Trumpeter 1/16 Pz.Kpfw.VI Sd.Kfz.182 Tiger II (Henschel 105mm) Plastic Model Kit

 In early October 1942, a development plan for the VK 45.03 was released, with two companies offering their designs: Henschel and Porsche. Both companies used the Krupp turret design, with the main differences being the hull, transmission, and suspension.

The Henschel version used a conventional hull design, with a similar sloped armor arrangement to the Panther tank. The engine was rear-mounted, similar to the Tiger I tank, with nine staggered road wheels on each side, mounted on transverse torsion bars. To simplify logistics and maintenance, the wheels were overlapped in the same way as the Tiger I tank.

Henschel ultimately won the contract, producing all Tiger IIs. Two turret designs were available. The early model, originally installed on a Porsche concept vehicle, is often referred to as the "Porsche turret." This is a misconception; it was only one of two turrets originally designed by Krupp. This turret had a rounded front, steeply sloped sides, and a curved ridge on the left side to accommodate the cupola, making production difficult. Fifty vehicles were fitted with this turret on Henschel-produced hulls. The later, more common "production" turret, sometimes called the "Henschel turret," had a flat front and no ammunition reloading opening (as previously used on the earlier curved turret). The less sloped turret perfectly accommodated the commander's cupola, eliminating the need for a ridge.

The track system used by the Tiger II chassis is quite unique, with track shoes with induction teeth and track shoes without induction teeth alternating (commonly known as a "male and female" design). When the track grip is insufficient, anti-skid teeth can also be used.

The Tiger II was a late arrival in the war, produced in small numbers. Like other German tanks, it used a gasoline engine. However, the same engine, which was barely powerful enough for the lighter Panther and Tiger I tanks, was a bit underpowered for the Tiger II, similar to other heavy tanks of World War II. Its high fuel consumption also resulted in a short range.

• The kit consists of over 1500 parts
• Refined detail
• multi-slide molded lower hull and upper hull
• Full interior details
• individual tracks links
• Photo-eteched parts included