Tamiya 35179 - 1:35 Tiger I Series PE Grille Set

Tamiya photo-etched grille set for Tiger I kits (35194, 35146, 35177) in 1:35 scale

Tamiya 35179 is a photo-etched sheet intended for mid and late production Tiger I kits and for the Sturmtiger built on the same chassis. It fits the Tamiya kits 35194 (Tiger I Mid Production), 35146 (Tiger I Late Version) and 35177 (Sturmtiger) in 1:35 scale.

The set covers the parts that always come out too thick in injection moulding: engine air intake grilles, meshes and sights. Replacing them noticeably changes the look of the engine deck. This is an upgrade accessory — the base kit is not included and is purchased separately.

What is in the box:

• Photo-etched sheet with engine air intake grilles, meshes and sights
• Illustrated instructions

Specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Catalogue number: 35179
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Intended for: Tamiya 35194 (Tiger I Mid Production), 35146 (Tiger I Late Version), 35177 (Sturmtiger)
• Type: photo-etched parts
• Material: thin metal sheet
• Released: 1994
• Base kit sold separately, not included

Photo-etched parts – a thin metal sheet instead of moulded plastic

Photo-etched parts are produced by etching a pattern into a thin metal sheet, so meshes, grilles and covers have a thickness close to true scale — impossible in injection moulding, where mould requirements force the detail to be much heavier. An open etched grille lets light through and shows the depth below the engine deck.

A photo-etch bending tool, or simply a metal ruler and fine tweezers, helps when folding the parts. Cut them from the sheet with a modelling knife on a hard surface and attach them with cyanoacrylate glue. Degreasing the surface and using a primer intended for metal works well before painting.

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

The Tiger I was the first German heavy tank to enter series production and one of the most recognisable armoured vehicles of the Second World War. It made its debut near Leningrad in the autumn of 1942, and its 8.8 cm KwK 36 L/56 gun and thick vertical armour long gave it an advantage over most Allied tanks.

During production, which ran from 1942 to 1944, the vehicle went through many changes: the turret, road wheels, external stowage and commander cupola were all modified, giving rise to the early, mid and late versions that differ clearly in detail. The Tiger chassis also carried the Sturmtiger, a heavy assault vehicle armed with a 380 mm rocket launcher, of which only a handful were built.

Tigers fought in North Africa, Italy, on the Eastern Front and in Normandy. A Maybach engine of around 700 hp moving 57 tonnes demanded efficient cooling, and the extensive air intakes on the engine deck, protected by metal grilles, are among the most characteristic features of the tank.

Original vehicle specifications (Tiger I):

• Combat weight: approx. 57 t
• Length with gun: approx. 8.45 m
• Hull length: approx. 6.32 m
• Width: approx. 3.7 m
• Height: approx. 3.0 m
• Crew: 5
• Main armament: 8.8 cm KwK 36 L/56 gun
• Secondary armament: two 7.92 mm MG 34 machine guns
• Engine: Maybach HL 230 P45, approx. 700 hp
• Top speed: approx. 40 km/h on road
• Range: approx. 195 km on road
• Armour: up to 100 mm on the hull front
• Production: 1,347 vehicles (1942–1944)

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya is a Japanese manufacturer of models and modelling accessories based in Shizuoka, active since 1946 and producing plastic kits since the early 1960s. The 1:35 Military Miniature Series is one of the pillars of its catalogue. Alongside the kits themselves, Tamiya offers paints, cements, tools and upgrade accessories such as photo-etched parts, turned brass projectiles and individual track links. These accessories are designed around specific kits from the company catalogue, so the fit is predictable and the instructions are clear. Careful parts fit and well-prepared documentation remain the hallmarks of the brand.