1:35

[@scottbedard3471]

Hopefully you will make a comeback and review the new dragon tigers.

[@dtmjax5612]

Excellent videos Adam. Really has helped me get through the weeds of all the different kits, etc. and what I should look for and stay away from. I've been a modeler for decades but mostly 1-32 scale aircraft and various scale cars and race cars. Just really getting in to tanks, and it's almost like a new hobby again for me. Thanks to you and a couple other good channels helping find my way. Keep up the good work sir!

[@TheAcolyteofEdenHall8]

Cannot explain my fascination with Tiger tanks. Have built 7 different kits. Your dedication to perfection is admirable. Thanks for the information. Phil

[@derekbaker3279]

IMHO, the Tiger I has an intimidating appearance. It also represents the most sophisticated & dangerous tank to come from that generation of tank designs around the world. Furthermore, a number of legendary tank commanders graduated up to the Tiger I, so there is a lot of history & impressive stories attached to the Tiger I. Finally, because of the necessary limitations of the armour fielded by the western allies, the Tiger became a symbol for those who believe in the superiority of all German equipment, a myth that has been perpetuated for the last 70+ years.

[@berniescheid5286]

I hear you buddy I have 8 tigers all Tamiya and all in the box! 🇨🇦

[@chelseachelseaboy]

As a complete Tiger novice I found this video an excellent source of info....I never realised DML had put so many Tiger kits out, I really hope you put up an update on the other Tiger kits that have been released since you did this video., thank you so much for this one, superb.

[@davidwestwater2219]

Such a neat and organized work area

[@rcostnlct2135]

Adam, I appreciate your comments and information! I am several steps below you in terms of detail and accuracy, but I enjoy the research, assembling, and painting of model tanks! My son and I had a laugh from your comments on the first Tamiya Tiger kit. That was my first German tank model, purchased in 1975 [from of all places, K-Mart!] for $7.50. Not only do I still have it, but my son purchased another one for me [minus the motor] from a military model show last November for $10.00! Three-digit prices for any 1/35 scale vehicle is way out of my league, and I'm sure many others as well,especially those like my son just starting into model building and collecting. So thanks for explaining how to get the accuracy with economy!

[@peterhorne6837]

Hi Adam Mann, thank you for your input, much appreciated and I enjoyed your video. I am a Tiger aficionado and freak, thanks for pointing out the various aspects of the Tamiya and Dragon kits. I prefer the Dragon Tigers with moulded on Zimmerit, as it saves time and allows me to focus on other aspects of the model I'm trying to model. Thank you, and keep up the good work!!

[@HamilkarBarkasScaleModelling]

a very interesting video, i built or have seen most of the kits you showed there and it was nice to hear what you think of them. i actually like the tamiya tiger a lot aswell, maybe it is the kit i built most often. i think at least 4 times and still enjoyable :)

[@AdamMann3D]

Hamilkar Barkas I like the Tamiya Tigers fine, as long as you get some PE for the grills. I replace the tracks as well but that's not necessary for everyone. I've built 2 of those, and it certainly was the kit that got me truly in to Tigers.

[@hgbarnes1584]

Hi, I'm taking in as many reviews in order to buy my first Tiger, well my first tank, and this was very helpful. Thank you Adam.

[@sabrekai8706]

I built 35056 way back in 1975, while I was in college. It still survivies today and it is sitting on my shelf now.

[@HamilkarBarkasScaleModelling]

It's 2020 and I am locked away from my workbench. This helped me a lot Adam :)

[@AdamMann3D]

Stay strong Michi.

[@roberttimofte4646]

Thx a lot for that! You don't know how much i've looking for something like this! Now i know for sure what kit to buy, didn't know what's in their Dragon Kit's.

[@paulmcwilliams1709]

I do love the Tiger tanks and I think Tamiya kits are nice. They are still expensive but not as expensive as Dragon's are. I started building models when I was seven years old, and now I'm 56. Model prices now are sky high and I really don't know how anyone can afford to build anymore, especially when your on a fixed income so I really appreciate this video.

