Just got one from the LHS. Comes with aluminum barrel, PE grilles and some various other asst PE parts (no tool clamps though), and brass ammunition with PE details, 2 styles of drive sprocket, 2 styles of mantlet and a metal tow cable. Looks pretty nice, as soon as I finish my Hetzer (painting this weekend) then I’ll start on it. Dragon does indeed appear to be on the ball with their new offerings. I’ve read though, that the tank this kit represents couldn’t have participated in the battles of the Ardennes because the late track and drive sprocket weren’t used until '45 on the final production run. Who cares? It still will build a nice KT, no matter what the box says.
Someone posted here not too long ago that they experimented with the late style tracks on 4 or 5 KTs during the Bulge. I wished I could remember who it was to credit them, but too many years working with glue. I had this box in my hands last night, but didn;t get it (only because I am currently working on th Tamiya KT and was avoiding repeating similiar builds. Now I am regretting it!)
sPz.Abt.507 had KT’s in the Ardennes with late pattern tracks and the 18 tooth sprockets. I don’t have any pictures available, but a google search for this unit should find some pictures and or turret numbers.
Here’s a quote (this is where I’m getting my info, regrettably, I’m not a KT guru):
"There is some comment afoot that this is a good late model Tiger II, but not a Battle of the Bulge tank. It does have the new single link tracks and drivers that came out in November 1944 but according to Jentz were not fitted until March 1945,and so would only have gone on the last batch of tanks built. "
http://misc.kitreview.com/armourreviews/dml6232reviewcs_1.htm