Tamiya 35252 - 1:35 German Tiger II Ardennes Front

Plastic model kit of the Tiger II (King Tiger) – Ardennes Front – in 1:35 scale

Tamiya 35252 depicts the Tiger II (King Tiger, Königstiger) in the version from the German Ardennes offensive of December 1944. The tank, with the production Henschel turret, was armed with the long-barrelled 8.8 cm KwK 43 L/71 gun, able to engage enemy tanks at very long range, while its thick armour made it a hard target. The model allows two different gun-mantlet types to be built (stepped and smooth) and includes a movable turret rear escape hatch. The set contains 3 figures and a DKW NZ350 motorcycle.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with hull, Henschel turret and running-gear parts
• 8.8 cm KwK 43 L/71 gun and two mantlet types (stepped and smooth)
• Movable turret rear escape hatch; hatches can be built open or closed
• 3 figures (commander and orderly in leather jackets, plus a tank crewman) and a DKW NZ350 motorcycle
• Link-and-length tracks, decal sheet (Ardennes Dec 1944) and illustrated instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Item number: 35252
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: 294 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. Before assembly it is worth deciding on the gun-mantlet type and the arrangement of the hatches. The link-and-length tracks are best assembled in stages. Emphasise the final result with a wash, dry-brushing and weathering imitating mud and 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 II (King Tiger):

The Tiger II was one of the most heavily armoured and most heavily armed tanks of the Second World War. The first examples received a turret designed by Porsche, while the production version used the Henschel turret. The long-barrelled 8.8 cm L/71 gun and frontal armour of 150–185 mm made it a formidable opponent during the Ardennes offensive at the end of 1944.

Original vehicle specifications:

• Length (with gun): approx. 10.3 m
• Width: approx. 3.76 m
• Height: approx. 3.1 m
• Combat weight: approx. 70 t
• Powerplant: Maybach HL230 petrol engine (V12), approx. 700 hp
• Max speed: approx. 38 km/h
• Armament: 8.8 cm KwK 43 L/71 gun; two machine guns
• Crew: 5
• Feature: Henschel turret, frontal armour 150–185 mm

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.