About a year or so ago, Panzerkampf hinted that it was getting into the larger scale pre-built armor game when it posted a couple of preliminary photos of a German Tiger heavy tank. Today, more information surfaced concerning this endeavor.
While no pricing was offered, nor was there a list of the vehicles’ features, photos of two early production Tiger I tanks were shown off for the first time – one decked out in a feldgrau (field grey) pattern and the second in a summer camouflage pattern, based upon a vehicle that saw action with the 2 SS Panzer Division during the fateful battle of Kursk. We’ve asked Panzerkampf to provide additional details concerning both vehicles along with estimated release dates. Thus far, all they’ve said to date is that the schematics were based upon a popular model kit. As we’ve come to expect from Panzerkampf, they likely have at least 5-6 different versions in the works ( a common theme whether it be aircraft or helicopters), with more planned should their inaugural entries take off.
On a personal note, while we welcome their entry in the 1:35 scale regime, it would’ve been nice if they had chosen a different subject to kick things off. Dragon released a bevy of 1:35 scale Tigers a few years back and Forces of Valor already has a number of larger 1:32 scale Tigers in their lineup, with more eventually planned. A better choice might’ve been either a Panzer IV or Panther medium tank, two vehicles collectors have been requesting for years on end. We’re certainly not looking a gift horse in the mouth but the fact remains initial sales will be based upon the vehicles’ interest amongst the collecting community, which shouldn’t be dampened by the fact that multiple versions of the Tiger already exist.
Takeaway: It’s hard enough to get new product into our country due to the Trump tariffs so while we welcome the announcement as well as their intent to play in a new sandbox, it would’ve been ideal had they chosen to pick a different vehicle to kick off the new range. Two entrenched players in the 1:32/1:35 scale market have already sewed the “seeds of destruction” by modelling the Tiger I tank, so it might’ve made more sense to go with a subject that would’ve been accepted with more relish instead of offering yet another Tiger I.