[@davidwestwater2219]

The prices are insane they're just insane you're paying $50 for a couple cut out things of plastic it's just nuts

[@jamesmackenzie1336]

About the best video I’ve seen on Tiger variants - I’ve been building up my ref materials so this vid helps massively. I don’t think you are OTT with your POV. I think they are very valid and pertinent. Awesome work - thanks

[@geekyrocket9714]

Well this is just an outstanding video! I think Andy hit the nail on the head with christening it as the "Definitive Guide to buying a Tiger". I will definitely keep this video close when I'm out looking for a Tiger. Really nicely done mate, and I really like how you edited and brought it all together! I have a few Tamiya Tigers in the stash that you covered, but now I wish I had the Dragon kits instead LOL! Cheers mate!

[@AdamMann3D]

GeekyRocket Thanks man, I really like Tigers and I think that helped to allow me to quickly learn what the deal was with all of these kits, and I thought I should share what I knew.

[@oatis053]

Been modeling since I was a kid and just picked up a Dragon 6406 for 45.00. Will do my own zimmerit with putty. Love the vids man keep it up.

[@AdamMann3D]

It's a great kit. I'm not quite skilled enough to do my own Zim. Thanks for the compliment. Work has kept me from videos for some time. But more will come.

[@petrolekh]

Great review, you saved me spending weeks doing research and evaluating all of the kits to build. I want tot build a late model but dreading the Zimmerit.

[@revhead5420]

Dragon don't care about their customers , its that simple ,, great video mate ...

[@motulautech4680]

how they don't care?

[@damuses1452]

@@motulautech4680 They provide no multi-language instructions. Furthermore, they do no provide the extra photo etch parts/alloy main barrel parts with the later production runs of the same product (i.e. same Dragon number).

[@richardtreadway5031]

Really enjoyable stroll through the Tamiya and Dragon kits. Excellent info. One point of contention though: not all mid production Tigers had zimmerit. A few of the first batch did not carry zimmerit. I believe these went to 506 (who had a mixture of early mid (without zimmerit) and mid with zimmerit. I am still checking to see if 505 had some issued too. Great video though!

[@lyndoncmp5751]

Bit late with this but Grossdeutschland also had a few of the first mids without Zimmerit.

[@rickhoffman2470]

The tiger tank from tamaya that you converted to the tiger 131 what type of track do you have early, mirror

[@DMStaxi]

I like your video very much. Great and clear information! I just decided to buy Dragon 6383 and 6406. Thanks for the upload Adam!

[@MilitaryHistoryVisualized]

since you mention that those kits are not "amazing", could you make a list of the most "amazing" kits you know of? (Ideally with a less cheesy title.)

[@AdamMann3D]

+Military History I'm not really sure what you mean, but i prefer Dragon to everyone else. So Dragon 6383 which is a late with Zimmerit, 6700 which is a mid production with Zimmerit, 6730 which is a later type early, 6820 which is an early early of Tiger 131 from Bovington tank museum, and 6608 which is an initial from the North African campaign. That's pretty much the best of each version of a Dragon Tiger kit covering all of the primary variants. I'm currently building Rye Field Model's early with full interior, which isn't as good of a fit as Dragon, but is quite detailed and I could recommend if you want to build a full interior kit. The title was meant to mimic the book series which educates people on a subject they want to learn about but have little knowledge of. It was meant to advertise what sort of information I was giving, and it's worked very well.

[@MilitaryHistoryVisualized]

+Adam Mann well, you basically said that those kits are good, but not amazing. Considering your vast knowledge and interest in model kits (and the internetZ) desire for Top-Lists, I would love to see you doing a top list of the best kits you know (not limited to the Tiger!).

[@AdamMann3D]

+Military History oh, oh. I see. Yeah the internet does love that sort of thing...you know that's not a bad idea. I might drag my friends from KZbin like Hamilkar Barkas in on that. That's a great idea. Sorry i misunderstood you before.

