I have been reading a book called The Longest Winter by Alex Kershaw. In chapter 14, it mentioned 3 Jagdtigers tanks of the Panzerjager Abteilung 512 whom surrendered at Iserlohn in 1945 at the end of WW2.
Having done very little tank kits in my younger days, I have a keen interest in building one again. So here’s my dilemma: I’m looking for a nice Jagdtiger tank kit that is equipped with the 128mm cannon as portrayed in the book and in this video:
Both Dragon and Tamiya make Jagdtiger kits and in several incantations. Tamiya also does a nice 1/48 scale one as well if you are into a scale more in line with aircraft.
Dragon does both the more common Henschel suspension and a version with the Porsche suspension (only 10 tanks were built with this type of suspension).
Dragon makes the Henschel premium kit with the magic tracks which are individual tracks already trimmed and ready to go. Also included are PE grills and a metal barrel. Your best bet IMO.
As mentioned, both Tamiya and Dragon do the particular type of Jagdtiger you are looking for. Revell also does one, but that is simply a rebox of the Dragon kit. It’s somewhat cheaper, but lacks the PE for the engine deck grills, which is included in the Dragon kit and the Tamiya kit.
Having built both, I would recommend the Tamiya kit. The Dragon kit is most certainly not bad, in fact it is quite good, but its detail is not better than the Tamiya kit, they are both pretty much equally detailed.
The reason I prefer the Tamiya kit is the better fit of parts (typical Tamiya) and easier to work with tracks. The Dragon kit comes with individual links, the Tamiya kit has link and length, with convincing looking sag to them.
If you wish, I could take some pics of the Tamiya kit, it’s just awaiting paint.
I built the Tamiya a few years ago,it is an excellent kit if you don’t have a lot of armor experience,a trouble free build.The Dragon probably has more parts and somewhat better details,but also probably a more complicated build.The only thing about Tamiya is the link and length tracks which I hate,so I picked up Fruils which look great on this beast
Same kit, the skirts are optional. One just comes with a more famous German tank commander and specific markings for his tank. Hit eBay before you think about spending money on the Tamiya kit at retail. Those prices are insane.
The Tamiya kit was a real pleasure to build, it’s a little larger than most tanks and the parts are a perfect fit. After working very hard with AFV and Dragon Smart Kits, I enjoyed the change of pace and it builds into a great piece.
I do agree they are ridiculous prices. However when the time comes, I know the owner of my LHS will be able to give me a better price from his distributor and a discount as well. LOL!