1/35 Tiger I Early Production Battle of Kharkov (Smart Kit)

Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger Ausf. E, known as the Tiger I, is one of the most famous and iconic tanks of World War II. It was designed in response to the need for a heavy tank capable of countering Soviet machines such as the T-34 and KV-1, which the German forces had caught by surprise with their armour protection and weaponry. The Tiger I entered service in 1942 and became a formidable opponent on all fronts thanks to its massive 88mm KwK 36 L/56 barrel and heavy armour (frontal armour up to 100mm). Its combat debut on the Eastern Front took place during the Third Battle of Kharkov in the spring of 1943, where heavy tanks SS-Panzer-Korps battalions (mainly units of Das Reich Division and Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler) used the Tiger for breakthrough attacks and anti-tank operations.

The early production version of the Tiger I featured several specific design details that differed from later variants. These included an early type of command cupola with thicker walls and periscopes, escape ports on the sides of thehull in a characteristic position, the absence of Zimmerit (anti-magnetic coating was introduced later) and often the winter/spring camouflage used on the eastern front - white paint over the rearThe paint was a dark grey colour, which was transformed by wear and mud into a characteristic colourful appearance. The Battle of Kharkov was an important test for the Tiger I in real combat conditions and confirmed its lethal effectiveness.performance, although it also revealed technical problems related to weight, fuel consumption and maintenance.

The 1:35 scale Dragon kit focuses on this historically significant phase of the Tiger I's deployment. The 1:35 scale is the standard for military models and allows for the faithful depiction of all structural details including running gear, tracks, armour plates, armament and small equipment. For the modeller, this version is an interesting opportunity to recreate the characteristic look of the early Tiger I with elements of the typicalof the Kharkov operation - winter camouflage, battle wear, mud and dust from the spring thaw. The kit is suitable both for display and as a basis for a diorama depicting the fighting on the Eastern Front in 1943. The package does not include the paint or glue needed for assembly.