Tamiya 35227 - 1:35 Tiger I Initial Production DAK Afrika

Plastic model kit of the Tiger I (Initial Production) – North Africa – in 1:35 scale

Tamiya 35227 depicts the Tiger I in its earliest version (initial production), as sent to North Africa at the end of 1942. These were among the first Tigers to appear at the front. Early production was distinguished by pistol ports on both sides of the turret, a characteristic stowage box, bent fenders and skirts typical of vehicles sent to Africa, and an angular exhaust pipe cover. The decals correspond to the markings of the 501st Heavy Tank Battalion (s.Pz.Abt.501) in Tunisia.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with hull, turret and running-gear parts
• Parts characteristic of early production (pistol ports, turret stowage box)
• Fenders and skirts typical of Afrika Korps vehicles
• Towing cables, tools and track links; vinyl tracks
• Decal sheet (s.Pz.Abt.501, Tunisia 1942) and illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Item number: 35227
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: approx. 240 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 sequence of the running gear. African vehicles usually wore a sand finish – emphasise the final result with a wash, dry-brushing and weathering imitating desert dust.

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 (Initial Production):

The Tiger I was one of the most heavily armoured and most heavily armed tanks of the early Second World War. The earliest examples, fitted with a number of unique, prototype features, were sent among other places to North Africa. The 8.8 cm gun allowed it to engage enemy tanks at long range.

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: earliest version, prototype features

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.