1/35 Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger Ausf. B German King Tiger Ardennes 1944 Upgrade Version

The Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger Ausf. B, known as the Tiger II or Königstiger (King Tiger), was the last mass-produced German heavy tank of the Second World War and entered service in 1944. It combined heavy armour with a powerful 8.8 cm KwK 43 gun, enabling it to destroy enemy vehicles from a great distance whilst being exceptionally difficult to penetrate from the front. The front armour of the hull was 150 mm thick, the sides 80 mm, and the sloped armour, inspired by the Panther tank, enhanced protection without a disproportionate increase in weight. Despite its impressive combat capabilities, the Tiger II suffered from mechanical unreliability and high production costs; by the end of the war, only around 490 had been produced. Nevertheless, it became one of the most famous heavy tanks of its era and remains a popular subject for plastic model-making to this day. The ‘Ardennes 1944’ version refers to the deployment of these vehicles during the German offensive in the Ardennes in late 1944.

This Rye Field Model kit, in 1:35 scale, is a glue-together model in the so-called ‘upgrade’ version. Compared to the standard version (RFM5137), this variant (RFM5138) additionally includes two sprues with parts for the Maybach HL 230 P30 engine and one sprue with clips and other photo-etched parts. Features common to both versions include movable torsion bars, a reproduced recoil mechanism utilising the supplied spring, decals with four marking variants, photo-etched parts, a metal barrel and a 3D-printed muzzle brake. During assembly, you can choose one of four types of drive sprocket teeth, and the tracks remain movable once assembled. Version 5138 also includes 3D-printed parts, such as the drive wheel, fire extinguisher and anti-aircraft machine gun. The hatches can be assembled in either the open or closed position.

The 1:35 scale is the most common for armoured vehicles and offers ample scope for detailed rendering of surfaces and additional features. For the Tiger II, it is common to highlight welds and armour texture, apply operational grime, dust and mud to reflect its winter deployment in the Ardennes, and add edge wear according to the chosen style. The kit does not include the paints or adhesives required for assembly.