1:35 Tigers of LSSAH. 13./SS-Pz-Reg. LSSAH 1943-44 (Kursk and beyond).

Tigers of LSSAH, the markings of a heavy company 1943-44 in 1:35 scale

A decal set from the Star Decals brand in 1:35 scale. The name bounds the theme very narrowly: these are the historical markings of the Tiger tanks of the unit 13./SS-Pz-Reg. LSSAH in the period 1943 to 1944, that is from the fighting at Kursk onward. The contents are printed markings for a finished model, not a kit.

Historical classification

With the German formations, Tiger heavy tanks were not concentrated as single examples but into designated companies and detachments. The designation 13th company within a tank regiment describes precisely such a heavy company, and it is reflected in the numbering of the vehicles as well. Turret numbers were based on the company number, so alongside the usual three-digit combinations four-digit ones appear with them too. The year 1943 means the summer fighting at Kursk, and the period after it the moves and further deployment up to 1944. For a modeler it is a period in which a single color form alternated with later camouflage on the Tigers and the arrangement of the signs on the turret changed as well.

Application to a model

The turret of the Tiger is cylindrical and the numbers on its sides are large, which is the most sensitive place in the whole build. Apply them onto a smooth gloss base, seat them in two stages and keep checking that the horizontal axis of a number sits the same on both sides. A softener will help seat a sign around the welds and brackets, and a matte varnish at the end will unify the whole model. The manufacturer gives the detailed procedure directly on the packaging.

Intended for

• builders of German heavy tanks in 1:35 scale
• modelers who want the historically exact attachment of a particular unit
• models of the Tiger from the period of 1943 and 1944
• collectors of decal sets for the Eastern Front