'll check when i get back to camp tomorrow, but i am sure it doesn't have DS. I have the CH Wittmann Tiger I, and that come with the DS tracks. So i am swapping them with the tracks from 6406, as i am fitting that with transport tracks and useing the DS ones from the Wittmann kit laid out on the floor having just being taken off the tank.

I only have 3 kits with DS tracks, and 2 of those are Panthers.  And i know the Wittmann Tiger has them as i was rather pee'd off at paying so much just to get rubber band tracks. But i will check to be certain tomorrow.

Not quite sure how to help you in your decision making...
The Academy kit comes with an interior but has some problem areas, the main one being lack of Zimmerit and the turret shape, but the list can be made longer. If you want accuracy this is not your kit.
Tamiyas offering is basically the same as the Academy one, sorry, it is the other way around actually.
Academy is very much identical to Tamiya.

The Dragon kits are very much the same in terms of detail and accuracy;
6252 - the start of the line is the initial production, the kit sets a completely new standard but is no longer available. Indy links and loads of Bling.
6600 - a re-release of 6252 with new and modified  parts and this kit includes the engine grill. DS tracks.
6253 - this is a late Tiger I with loads of Bling again - but no Zimmerit, no interior.
The tracks are the individual Magic Tracks.
6383 - a Tiger I late complete with Zimmerit and DS tracks.
Basically 6253 with Zimm less Bling.
There has been complaints about the accuracy of the Zimmerit, in my mind this release and 6600 are perfect starting kits.
6660 is a mid production command vehicle, the only one mid available atm from Dragon.
No interior, no Zimmerit and DS tracks rather then indy.
Probably the most accuate Mid Tiger you can find.

AFV have a kit that matches the Dragon's in terms of accuracy,my personal favourit but it has the same shortcomings compared to your wish-list, no interior, no indy links.

Sorry, but it is as always
Boarder

Ok, i think i might be wrong. Just read a couple of reviews and they both say DS tracks. Could be i am getting my Tiger kits mixed up. I deffinatly better check tomorrow.

stikpusher

Academy also makes a seperate set of Indy link Tiger I tracks if you want that style. Affordably priced.

Will those fit the Dragon sprockets?

Labour In Vain

6253 - this is a late Tiger I with loads of Bling again - but no Zimmerit, no interior and no indy tracks.

Pretty sure this comes with indy tracks. This is probably the most desired Tiger I on the market, perhaps next to CH's Wittman.

Sorry for missleading you in my previous posting. 
Tigerman is correct and I have corrected my post.
Dragons 6253 comes with Indy links, the Magic-Track. Snap-tite and very good.

As always
Boarder 

like i said though, Labour In Vain, Zimmerit isn't hard to make. and if the turret is a major problem i'm sure it won't be hard to scrounge up a spare from somewhere...maybe even buy a donor kit of i find one cheap. then i can use the hull from the donor and build a factory diorama.

If you enjoy the Zimmerit as part of the fun in building a Tiger I and interior detail comes before accuracy;
Go Academy - it is all  there - for better and for worse.

Please make sure that you have a look at Greg (Detailfreaks) thread - there is heaps in there for you.

Feed the commander figure to the rats though - there is a limit...

As always
Boarder 

tigerman

stikpusher:

Academy also makes a seperate set of Indy link Tiger I tracks if you want that style. Affordably priced.

 

Will those fit the Dragon sprockets?

I dont know... but for the $10-$12 pricetag that I have seen them go for, I would not worry about any filing ncessary to make them fit...

Tiger, you were right about that kit. I know what happened though. The back of the box doesn't mention the DS tracks, just the magic Tracks for the spare track links. I didn't read it, just saw the image of the magic tracks.  Where as the Wittmann kit mentions both track types.

Though how i didn't see the big strip of DS tracks when i opened the box i don't know.

Looks like i better get another set of fruils then, bugger.

just a quick question: on academy's website their mid production tiger (interior version) shows pictures of two completed tanks: one with zim and one without and also the non zim tank has the exhaust that looks alot like the early version. did they put an early version next to a mid production tank? or can you build the mid production two different ways?