Takom 2045 – 1/35 King Tiger Sd.Kfz.182 Porsche Turret Full Interior with Zimmerit

The Takom 2045 King Tiger (Sd.Kfz.182) with Henschel Turret is a 1/35 scale model kit that captures the iconic German heavy tank, also known as the Tiger II, in its later and most widely produced version. Featuring the Henschel turret, this tank was renowned for its powerful 88mm gun and heavy sloped armor, making it one of the most formidable vehicles of WWII. Takom’s kit provides a comprehensive build experience with full interior detailing and exceptional exterior features, perfect for experienced modelers and history enthusiasts.

Key Features:

• Scale: 1/35, ideal for standalone builds or diorama displays.
• Accurate Representation of the Henschel Turret:
• Features the angular, welded design of the Henschel turret, preferred for its ease of production and better combat performance.
• Realistic surface textures, including weld lines, casting marks, and rivet details.
• Full Interior Details:
• Includes detailed interior compartments:
• Fighting compartment with ammunition racks, seating, and gun mechanisms.
• Driver’s area with controls, instrumentation, and seating.
• Engine bay, featuring a highly detailed Maybach HL230 engine, cooling systems, and exhaust.
• Authentic reproduction of internal structures, providing an accurate view of the tank’s mechanics and crew layout.
• Highly Detailed 88mm KwK 43 L/71 Gun:
• Includes intricate breech details and internal recoil mechanisms.
• Gun can be posed at various elevations.
• Workable Tracks and Suspension:
• Individual-link tracks allow for precise articulation and realistic sag.
• Fully articulated suspension system for dynamic posing on uneven terrain.
• Photo-Etched (PE) Parts:
• Includes PE components for fine details such as engine grilles, tool brackets, and external armor.
• Optional Configurations:
• Hatches can be assembled in open or closed positions, allowing for display of the detailed interior.
• Side skirts are optional, enabling representation of combat-modified or factory-fresh vehicles.
• External Accessories and Stowage:
• Includes tools, tow cables, spare track links, and other external elements.
• Realistic detailing of fenders, armor plates, and exhaust systems.
• Marking and Decal Options:
• Multiple historical marking options based on units from the Eastern and Western Fronts.
• High-quality decals ensure precision and durability.
• Instruction Manual:
• Step-by-step assembly instructions with detailed diagrams.
• Includes painting guides and camouflage patterns based on historical records.

Conclusion:

The Takom 2045 King Tiger with Henschel Turret offers a rewarding building experience, combining intricate detailing and historical accuracy. With its full interior, functional suspension, and optional configurations, this kit is perfect for advanced modelers looking to recreate one of WWII’s most iconic tanks.

King Tiger Henchel:

The King Tiger, officially designated the Panzerkampfwagen VI Ausf. B Tiger II (Sd.Kfz. 182), with the Henschel turret, represents the pinnacle of German heavy tank design during World War II. Designed to provide unparalleled firepower and protection, the King Tiger entered service in 1944 and became a symbol of German engineering excellence. The Henschel turret, which replaced the earlier Porsche design, became the standard production model due to its simpler and more efficient construction.

Design and Features

The King Tiger’s design focused on combining thick armor with the formidable 8.8cm KwK 43 L/71 gun, an upgraded version of the famous 88mm cannon. With its long barrel and high muzzle velocity, the gun could penetrate 200mm of armor at 1,000 meters, making it capable of destroying virtually any Allied tank at extreme ranges. The tank carried 86 rounds for the main gun and was equipped with two 7.92mm MG 34 machine guns for anti-infantry defense.

The Henschel turret, unlike the earlier Porsche turret, featured a more angular, sloped design, improving ballistic protection and reducing the chance of ricochet into weaker areas. The frontal armor of the turret was an impressive 180mm thick, while the sides measured 80mm. The tank’s overall armor was similarly robust, with the sloped frontal glacis plate at 150mm and the sides at 80mm, making the King Tiger nearly impervious to most Allied anti-tank weapons.

Powering the tank was the Maybach HL 230 P30 V12 engine, producing 700 horsepower. Despite its immense weight of 68 tons, the King Tiger could reach speeds of 38 km/h (24 mph) on roads, though its mobility in rough terrain and reliability were limited. Its complex suspension and heavy drivetrain were prone to mechanical failures, especially under combat conditions.

Operational Use

The King Tiger Henschel turret was deployed with Schwere Panzer-Abteilungen (Heavy Tank Battalions), beginning in mid-1944. It played a significant role in key battles such as Normandy, the Battle of the Bulge, and the Eastern Front, where its armor and firepower gave it a decisive edge in defensive operations and long-range engagements. However, its high fuel consumption, logistical demands, and limited production numbers restricted its impact.

Legacy

The King Tiger with the Henschel turret remains an iconic tank of World War II, embodying the peak of German armored technology. While its operational effectiveness was hindered by resource shortages and mechanical challenges, its imposing design and battlefield presence left a lasting impression on military history.