King Tigers - Which kit

Modeling Subjects Armor
1

Hey Folks, I wanted to run something past you. Is the King Tiger from Tamiya #35252 Ardennes Front the same kit as the Production turret version from Tamiya #35164 with different markings?

Also, how does the DML version hold up against the Tamiya.

Also…Is there a favorite/better King kit out there.

Thanks,

Ted

2

Yes, it is the same kit with new figures, parts for an optional mantlet and a motorcycle. I do not have any experience with the Dragon’s other than what I have read. The Tamiya kit is very nice and typical Tamiya fit and quality (and typical price, although I picked mine up at a show for $30). You need PE grills for it, however. Tamuya provides that meshing for it, but it is a pain to work with. Captain Cave man has a post regarding the new Dragon King Tiger Ardennes. IT has brass ammo, wire for tow hooks and PE included. However, it apparently has the late model tracks which may or may not have been used on a couple tanks during that period. Apparently the regular (not the Bulge) one is perfect for the Ardennes. Just get the Tiger sheet from Archer for the decals (or let me know- I have decals I didn’t use from the Tamiya kit)

3

the Ardennes kingtiger is the same as there earlier Kingtiger but with some nice crew members and a motorbike plus some other little bits there both nice kits

the Dragon Kingtiger is very nice, with some nice details and PE grills
it looks a great kit, but mines still in the box

i cant comment on the Porche Kingtigers becouse i havnt got that type, other than the Dragon Porche Kingtiger has an escape hatch that can open and the Tamiya Porche is molded shut

Dragon are bringing out a Battle of the bulge Kingtiger that has alot of extra bits in the box, but its not out yet

4

I have built both the Tamiya King Tigers and the Dragon Henschel King Tiger… I would say they are comparable builds… Both are nice, the Dragon kit seems to have better details…
I read somewhere that Dragon actually went to the Samaur?? museum and took measurements off the King Tiger on display there…
As far as cost goes, I believe the Tamiya Ardennes King Tiger is about $10 more than the Dragon KT…

5

I have the Dragon henschel version coming, does it have an aluminum barrel? I’ve built the Tamiya KT and it was simple and sweet.

6

If its the first release no it doesnt have any extra bits other than the PE grills
if its the battle of the bulge one, yes it will

7

Thanks for the info. I think I will wait for the dragon bulge king. (Yea I said Dragon[B)])

Ted

8

Here is my DML Henschel, I added a rubio tube, verlinden PE zim(modified from the Tamiya kit) and Fruil tracks, I was very pleased with the DML build.


Steve

9

I too am waiting the release of the Dragon KT…if it follows the pattern of the latest releases, it ought to be a great value vs. the Tamiya…won’t be able to buy it for a while, but it’s definitely going on the list of potential acquisitions for the coming year. [:D]

10

Oh, I’ll be buying it too. I have one complete KT, one being built now, but I just know I will end up getting it. It’s a sickness.

11

Crockett, Great job. I hope I can do half that good.

Thanks for the pics.

Ted