Dragon Models Ltd

1/35 Pzkpfw VI.E SdKfz.181 Tiger I Late Production

Kit Number: 6406

Reviewed by  James Kelley, IPMS# 42106

MSRP: $42.95 The fifth Tiger I release from DML (and the 2nd "Late" version) is essentially a re-worked re-release of their previous editions. Although many of the molds have been tweaked to incorporate various small parts that were photo-etched in the earlier releases, and although Dragon claims to have redone the lower hull to capitalize on the Slide-Molding technology, it's very familiar to those modelers who've built the previous incarnations. The kit consists of 720 parts (590 parts in grey styrene, 104 etched brass, 21 clear styrene, 2 DS track runs, 2 twisted steel wires, 1 spring). The decal sheet provides markings for 6 vehicles; "334", 1./s.Pz.Abt. 505, Nowe Koszary 1944 (Green over Panzerbraun); "122", 1.s. SS-Pz.Abt. 101, Normandy 1944; "242", 2./s. SS-Pz.Abt. 102, France 1944; "304", 3./s SS-Pz.Abt. 101, Normandy 1944; "933," 9./s. SS-Pz.Regt. 3, 3rd SS Panzer Division "Totenkopf", Poland 1944; and "133", 1./s. H. Pz.Abt. 510, Kovno 1944. A partial list of the options provided includes: two styles of idlers, two different rear plates, three different mantlets, two different turret roofs, two different commander's cupolas, three command antennae, and two different muzzle brakes. As DML still doesn't include Zimmerit anti-magnetic mine paste molded into their 1:35 late-war vertical surfaces, (this is about to change; the upcoming 1:35 King Tiger has it molded in!), and because I was in a bit of a rush to complete this before the National Convention in Anaheim, CA., I used the Cavalier Zimmerit set. There are really no bugaboos with this kit; its assembly is faster and easier than the previous releases, due largely to the fact that many of the photo-etched details are molded into the parts now. I assembled and cleaned up all of the road wheels and idlers, painted them, and then set them aside. The rest of the lower hull was assembled, and I used the rear plate associated with the "command" vehicle I was modeling. Many of the smaller details need to be obliterated from the flat, vertical surfaces where the Zimmerit will go; Cavalier has the same details molded into their exquisite plates of the German-borne mine paste, so not to worry.

I attached each of the pre-measured plates in the appropriate spots with slow-drying cyanoacrylate, and then pressed it out by starting at one end and working forward. This was my first experience with Cavalier's products, and I'm sold. The set basically consists of Zimmerit, cast in the shape of each respective model part in paper-thin resin, along with a replacement mantlet and turret escape hatch. I simply cut the sections off of the sheet with a sharp pair of scissors, glued them off, and cleaned up what barely-there overlap there was with sandpaper. I admit that sometimes, there's an innate satisfaction that comes from pasting your AFVs with homemade Zimmerit…but pulling it off in under an hour for the whole vehicle, with flawless results brings it up to a whole new level!

The deck fits snugly into the hull, and is festooned with numerous tools and tow cables. The tow cables can be placed with wire cable, or injection-molded ones. Also, the tools come in two sets; one with the latches molded onto them, and one set without. The set without molded-on latches will benefit from the photo-etched, 3-piece latches held over from the Tiger I Initial Production release from 2005.

The main gun comes complete with the breech mechanism. No other interior details are provided for the turret. I built my AFV with everything buttoned up, so it won't matter. I did have to drill two small holes in the turret's deck, and one on the main deck, to receive the command vehicle's antennae bases. The "starburst" antenna, trademark of the Command tank, was the only piece in the whole kit with any flash on it. After very carefully cleaning this up, it went into its holder. The two other "whip" style antennae were replaced with fine, steel wire. The kit's are fine…I just like the way mine look better.

DML has forgone the traditional "Magic tracks" for the single-piece runs of DS100 styrene track. The detail on these, including hollow guide horns, is fabulous. They were painted separately, after the AFV was completed and painted, then placed. DML retains the "guide forms" for the correct track curve and sag particular to the Tiger I, but I found no reason to use them with the DS100 runs.

As Germany coated their AFVs with a Red-Oxide type primer, I covered my model with Red-Oxide primer from a rattle-can. Once it was dry, I liberally coated all hard edges, fenders, and wherever else I thought wear would be heavy with water. I painted it on using an old brush. Then, I sprinkled table salt all over, allowing it to collect in the wet areas. This was followed by light sprinkling of large-grain salt, much like Kosher salt (It was actually Soft Pretzel salt, from a big Costco box of Super Pretzels!). Once the wet areas were dry, I airbrushed on the camouflage colors. Finally, when this was dried, I went back with an old, very stiff brush and knocked all of the salt off of the model. Underneath was a very satisfying, realistic looking chip set all the way down to the Red-oxide primer! These areas were then touched up after all the other weathering techniques with bits of red-brown in the centers, and some streaking away from them.

The decals were applied over a coat of Future, as was a set of "filters" and an oil wash of Burnt Umber to highlight the details. The tracks received a coat of the same primer, mainly because I didn't know how acrylic paint would stick to the DS 100, and then they were airbrushed Black-Grey. Final weathering to the tracks was done with pastels.

All in all, a nice build for the experienced modeler, and a nice series of introductory challenges for the novice ready to advance his or her skill set. Highly recommended. Thanks to Dragon Models, LTD. And IPMS/USA for the review kit!

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