[@HamilkarBarkasScaleModelling]

@@AdamMann3D how about doing exactly that mate?

[@88Truc]

Thanks again. I really appreciate what you have done. That is a lot of work but sure lots of it was enjoyable. Seen a lot of good stuff people have been posting but yours really stand out. I build all modern post WWII and WWII. Mostly armor. Will be here supporting your channel. Nick

[@AdamMann3D]

Nick Ruz Thanks very much, I put a lot of work in to this one for sure. It's a labor of love though.

[@willl655]

You need to build all of these it would be pretty impressive to see that those Tiger 1's lined up, great video.

[@alvinmarcus5780]

I know why finding a Tiger is getting harder to do, Cause you got em all. 😂

[@TacticalJackalope]

O.K. Adam, I just finished watching the video in its entirety. I am very impressed sir very well done. I put this in my favorites box right away for future reference. In my very humble opinion this is The definitive guide on buying Tigers for the uninitiated or simply those who want to know more. The amount of back ground information as well as the detailed explanation of each kit is just fantastic. I would give this video 2 "likes" if that were possible. Well done bud...well done. It would nice to see you do a follow up or companion piece on the AFV Club Tigers at some point. I know Coen is not a big fan but I think they represent an excellent value for the money.

[@AdamMann3D]

TacticalJackalope I've already thought about that Andy but I only had the Academy early with interior and no AFV Club or Zvezda. That you for the compliment, I put a decent bit of work in to this, unfortunately I left some stuff out that I wish was in there.

[@ronstar7027]

There was a collector in California who has assembled and restored dozens of real tanks from all wars. They are beautiful. He has an authentic Tiger tank, in mint condition, and I was allowed to get inside of it as a photographer. It was stunning inside. Large blocks of machined alloys and extremely high precision fittings. Just astonishing. The Tiger tank seemed to be the apex of military vehicles I had ever seen. The museum had Russian tanks, Chinese tanks, English, and US tanks, as well as German tanks. There were tiny tanks from WWI, and current tanks from the Russian army. Beautiful. I believe he closed his private museum and possibly sold off some of the tanks. He had a full shop with workers restoring tanks, and had just fished this Tiger from a River in Europe, where it had been submerged for fifty years. He brought it back to mint running condition, including (non functioning) weapons and all accessories. The museum was somewhere near San Jose in the hills. I forget the name of the guy or the location.

[@daveybyrden3936]

That's rather interesting because nobody seems to have heard of that Tiger you describe. I suppose you have no photos?

[@oatis053]

That was not a Tiger it was a panther that they fished out of the river I saw the video. The only operational Tiger I is at the Bovington tank museum in England. Here is the video kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5vUZWeZmcqAhZo

[@ethan5354]

Do you know why the DAK Tigers had weirdly bent front and side fenders? Was this a technical aspect or a side effect of the heat warping the metal? Also I've seen pictures of Tiger 1s converted to the Fahrschulwanne Statdgas training variants, to be powered by wood fuel. Were those early productions or mid?

[@DrJack6191]

Ethan Ton probably not. Heat would not have bent the fenders like that. Looks like a rush job at the factory.

[@daveybyrden3936]

There were no D.A.K. Tigers. By which I mean, the Afrikakorps were never issued any Tigers. The first 17 Tigers sent to Africa had a different set of mudguards to the later ones. This included the bent front mudflaps, but in fact all around the tank the sheet-metal items were different to the eventual "standard" version. Dozens of Tigers went to the Eastern Front with non standard side skirts. Tigers at training schools were usually powered by compressed gas cylinders. Charcoal gas is a different system and has only been seen at the factory, when newly built hulls were getting a test run.

[@davidharrington1133]

Built the Tamiya one and was very happy with tghe result.

[@masudashizue777]

Excellent comparison video. What if you just want to build one ultimate early Tiger with zimmerit?

