Tiger And Late Version 1:35 Academy 13314

Plastic military model kit: Tiger I Late Version 1:35 Academy 13314

The Tiger I Late Version model kit in 1:35 scale from Academy (catalog number 13314) is an excellent proposition for model-making enthusiasts and World War II history buffs. This plastic model depicts the late version of the German heavy tank Tiger I, which played a key role on the battlefields from 1942 to 1944.

Model features:

• New forms of asymmetrical turret, 88 mm gun, mantlet, engine covers, and accessories.
• Zimmerit application tool included.
• Photo-etched engine grill cover included.

Markings:

• Pz.Abt. 505, no. 312, Central Russia, July 1944.
• SS-Pz.Abt. 101, 2nd Company, Michael Wittmann, Normandy area, France, June 1944 (Battle of Villers-Bocage).
• SS-Pz.Abt. 101, Michael Wittmann, Caen area, France, August 1944.
• Pz.Abt. 505, no. 300, Central Russia, July 1944.

History of the Tiger I tank: The Tiger I, also known as Panzerkampfwagen VI Ausf. E, was one of the most recognizable tanks of World War II. Introduced into service in 1942, it was the first German heavy tank equipped with the powerful 8.8 cm KwK 36 gun, which was an adaptation of the famous 8.8 cm Flak 36 anti-aircraft gun. A total of 1,347 units of this tank were produced between August 1942 and August 1944.

The Tiger I gained a reputation for its powerful firepower and solid armor, making it a formidable opponent on the battlefield. However, it was also criticized for its complicated design, high production costs, and maintenance difficulties. The tank was prone to track failures and mobility issues in challenging terrain conditions such as mud, ice, and snow.

Despite its flaws, the Tiger I became a symbol of German armored power and was used in many key battles, including in North Africa and on the Eastern Front. Its famous use by tank ace Michael Wittmann during the Battle of Villers-Bocage in Normandy in June 1944 is one of the most well-known episodes involving it.

Today, only nine Tiger I units have survived in museums and private collections around the world. One of them is Tiger 131, which was captured during the North African campaign and is currently located in the Tank Museum in the UK as the only fully operational example.

Assembly and painting kit. Does not include paints or glue. To assemble, separately sold modeling tools are needed (including cutters, files, tweezers), paints, brushes, and plastic model glue (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement). The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.