Takom 2096 1/35 German Heavy Tank King Tiger Model Kit Initial Production（Reprint Version）
Model: Takom 2096 | 1/35 | Sd.Kfz.182 King Tiger (Tiger II) Initial Production
Prototype: The first mass-produced Henschel turret Tiger King (non Porsche turret) in early 1944, characterized by a 40mm thick turret front and rear roof, early exhaust, small-sized command tower, and no anti magnetic coating.
Parts: Approximately 11-12 gray injection molded parts+1 transparent part+1 large etched piece (PE)+metal gun barrel+movable single pin track
Size: The finished product is about 210mm long; the box weighs about 800g
Historical background:
The Takom 2096 model corresponds to the first mass-produced Henschel turret Tiger King tank in early 1944.
The initial production version of the Tiger King tank was launched on July 11, 1944, when the 503rd Heavy Tank Battalion made its debut in Normandy; The first unit of the Eastern Front was the 501st Heavy Tank Battalion.
The first batch of 5 vehicles: chassis 280001-280005, assigned to the 130th Armor Instructor 316th Company, used for testing and training, with no significant achievements, mostly self destructed or abandoned due to malfunctions.
The initial mechanical reliability was extremely poor (frequent engine/transmission failures, high fuel consumption, and complex maintenance), but the frontal armor (150-185mm) and 88mm guns were almost invincible at the time, forming a huge psychological deterrent to the Allies.
The Tiger King tank was one of the most powerful mass-produced tanks in World War II in terms of firepower and protection, representing the highest technological level of German heavy tanks. Mass production only began in 1944, by which time Germany was caught in a pincer attack on two fronts, industrial collapse, fuel shortages, scarce quantities, and poor reliability, making it impossible to turn the tide of the war.