[@AdamMann3D]

I''m currently testing the Takom late with Zim. I'll let you know. Otherwise it's RFM or Dragon currently/

[@88Truc]

Great stuff. Have to say been waiting for a vid like yours. Had my attention all the way through. Keep going strong. Nick

[@AdamMann3D]

Nick Ruz Thank you very much. I love Tigers and It took months of trolling around the net to find what I wanted to know. Very glad it's helpful.

[@od1452]

You bring out an important point..... If the kit is your just want one for my collection... which do you build.? .Accuracy and kit quality are big things we modelers worry about. But who likes to build a frustrating kit. ? I have come to the idea that an expensive kit can be worth the extras , but that is not aways true. I try to find reviews to help me decide but they don't always help.. BTW I think (?) Zvezda's Tiger 1 is from one of Dragon's molds. Thanks.

[@robertsmith8648]

I think I will go with the 6383.Thanks for the info.

[@richardnevermore8536]

Thanks for your videos, great work and they have helped me with my purchases.

[@TheDaddyTinman]

Thanks for the vid as 2016 closes. Still very relevant as I know now what to look for if I do chase a dream of building Michael Wittmann's 007 with the turret attached and not upside down next to the chassis.

[@DaveyChainZ69]

Hey Adam. Another great, informative video. 👍

[@FeralVG]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge & experience. Greatly appreciated.

[@esling77]

Ty for doing these vids. Im really new to tanks and you have helped me a lot. ty!!

[@AdamMann3D]

+zofoblues I'm very glad to help.

[@wesmander]

I remember Tamiya’s late tiger being released 30 years ago , it was the first new 1/35 kit they had issued for years , I’m building the dragon wittmann kursk tiger , it’s very well made but I can’t help but think they have over complicated some of the parts , I purchased the afv club tracks with hollow guide horns then discovered the 4 raised ejector mask that have to be carefully removed 😡, should have paid the bit extra for the fruil metal tracks

[@louislaplante7484]

Hey would you be able to review the new Takom tigers that will be releasing in January?

[@AdamMann3D]

I might. Their advisor at Ft. Benning was going to send me some. But then I might have pissed him off on Facebook. We shall see.

[@georgewelch2366]

Adam, love these tank comparison videos. Any chance of doing one for the current StuG III offerings?

[@markholmphotography]

Needs to be updated. In 2023, Dragon still charges a ton for their keys yet you’ll never find a metal barrel and the goodies are mostly gone.

[@Panzermeister36]

Yup

[@steviegibson5847]

great video and good advice. I watched this again as I just bought the Tamiya mid Tiger. Its a little dissapointing, detail wise and even parts wise. compared to the RFM Tiger which I bought when it came out, the Tamiya kit is in the stone age. OK, that was a bit harsh. Not quite. But you get my point. The RFM kit was £40 and the Tamiya was £26 but needs pe grills. Anyway, I digress.....great video. Also, fyi on eBay, the US sites are always cheaper than eBay UK or Europe. In other words when you say for example that Tiger blah is $45 which is £30.....yes, mathematically that is correct. BUT in the real world, a $45 Tiger will be a £45 Tiger. I know you are just helping people with a guide, but I travel to tne US once a year and always look out for stuff on eBay US cos it is a lot cheaper. So its just to give YOU an idea of prices overseas.

[@MasterUxi]

Thanks for the vid. I've been lusting for 6253 for awhile and I'm now convinced 6383 would be a better way to go. The multi piece plastic barrel is probably good enough though would definitely be looking at aftermarket tracks most likely.

[@ualuuanie]

Have any of you seen a tiger 1 where there is a upside down Chinese character at the front of the tank? Heard from a old modeler that it was an old set not sure if its still in production.

[@AdamMann3D]

ualuuanie I have not heard of that. I'll have a look around though. Do you know what scale or around when it was made?

