20230710 (16)_1-48_PzKpfw_VI_Tiger_131
AFV Club's 1:48 early production Tiger I (PzKpfw VI or SdKfz 181 are alternative nomenclatures) modelled as The Tank Museum's "Tiger 131" with some Eduard brass and Techmod decals. This Tiger was captured in Tunisia towards the conclusion of the North African campaign of WWII. It was practically brand new, just issued to Schwere Panzerabteilung (Heavy Tank Battalion) 504 and transported to Africa. Engaged by Churchills of 48 RTR and British infantry units, the Tiger had its turret jammed by a six-pounder shell that ricochetted off the underside of the 88mm gun barrel and lodged in the turret ring having carved a lump out of the mantlet. The crew abandoned the tank and it fell into British hands, to be returned to Britain and evaluated to find any exploitable weaknesses. Passed in due course to the museum, it was displayed in various colour schemes until it was decided to return it to running condition and its original North African camouflage.
I have modelled Tiger 131 as it appears at its own Tiger Days at The Tank Museum where its menacing presence, unique sound and surprising mobility and speed can be appreciated. Some combat damage has been purposely left as it was and I have tried to incorporate that accurately.
20230710 (16)_1-48_PzKpfw_VI_Tiger_131
AFV Club's 1:48 early production Tiger I (PzKpfw VI or SdKfz 181 are alternative nomenclatures) modelled as The Tank Museum's "Tiger 131" with some Eduard brass and Techmod decals. This Tiger was captured in Tunisia towards the conclusion of the North African campaign of WWII. It was practically brand new, just issued to Schwere Panzerabteilung (Heavy Tank Battalion) 504 and transported to Africa. Engaged by Churchills of 48 RTR and British infantry units, the Tiger had its turret jammed by a six-pounder shell that ricochetted off the underside of the 88mm gun barrel and lodged in the turret ring having carved a lump out of the mantlet. The crew abandoned the tank and it fell into British hands, to be returned to Britain and evaluated to find any exploitable weaknesses. Passed in due course to the museum, it was displayed in various colour schemes until it was decided to return it to running condition and its original North African camouflage.
I have modelled Tiger 131 as it appears at its own Tiger Days at The Tank Museum where its menacing presence, unique sound and surprising mobility and speed can be appreciated. Some combat damage has been purposely left as it was and I have tried to incorporate that accurately.