Tamiya 35189 - 1:35 Tiger I Brass 88mm Projectiles

Tamiya turned brass 88 mm projectiles for Tiger I kits in 1:35 scale

Tamiya 35189 is a set of turned brass projectiles and shell cases representing the ammunition of the 8.8 cm KwK 36 L/56, the main armament of the Tiger I. The box contains 16 parts: 5 high-explosive projectiles, 5 PzGr. 39 armour-piercing projectiles and 6 empty shell cases.

The set is intended for Tamiya Tiger I kits. It does not include a metal barrel — projectiles and cases only, ideal as rounds displayed on the armour, carried by figures or left lying beside the vehicle. The base kit is not included and is purchased separately.

What is in the box:

• 5 turned brass high-explosive projectiles
• 5 turned brass PzGr. 39 armour-piercing projectiles
• 6 empty turned brass shell cases
• Illustrated instructions

Specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Catalogue number: 35189
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Intended for: Tamiya Tiger I kits
• Type: turned brass projectiles and shell cases (16 parts)
• Material: brass
• Ammunition represented: rounds for the 8.8 cm KwK 36 L/56 gun
• Released: 1995
• Base kit sold separately, not included

Turned brass projectiles – crisp detail with no mould parting line

Lathe-turned parts have sharp, symmetrical edges and a perfectly round cross-section, free of the parting line that always has to be sanded off moulded plastic. On ammunition, usually displayed in plain sight and viewed close up, the difference is easy to see.

Projectiles and cases are a classic ingredient of ammunition-loading scenes and dioramas: laid out on the armour, protruding from an open hatch, stacked in a crate or held by a loader figure. A primer intended for metal is recommended before painting. Brass cases can also be left in bare metal and simply toned down with a wash.

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. Its 8.8 cm KwK 36 L/56 gun came from the same family as the famous 8.8 cm Flak 36/37 anti-aircraft gun and fired the same ammunition — PzGr. 39 armour-piercing rounds with a ballistic cap could destroy Allied tanks at ranges from which they could not reply effectively.

The tank made its debut near Leningrad in the autumn of 1942 and went on to fight in North Africa, Italy, on the Eastern Front and in Normandy. It changed considerably during production — turret, road wheels, commander cupola and external stowage were all modified — which is why early, mid and late versions are distinguished.

The large, heavy fixed 88 mm rounds took up a great deal of space, limiting stowage to a little over 90 rounds and making the loader work hard in the cramped fighting compartment. By the end of production in 1944, 1,347 Tigers had been built.

Original vehicle specifications (Tiger I):

• Combat weight: approx. 57 t
• Length with gun: approx. 8.45 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
• Ammunition stowage: approx. 92 rounds of 88 mm ammunition
• 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.