[@ualuuanie]

Adam Mann 1/35 and that old modeler stopped collecting around tamiya around 1990s and died around 2000. He started that hobby around the 1980s when he retired from his job.

[@willfont1143]

ualuuanie Yes... it's a 1/35th Tamiya kit with a Chinese character on a yellow background on the decal sheet. I didn't choose that particular decal however to finish my model. I believe it's a Tamiya late version...I'll check my unused decals and let you know.

[@ualuuanie]

thanks

[@zmjzmx]

it should be the tamiya early one. 35216

[@arcitejack]

The comments alone are worth the visit.

[@AdamMann3D]

Glad to hear it.

[@robertgraham1511]

Adam where can I find the colors and the number for Kurt Knispel Tiger and King Tiger.

[@leighrussell6083]

Really useful presentation, thank you for taking the time

[@nedfridrich7888]

Hi, I just got a Tamiya 35216. Getting back into this hobby now after 40 years. Want to know what after market tracks you use. I can find metal barrels and grilles but find the track situation confusing. I'm slowly trying to return to this hobby. Started in the Tamiya world with the Panzer ii and Panzer iv. Want to take this Panzer vi to the next level before I tackle Dragon. Love the video and the information provided. Thanks! Any other advice appreciated!

[@AdamMann3D]

I designed a set for Tankraft which is a US company. Panzerwerk Design is in Poland. I like his. And trex is a Chinese company I am an advisor for. All of these would work. Early type.

[@nedfridrich7888]

@@AdamMann3D I will look to purchase some of yours. I found your site. Thanks!

[@scottp4357]

you sound a bit like Steve Buscemi. Now i can't unsee Mr Pink making 1/35 Tigers

[@TheBlytonian]

Thanks Adam. Truly helpful roundup. Do you have an opinion of Academy's Tiger kits?

[@AdamMann3D]

TheBlytonian I built the early with interior, I didn't like it much at all. Detail is spongy (worse than the Tamiya) and the fit was even bad.

[@Emtbtoday]

Good review! I ordered one from trumpeter today hope it's in scale, trumpeter kits are normally nice newer tamyia kits are really nice moulds but lack alot I feel! And normally avoid tamyia kits nowadays think I have one in the stash a mk 2 Matilda but only because its tamyia that makes her what's a real shame! I think other companies can really go to town on a new Matilda kit release! Looking forward to getting my trumpeter tiger 1 though! Got a Dragon panzer 4 today with a mk4 ww1 British tank iv been wanting to build for a while now!!

[@AdamMann3D]

The Trumpeter kit is pretty good. It has zimmerit on the MG mount which is incorrect. But it's otherwise pretty solid.

[@Emtbtoday]

@@AdamMann3D cool! I just bought a zimmerit kit for a panther G for my jagdpanther 2 tank destroyer kit from amusing hobbies! It was cancelled to make the E30 ir something not quite sure yet on that still trying to find abit of history on the project! It's a nice kit really nice detail and the wheels and drive sprocket and idler are stunningly crisp sharp detail the zimmerit kit came with loads of pre cut parts and because this mythical jagdpanther 2 kit I'm building wasn't built and created from world of tanks , you can pretty much play with alot of what ifs for detail! But tbh I'm not going daft that way just built out the box it's got loads of PE! The hull is the normal jagdpanther so alot fornthe hull I'm taking from.the jagdpanther and the super s is based on the Elephant with the rear mounted gun and it's the 128mm I'll swap out the MG ammo casing for the zimm one out the kit and and other port holes the only thing amusing hobbies have actually missed out completely is an exhaust system!! There just not one on the kit lol! So what iv done is watch a couple of videos on world of tanks and see theres exhaust smoke coming out from behind the 3rd steel road wheel! So took abit of airtubing from my aquarium spare bit of course lol and recreated the up swept exhaust system on the rear but because it's got a crew hatch that opens like a 4x4 tailgate on a land rover top n bottom the PE skirts comes with 5 panels or 2 long bits of mesh to hang from the 3rd pannal back and the mesh to replace the 2 rear ammo skirts! All starting to come together with the 3rd road wheel exhaust ports! And cut another peice of tubeing to go over the exhausts to create a heat shield! And its looking Brilliant lol! Abit of weathering and rusting up and its gonna look pretty cool with side exhaust like an old Corvette stingray! Lol staring to really like this build now! Wasn't to into it at start not being a real machine but if this thing was built I reckon it could have been the game changer! Lol

