Tamiya Tiger I Late Version

The Tamiya Tiger I Late Version (HC-35146) captures the formidable German heavy tank as it appeared from January 1944, retaining its renowned up to 100 mm armour and the 88 mm KwK36 (L/56) main gun while incorporating key late-production refinements. Produced primarily by Henschel, the late variant reflects battlefield-driven updates to durability, crew visibility and defensive systems.

Late-Production Highlights

• Steel-rimmed road wheels replacing earlier rubber-rimmed types, with rubber rings insulated between pressed discs.
• Revised commander’s cupola featuring seven vision ports, an anti-aircraft machine-gun ring, and a side-pivoting hatch.
• Loader’s hatch fitted with a periscope for improved situational awareness.
• Smoke exhaust outlet relocated to the centre of the turret.
• Internally mounted “S” mine dischargers for close-in defence.

Historical Overview

Introduced in 1942, the Tiger I was widely regarded as the most sophisticated tank of its time and became one of the most feared vehicles of the Second World War. While many core elements remained unchanged in later production, ongoing refinements improved serviceability and crew effectiveness. The 88 mm KwK36 (L/56) remained standard; a potential upgrade to the KwK43 (L/71), as later used on the King Tiger, was considered but never implemented. Contemporary accounts often credited the Tiger I with overwhelming battlefield presence against Allied armour.

This late-production portrayal of the Tiger I showcases the notable mechanical and turret updates that distinguished 1944 vehicles, offering a detailed representation of one of history’s most iconic armoured fighting machines.