1:72 Tiger II Porsche/Henscel (dragon)

The real subject

The Tiger II is a German heavy tank of the end of the Second World War, armed with an 88 mm gun and protected by heavy sloped frontal armor. The first vehicles built carried a turret with a curved front plate, known under the designation Porsche; later production vehicles received a turret with a flat front and more room inside, designated Henschel. The difference between the two turrets is visible at first glance on a model, and it is the most common thing a modeler chooses between on this subject.

What the set contains

A photo-etched metal fret with additional parts for a model of the Tiger II in 1:72 scale, planned around the kit from Dragon and listed for both turret versions. The parts are cut from the fret, bent along the etched score lines and fitted to the model. Which parts belong to which turret variant, and exactly where on the vehicle they go, is given in the manufacturer's instructions.

Building and painting tips

In 1:72 scale the parts really are tiny, so work over a tray with a raised rim; a part that is cut off and jumps onto the carpet is hunted in vain. Cut with a sharp blade on a hard surface, never by breaking the part out. Make the bends in a photo-etch bending tool or against the edge of a steel ruler. Dose the cyanoacrylate glue a drop at a time on the tip of a wire, otherwise it floods the fine relief. Before painting, wash the fret, degrease it and give it a coat of primer.

Who it is for

For small-scale modelers who are bothered by thick plastic fenders and coarse grilles over the engine compartment. It is precisely in 1:72 scale that the difference between a plastic and a metal part is proportionally greatest, because plastic simply cannot be any thinner. The work calls for tweezers, a sharp blade and good light. The kit, paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.