Which of these kits is more accurate the DML or AFV Club(Michael Wittmann Edition) Kit. The DML Kit has more extras but I’m wondering if it’s more accurate. AFV Club’s 251 Halftracks and pak 40 kits have been more accurate despite having fewer extras. I’m wondering if this is true with their Tiger I Late.
Nick
I have recently built them both, back to back. As far as accuracy, I would have to give my vote to DML. Here’s why- The AFV club kit(s) do not give you the options to build the different versions of the “late”. By this I mean with AFV you are forced to build the turret with the “final” turret roof, (i.e. cross turret weld seam, pilsen sockets, loaders hatch etc.). So, you are limited to Tigers which had these options. The DML gives you two turret roofs, one for the “late” and one for the final, along with the correct loaders hatches for each and not to mention the command version option, which, with AFV, you have to buy a separate kit.
All that being said, once built, and represented and marked corresponding historicallly to the correct versions, they are about equal. The AFV turret is molded in two halves, it is correctly assymetrical, but is a bear to assemble, the fit up is not as well engineered as the Dragon kit.
The Dragon…
The AFV Club…
The DML has so many more options and PE included that it is the far superior kit, with the flexibility to create versions of the late Tiger that have mid-late features, that my recommendation is to go with the Dragon kit.
The Dragon kit is not for the beginner, so if your skills are intermediate or beginner, I would go with the AFV. The AFV has a single molded hull top and side plate, sparing the builder from this construction, but the construction of the turret can frustrate.
regards,
Steve
Timely report Steve! Good insights. Thanks!
Glenn
I have see DML’s tiger late type, Very complexity certaintly.
But largess is very abundance.
So the answer is that both are about equally accurate?
Larry,
I’m saying that if you purchase the standard AFV late Tiger, you will be hemmed in if you want to portray a Tiger that does not have all the “final” features. DML gives you more accuracy options, to depict a wider range of features in the late Tiger production range, OOB.
The AFV “Wittman” 007 release should offer "command features, I’m not sure if it does, as I built the standard AFV late Tiger.
Stand alone as built kits, I don’t see a whole lot of difference. Some who are better qualified and have actually dimensioned the turret and hull, may say the AFV is the most accurate. My assessment is subjective, based in the build of the two kits. I have no data to back up my statement(s).
I hope this clarifies things my friend.
regards,
Steve
Thanks Steve. Very informative.
Nick
I just got the DML tiger 1 yesterday, and I must say that it is AWESOME! Its jam packed with litterally ALL the AM you would find in a detail set for the tiger 1, and a metal barrel is also included! I really cant wait to start building it, but I am currently working on the Academy 1/25 Jagdpanther. I know AFV would not include as many extras and options, so I would say DML all the way!
Thanks. I think the guy who originally posed the question had conceded that the AFV Club gives you fewer extras. I would see accuracy as correctness in portraying what it intends to portray, and it sounds like the AFV is trying to portray just one set version of the late Tiger I.
A pox on both of them! Neither comes wih Zimmerit! Long live Skybow! [(-D]