Tamiya 35216 - 1:35 Tiger I Early Production

Plastic model kit of the Tiger I heavy tank (early production) in 1:35 scale

Tamiya 35216 depicts the Tiger I (Pz.Kpfw.VI Ausf.E) in its early version – one of the most recognisable tanks of the Second World War, famous for its thick armour and powerful 8.8 cm gun. Early production was distinguished by, among other things, the cylindrical commander's cupola, smoke dischargers, a large pistol port in the turret and air cleaners at the rear of the hull. The model includes a commander figure and decals for six marking options.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with hull, turret and running-gear parts
• Cylindrical commander's cupola, smoke dischargers, air cleaners
• Towing cables, tools (shovel, hammer, axe) and track links
• Fabric exhaust tube and a commander figure
• Vinyl tracks plus a decal sheet for 6 marking options
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Item number: 35216
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: approx. 241 mm
• Skill level: intermediate

Note: glue, paints and modelling tools are not included. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

As a Tamiya-tooled kit it features good parts fit. Because of the overlapping road wheels it is worth planning the painting and assembly sequence of the running gear. The engine deck can be further detailed with the photo-etched grilles from the separate Tamiya set 35217. Emphasise the final finish with a wash, dry-brushing and weathering.

Tools you'll need:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Brushes of various sizes and modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Panel-line wash to emphasise detail, plus dry-brushing
• Pigments and paints for weathering effects (mud, dust, rust)

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

The Tiger I was one of the most formidable tanks of the early and mid Second World War. It combined thick armour with an accurate, powerful 8.8 cm gun able to engage enemy tanks at long range. Early-production machines appeared at the front in late 1942, including in North Africa and on the Eastern Front.

Original vehicle specifications:

• Length (with gun): approx. 8.4 m
• Width: approx. 3.6 m
• Height: approx. 3.0 m
• Combat weight: approx. 57 t
• Powerplant: Maybach HL210 petrol engine (V12), approx. 650 hp
• Max speed: approx. 40 km/h
• Armament: 8.8 cm KwK 36 L/56 gun; two machine guns
• Crew: 5
• Feature: thick armour (100 mm front), 8.8 cm gun

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 in Shizuoka, regarded as the heart of Japan's model-making industry. It launched its first injection-moulded plastic kit in 1960 and soon set a global benchmark for quality thanks to precise tooling and excellent parts fit. The 1:35 Military Miniature series is one of the most highly regarded military model lines in the world. Beyond plastic kits in many scales, the company offers a full range of accessories: paints, glues, tools and brushes. Tamiya operates in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable brands in the hobby.