[@liamgray9805]

Hi Adam, yes this is very helpful to me just getting back into the hobby - confusing I have to say, but helpful none the same, i think ill try a Tamiya :), cheers.

[@fwsauerteig]

Um, many of the early early or as the channel calls them had smine launchers, and some of the regular earlies had these deleted. Another important difference between the Jan-Feb 43 early early and later earlies is the alteration of the central engine vent with the triangular vent and different placement of the round phillip screw head like pieces.

[@AdamMann3D]

+F.W. Sauerteig I'm currently working on a follow up video to this that will all be done in CG and show the differences like that visually. In this though I was more trying to dumb down simply for average people.

[@stoves92]

Good video! Ordered kit 6383 today. Will be my first dragon tiger.

[@AdamMann3D]

Very good choice.

[@rickpalo1]

I never knew the Tiger was such a popular tank, it's crazy to see how much they get for some of them.

[@colonelminus]

Italerie released a kit lately to rebuilt the WoT Tiger. Interesting thing is that you can actually choose between three versions. 1. The late Tiger E with zimmerit. 2. without zimmerit. 3. there is an early turret as well so therefore you apparently can also go for the Fehrmann Tiger which is kinda cool because the kit is not that expensive by less than 50€.

[@daveybyrden3936]

Fehrmann Tigers didn't have an Early turret on a Late hull. They were original Early Tigers with new wheels only. From what you say, I guess the kit doesn't include all that.

[@panzergarage7333]

Adam, great video and very helpful, even to guys that have building for a long time. It just goes to show you can never stop gaining more information...well done. I have a few of those kits and was just about to get another Tamiya but might skip it as I am very impressed with Dragons kits - I have 6730 and Cyber Hobby 6610 which is also a very good kit (Wittmann's last Tiger which I got at a good price). I also have two Academy Kits (13239 Post initial/Early w/internals) and 13314 Late. I find they are not as accurate or good as the Dragon's but for my purposes they will still do OK. You are exactly right about the spend though - you could spend a fortune on upgrades but with Dragons recent tooling I find that broadly it is not really required, except for tracks. Again, well done on the vid

[@AdamMann3D]

Thank you very much. I just did a long review of 6730 that i'll upload shortly, and you're correct. With how accruate that kit is it's hard to think of buying anything but Dragon. Thanks for watching man.

[@americanpatriot2422]

Outstanding video and presentation

[@What_Other_Hobbies]

I believe models are usually expensive because shipping them is expensive. By shipping, I mean in a container, going over The Pacific or The Atlantic. 1/35 scale tank is about the same space as a gaming laptop, which is $800-$1000. iPad pro 12.9in box is smaller yet costs $800. Not to mention smart phones nowadays. I am not justifying the high price tag. There are certainly people jacking some models price up just because they are special, but in general they are expensive. I may get a few to start buidling early 2018. I still have a Mighty Mo sitting on my shelf, not started yet.

[@troyfritz5857]

Can you give me the correct color scheme for a dak tiger?

[@daveybyrden3936]

The correct answer is: none. The Afrikakorps were never issued any Tigers. There were a couple of occasions when Tigers and Afrikakorps units fought side by side, but that doesn't make them D.A.K Tigers.

[@oatis053]

Tiger 131 from the Bovington museum was in Tunisia so that might be a scheme you would like.

