Dragon Models Ltd

1/72 Sd.Kfz.182 Kingtiger Porsche Turret w/Zimmerit

Kit Number: 7254

Reviewed by  Michael Delano, IPMS# 45645

MSRP: $14.95 Introduced in 1944, heavily armored, and equipped with an 88mm main gun, the King Tiger was the heaviest production tank introduced onto the battlefield during World War II. Dragon's recently released King Tiger kit with Porsche Turret and pre molded Zimmerit coating builds into an accurate rendition of one of the first 50 King Tigers produced. The kit comes nicely packaged (as with all Dragon kits) in the standard sized boxing for Dragon's 1/72 scale armor kits. As with many of their other kits, the box artwork is very nice - almost suitable for framing, in fact. In addition, the instruction sheet is a single fold sheet in medium glossy stock and in full color. The kit is molded in the standard grey plastic on six sprues containing 115 usable (65 unused) parts. In addition, 4 photo etched engine deck grilles and two DS Track strips molded in tan are included. Markings for 5 separate units along with decals for one 'unidentified' Eastern Front unit are included on two separate decal sheets by Cartograf. Unit markings are as follows: · 3./s.Pz.Abt.503, Mailly le Camp 1944 · 3./s.Pz.Abt.503, Hungary 1945 (Winter scheme) · s.Pz.Kp.(Fkl)316, France 1944 · s.Pz.Abt.506, Arnhem 1944 · s.Pz.Abt.503, Normandy 1944 My biggest gripe with this kit is the fact that there are no photo etched parts for the trapezoidal engine deck grilles as there are for the 1/35 King Tiger kits. Instead, solid plastic parts are provided for these, which in my opinion, provide far less realism. To make up for this, however, the upper and lower level engine decks are molded separately, which allows for greater detail and the ability to leave the engine access door open without the need for an aftermarket engine detail kit. The main gun barrel and muzzle brake are molded in one piece. There are significant seam lines running along the top and bottom of the barrel which will need to be carefully removed. With that said, however, the muzzle brake itself is very clean and benefits from Dragon's "slide molding" that allows for greater detail in their molds. One of the great aspects of this kit (aside from the obvious molded Zimmerit) is the fact that the cupola and the rounded front turret plate major are slide molded in one piece. Care will need to be taken with the upper turret and the turret base, as there is a considerable .5mm gap on each side that will need to be filled. This was the only fit problem encountered with this particular kit, however since this is hidden from view, it isn't that big of a problem. For assembly, I decided I would go with the s.Pz.Kp.(Fkl)316, France 1944 scheme. I began by completing all of the major sub assemblies in four groups - the turret, the upper hull and fenders, the chassis, and wheels and sprockets. Once all sub assemblies were completed, I primed them with a thinned coat of Tamiya XF-1 at a ratio approximately 60/40 thinner to paint. This was done in order to bring out the texture of the Zimmerit coating once the base color was applied. Allowed to dry, I then sprayed everything over with a 50/50 mix of Testors Dunkelgelb with a few drops of white to lighten it up a bit. Once all the subassemblies were completed, I started on the fun part - the track. I started by spraying each run of DS track with Tamiya XF-64 (Red Brown). Next, I liberally coated each side of both track runs with Vallejo Oxid Paste for a textured base. I allowed the Oxid Paste about 30 minutes of drying time, after which, I applied a heavy coating of Tamiya XF-1 thinned to about 70% thinner on the track. I gave each side about 30 or so seconds to dry, then dabbed the entire run with a soft cloth. Once both runs were completed, I dry-brushed using Tamiya XF-56 (Metallic Grey). I was pleased with the results.

A coat of future was sprayed on the assembled tank (minus track), allowed to dry, and then the decals were placed with the help of Micro-Sol. With everything dry, I went ahead and wound the track on the wheels. The instructions tell you to run the track around the wheels first, then attach them end to end. I found, however, that the best way of tracking the tank is to go ahead and close the track, then slip it over the wheels. The manner in which the track is an interlocking notch instead of just holes and posts - sturdy enough that no glue was required. Once both sides of the Tiger were tracked, I put sag in with the help of a little superglue. The instructions say nothing about adding sag in the track, however DS track has enough elasticity in it that the sag can be easily replicated. With everything complete, an oil wash mix of yellow ochre and burnt umber was applied. The tool tips and handles and were painted last. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this kit. The few negatives were far outweighed by the positives. Cons: · Molded-on tools. · Gap in the assembly of the upper turret to turret base. · Lack of extra PE forward engine grilles. · Ugly seam line on gun barrel. Pros: · Molded Zimmerit. · Beautiful Cartograf decals. · Easy to follow instructions. · One piece upper turret. · Detailed gun loading / sighting / elevating mechanism. · Positionable dorsal and rear turret hatches. I would like to thank Dragon USA (www.dragonmodelsusa.com) and IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review this kit.

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