1:48 Jagdtiger Early Production

Jagdtiger – early production (1:48, Tamiya)

An injection-molded plastic kit of the German heavy tank destroyer Jagdtiger (Sd.Kfz.186) in its early production configuration, in 1:48 scale from the Military Miniature range from Tamiya. The model captures the massive vehicle with its 12.8 cm gun in a fixed turretless casemate and with the cast texture of the gun mantlet. Link-and-length tracks with straight runs, figures of a commander and a driver and several marking variants are included. The exact package contents are not stated here.

The real subject

The Jagdtiger was the heaviest tank destroyer fielded in series in the Second World War. It came about on the basis of components of the Tiger II (Königstiger) heavy tank and carried an enormous 12.8 cm gun that could destroy Allied tanks at great range. It first appeared in December 1944 during the Ardennes offensive and then fought mainly in western Germany. Its enormous weight meant low mobility and frequent technical trouble, however.

Building and painting tips

First assemble and paint the running gear and the lower hull before you close the hull up. Glue the parts with liquid cement for plastic. Apply a primer and the paints with an airbrush, and apply the decals after a gloss clear coat. The large armor surfaces come out well with a gentle transition of shades; pick out the panel details with a wash and finish the surface with mud and dust effects in pigments.

Who the model is for

• Collectors of German heavy armor of the Second World War
• Anyone interested in tank destroyers and vehicles derived from the Tiger II
• Modelers who will appreciate a massive subject in the detailed 1:48 scale
• Builders of dioramas of the end of the war

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.