Tamiya 35146 - 1:35 Tiger I Late Version

1:35 plastic model kit of the German Tiger I Ausf.E heavy tank, late production version

The Tiger I is the best-known German heavy tank of the Second World War, and the late-production version reproduced in Tamiya 35146 represents its mature, simplified and most recognisable form. The kit is based on a completely new mould developed in 1989 and belongs to the Tamiya Military Miniature Series.

The model captures the features typical of vehicles built from early 1944: the new cast commander’s cupola with periscopes and the steel-rimmed road wheels with internal rubber cushioning, without external rubber tyres. Two gun barrels and two mantlets are supplied, so either a late or a final-production vehicle can be built. The tracks are assembled from individual links, which makes it possible to reproduce their run over the drive and idler wheels accurately.

What’s in the box:

• Plastic sprues with hull, turret and equipment parts
• Individual-link tracks, assembled link by link
• Two gun barrels and two mantlets (late and final production)
• Commander figure (bust) with two headgear options
• Waterslide decal sheet for 4 marking options
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Product number: 35146
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled model length: 241.5 mm
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate (individual-link tracks)

Note: This kit does not include cement, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

Thanks to the excellent parts fit typical of Tamiya, the kit is approachable even for less experienced modellers. The individual-link tracks call for the most patience – it is worth taking the time to assemble them carefully and to reproduce the natural sag over the return rollers, as this noticeably improves the finished model’s display value. Painting the road wheels before the upper hull goes on is also worth considering, since access becomes difficult later.

All four decal options wear the three-tone camouflage typical of German armour in 1944: a dark yellow base (e.g. Tamiya XF-60 Dark Yellow) with patches of dark green (XF-61 Dark Green) and red brown (XF-64 Red Brown). The instructions give Tamiya paint codes for each scheme. To take the level of detail further, you may want to consider separately sold accessories: the Tamiya 12647 zimmerit sheet and the Tamiya 35179 photo-etched set – both are standalone products and are not included in this kit.

Tools you will need:

• Sprue cutters
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up sprue gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Precision modelling tweezers
• Brushes in a range of sizes
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• A wash to accentuate details and recesses
• Optional: pigments for dust and mud effects

About the vehicle – Pz.Kpfw.VI Tiger I Ausf.E:

The Tiger I was developed in response to the first months of fighting on the Eastern Front, where German tanks encountered well-armoured Soviet designs. It received the 8.8 cm KwK 36 L/56 gun, derived from an anti-aircraft weapon, together with thick, flat armour plate. Production ran from July 1942 to August 1944 and reached roughly 1,350 vehicles, making the Tiger a rare but instantly recognisable and much-feared opponent.

Late-production vehicles, built from January 1944, differed from earlier ones mainly in the new cast commander’s cupola and the steel road wheels without external rubber tyres – a more durable solution that reduced reliance on scarce rubber. External hull stowage and tool arrangements were also revised.

Tigers in this form fought in Normandy and on the Eastern Front in 1944 with the heavy tank battalions of the Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS. Units such as s.SS-Pz.Abt.101 and s.Pz.Abt.505 built the reputation of a tank that Allied crews usually had to outnumber and outmanoeuvre in order to defeat.

Original vehicle specifications (Tiger I Ausf.E, late production):

• Length: 8.45 m (gun forward)
• Width: approx. 3.70 m (on combat tracks)
• Height: approx. 3.00 m
• Combat weight: approx. 57 t
• Crew: 5
• Main armament: 8.8 cm KwK 36 L/56 gun
• Secondary armament: 7.92 mm MG 34 machine guns
• Powerplant: Maybach HL 230 P45 petrol engine, 700 hp
• Top speed: approx. 40 km/h (road)
• Range: approx. 110 km (road)
• Armour: up to 100 mm (hull front)
• Production: July 1942 – August 1944, approx. 1,350 built

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 by Yoshio Tamiya in Shizuoka, regarded as the centre of the Japanese model industry. The company originally traded in timber and moved on to wooden models in the late 1940s. Its first plastic model kit appeared in 1960, and two years later came its first 1:35 tank – the scale that, thanks to Tamiya, became the worldwide standard for military modelling. The brand is known for precise injection moulds, outstanding parts fit and clear instructions, which is why its kits are equally popular with beginners and experienced modellers. The Military Miniature Series, to which this kit belongs, runs to hundreds of releases covering vehicles, artillery and figures from around the world. Alongside plastic kits, Tamiya offers a full range of modelling accessories: paints, cements, tools and brushes. The company is present in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable names in the hobby.