1/35 Tiger I Early Production "TiKi" Das Reich Division (Battle of Kharkov)

The Tiger I was one of the heaviest and most feared tanks deployed by the Wehrmacht during World War II. Its design was based on the requirement for a machine capable of facing Soviet tanks on the Eastern Front, where the existing German types proved inadequate against the T-34 and KV-1. The Tiger I combined heavy armour (frontal plate up to 100 mm), a powerful 88 mm cannon, and a powerfulKwK 36, and the relatively reliable Maybach HL 230 engine, making it a formidable opponent in direct engagement. However, it was also technically demanding, heavy (over 50 tons) and expensive to produce, so only about 1,350 were produced. The Early Production version featured specific details such as a smoke grenade launcher on the turret, a different type of commander's optoelectronics, and a different design of running wheels and armour plates.

The tank, designated "TIKI", served with the Waffen SS division "Das Reich", which took part in the fighting for Kharkov in the spring of 1943 - one of the key operations on the southern section of the Eastern Front. The "TIKI" became famous thanks to photographs taken in April 1943, when it was used as an improvised podium during a ceremony: General Kruger stood on it and made a speech to the assembled soldiers. This tank was one of the first nine Tigers delivered to "Das Reich" division, and its visual appearance - including typical markings and operational wear - is now well documented, making it an attractive subject for modellers looking for a specific historical machine with a verifiable background.

Dragon kit in 1:35 offers a detailed treatment of the early production version of the Tiger I with the possibility to build just the "TIKI" machine, including the characteristic markings and equipment corresponding to the period of the Battle of Kharkov. The 1:35 scale is the standard for military equipment and allows precise work with armour, chassis, turret and accessories (smoke grenade launchers, spare parts, tools). The model is suitable both for display presentation and as part of a diorama depicting combat or background scenes of the Eastern Front in 1943. Typical German camouflage (dark grey RAL 7021 or a combination with brown and green) and operational pollution corresponding to the spring mud and dust of the Ukrainian steppes are applied. The package does not contain the paints or adhesives needed for assembly.