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King Tiger Ausf.A Heavy Tank w/Porsche Turret - sPzAbt 503, France 1944

By: Dragon Models

Type: Scale Model

Product Line: Dragon Armor - Germany (Die-Cast) (1/72)

Last Stocked on 9/24/2016

Product Info

Title
King Tiger Ausf.A Heavy Tank w/Porsche Turret - sPzAbt 503, France 1944
Publisher
Publish Year
2004
NKG Part #
2147627482
MFG. Part #
DRR60042
Type
Scale Model
Age Range
14 Years and Up

Description

In January 1943, a new Tiger tank was ordered by the Waffenamt, this time with a turret large enough to mount the fearsome 8.8cm L/71 gun. Besides improving its tank killing capabilities, the new Tiger was also intended to be more survivable on the battlefield. To achieve this, the thickness of the frontal armor was increased to 150mm, while the side armor remained constant at 80mm. A wooden mock-up showing the immense size of the vehicle was displayed on October 20th, 1943 and immediately became the center of attention to all that saw it. Production of the vehicle began soon thereafter in November 1943 although the first 50 vehicles sported the Porsche turret with its curved front plate.

On December 6th, the Waffenamt deemed that the shot-trap formed by the turret be eliminated. This was achieved by Henschel re-designing the turret and gun mantlet, in such a manner as to decrease the frontal area while at the same time incorporating a bell-shaped mantlet. By March 1945, 489 Royal Tigers (a.k.a. Konigstigers or "King Tigers") had been produced. Apart from five vehicles issued to the Feldherrnhalle division, all of the Tiger II heavy tanks were assigned to independent schwere Panzer detachments due to the tank's staggering size and weight, as well as its relatively slow rate of maneuver.

Features:

  • Diecast metal and plastic construction
  • Static tracks
  • Accurate insignia and markings
  • Comes with acrylic display case