Tamiya Plastic Model Kit
King Tiger Ardennes Front (1/35) 35252
This 1/35 scale Tamiya kit recreates the formidable German King Tiger (Sd.Kfz.182) fitted with the Henschel production turret as deployed during the Ardennes offensive in December 1944. Developed to counter the increasing threat from Soviet armour, the King Tiger was armed with the powerful 88mm KwK 43 L/71 high-velocity gun and protected by thick, sloped armour up to 185mm on the turret front. Combining the firepower of the Tiger I with enhanced protection and the sloped armour principles of the Panther, the King Tiger was one of the most feared tanks of the Second World War.
The Henschel turret, adopted for mass production after the initial Porsche design, underwent modifications during its production run, transitioning from a stepped mantlet to a smooth version. This Ardennes variant represents vehicles used in the last major German offensive of the war, where King Tigers spearheaded attacks in the dense, snow-covered forests of Belgium, proving almost impervious to most Allied tank and anti-tank weapons.
Also included is a DKW NZ350 military motorcycle, a lightweight two-stroke machine used extensively by German forces for dispatch and liaison duties. The version depicted here features late-war modifications including a reduced headlight size and simplified mudguards, reflecting the resource shortages of 1944–45.
- Highly detailed Henschel turret with choice of stepped or smooth gun mantlet.
- Turret rear escape hatch operable after assembly; all other hatches can be modelled open or closed.
- DKW NZ350 motorcycle with late-war detail refinements.
- Three figures: tank commander, crewman, and motorcycle orderly in realistic Ardennes winter attire.
- Accurate depiction of late-production features including armour layout and external fittings.
Perfect for dioramas depicting the Battle of the Bulge, this set offers both the might of German heavy armour and the versatility of their motorcycle-mounted troops.
