Rye Field Model 5125 – 1/35 German King Tiger Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger Ausf.B Sd.Kfz. 182 Henschel Turret Standard Version

The Rye Field Model 5125 King Tiger (Sd.Kfz.182) Henschel Turret is a 1/35 scale model kit that meticulously reproduces the iconic German heavy tank Tiger II fitted with the Henschel turret. Known for its formidable firepower and thick armor, the King Tiger was one of the most powerful tanks of World War II. Rye Field Model delivers a highly detailed kit with numerous features to satisfy advanced modelers and enthusiasts.

Key Features:

• Scale: 1/35, ideal for dioramas or standalone display pieces.
• Accurate Representation of the Henschel Turret:
• Faithful reproduction of the Henschel turret, featuring its angular welded armor plates and distinctive design.
• Realistic armor texture with casting marks, weld seams, and rivet details.
• Highly Detailed 88mm KwK 43 L/71 Main Gun:
• Finely molded gun barrel, capable of being posed at different elevations.
• Includes internal breech and recoil mechanism details.
• Full Interior Option:
• Detailed internal compartments, including the fighting compartment, driver’s position, and turret interior.
• Features ammunition racks, radio equipment, crew seats, and targeting systems.
• Workable Suspension and Tracks:
• Functional suspension system allows realistic positioning on uneven terrain.
• Individual link tracks for authentic track sag and precise detailing.
• Photo-Etched (PE) Parts:
• Includes PE parts for fine details such as engine grilles, clamps, and additional armor components.
• Optional Open or Closed Hatches:
• Turret and engine hatches can be posed open or closed, allowing for display of the detailed interior.
• External Accessories and Stowage:
• Includes tools, tow cables, spare track links, and other on-vehicle equipment.
• Realistic details for fenders, side skirts, and external armor.
• Marking and Decal Options:
• Multiple decal options for historically accurate vehicles on both the Eastern and Western Fronts.
• High-quality decals ensure precision and realism.
• Instruction Manual:
• Clear step-by-step assembly instructions with detailed diagrams.
• Painting and camouflage guides for authentic historical finishes.

The Rye Field Model 5125 King Tiger is an exceptional kit that offers superior interior and exterior detailing. Its inclusion of workable tracks, PE parts, and optional configurations makes it a rewarding and ambitious build for WWII German armor enthusiasts. This kit perfectly captures the power and presence of one of history’s most iconic tanks.

Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger Ausf.B:

The King Tiger, officially designated the Panzerkampfwagen VI Ausf. B Tiger II (Sd.Kfz. 182), was the pinnacle of German heavy tank design during World War II. Armed with devastating firepower and clad in thick armor, it was an imposing presence on the battlefield. The Henschel turret version, the most widely produced variant, became synonymous with the Tiger II’s power and engineering.

Design and Features

The King Tiger was designed to address the shortcomings of earlier German tanks by combining the thick armor of the Tiger I with the sloped armor of the Panther, increasing protection without compromising too much mobility. The Henschel turret, unlike the earlier Porsche turret design, featured simplified construction with a more angular shape, making it easier and cheaper to produce while maintaining excellent ballistic protection. The front of the Henschel turret was 180mm thick, while the sides measured 80mm, providing exceptional resistance against Allied anti-tank weapons.

The King Tiger’s main armament was the 8.8cm KwK 43 L/71 gun, an improved version of the famous 88mm cannon. With a longer barrel, it delivered greater muzzle velocity, enabling it to penetrate over 200mm of armor at 1,000 meters. This made the King Tiger capable of knocking out virtually any Allied tank at long range. The tank carried 86 rounds for the gun and was supported by two 7.92mm MG 34 machine guns for anti-infantry defense.

Despite its heavy weight of 68 tons, the King Tiger was powered by the Maybach HL 230 P30 V12 engine, producing 700 horsepower. This allowed for a maximum road speed of 38 km/h (24 mph), though its mobility was limited on rough terrain and steep inclines. The tank’s reliability suffered due to the strain placed on its engine, transmission, and suspension.

Operational Use

The King Tiger Henschel turret entered combat in mid-1944, notably during the Normandy Campaign and the Battle of the Bulge. Deployed primarily in heavy tank battalions (Schwere Panzer-Abteilung), it excelled in defensive roles, where its superior firepower and armor could dominate open terrain. Its ability to destroy Allied tanks at extreme ranges gave German forces a significant edge, but its high fuel consumption, mechanical issues, and limited production numbers restricted its impact.

Legacy

The King Tiger with the Henschel turret represented the pinnacle of German tank design, blending firepower, armor, and engineering into one fearsome machine. However, its complexity and late introduction limited its effectiveness in changing the course of the war. Today, the King Tiger is remembered as an engineering marvel and a symbol of German armored might during World War II.