[@modelmantstewart1292]

Hey Adam has Dragon put out a kit of the Sd. Kfz. 164 Nashorn sense 1994 kit number 6001

[@AdamMann3D]

yes, 6386 is much better.

[@kevinchapman4362]

Hey Adam liked your video looking for a good tiger kit but was lost with all that I seen I'm thinking of the kits with yellow bands on boxes with aftermarket tracks ! ?

[@kaleu6]

What aftermarket tracks do you use on your Tiger kits?

[@AdamMann3D]

+Erik F. usually AFV Club workable as they're pretty affordable. I have Modelkasten as well which I love the final product of but they're fragile and the build takes a long time. I also have many Friul metal track sets, but I find they're too expensive.

[@kaleu6]

Thank you. I've used the MK tracks and like them, but yeah, they are fragile and do tend to come apart. I like Friul, but the cost is high and drilling out the links does get tedious. I didn't know about the AFV club tracks, but I'll start looking for them now.

[@eazyazpie3767]

Friul metal tracks

[@chrisbarry4734]

Nice vid - I'd like your thoughts on the new Rye field Models Tigers 5001, 5003 and 5005. And wonder if the Friul tracks will fit on them?

[@AdamMann3D]

If you go the videos I've uploaded I've done a review of all of the Rye Field Tigers.

[@chrisbarry4734]

You haven't mentioned the Friul tracks - will they fit?

[@AdamMann3D]

Chris Barry Friul tracks fit every Tiger I've put them on.

[@58MrMike]

Good summary . I built the Dragon 6600 and Tamiya Late. What early or mid production kits are reasonably priced these days?

[@AdamMann3D]

Reasonably priced? Not many. I would still suggest Dragon to 6700 or the rebox. The Rye Field kit needs Zim added unless you do one of the 35 early mids without Zim, but then you have to add the small pistol port and loaders hatch locking disc.

[@JoeMakesModelKits]

I buy my products from scalehobbyist and I want to get a Tiger. Its the Tamiya Early version. Your review kinda scared me because I don't have much money and you need some money.. meaning.... another 8-11 dollars for aftermarket plus 8 dollars of shipping. the kits are around $30-$40 and Its a little high considering I need aftermarket parts making the grand total around $40. and the "better" ones are in the high 40s to 60s which are no no for me. I there any solution or do I just need to pay for a good kit?

[@AdamMann3D]

Joe Makes Model Kits So that's a very good point. If you're looking at 35216 as the kit, and you are super concerned about accuracy there isn't much you can do. It is a very good kit for what's in there but if you watched the video I'm sure you heard my opinions on the things that need upgrading. The all around best kit for the money around that price would probably be Cyber-Hobby 9142, the Orange Box early. The two problems with that one being that the tracks though correct are single piece DS, which makes it harder to get correct sag, and the kit is now out of production. It is frequently on ebay for between $30-$40 though. I snapped one up a few months back that came with Friul tracks for $40. So, long story short, 9142 has a slide molded barrel, PE grills and apart from those weird wheels (which you can separate), and the DS tracks is basically every other Dragon Tiger ever. Maybe that's the route I'd take. Because you're absolutely right, if you buy the Tamiya early and want it to be accurate you'd need a $8 set of PE grills, and $20-$40 on tracks if not a metal barrel.

[@JoeMakesModelKits]

Adam Mann I'm not very concerned about the DS tracks or the 100% accuracy. I am concerned about seam lines on the barrel for the 2 piece parts like tamiya and cyberhobby does for most of their kits. I may buy the extra aftermarket parts like PE grills and such but nothing past $40 (I can't find item 9142. the closest thing is a Tiger II)

[@AdamMann3D]

Well, that one is out of production. If you're looking for an early in the range of $40 Tamiya is really the only option. You could get an RB barrel from ebay for about $8. Probably the cheapest option.

[@JoeMakesModelKits]

Adam Mann ok thanks! :) youve helped alot with your product review videos

[@davidkravitz4409]

Thank you for clarifying Dragon's Tiger I kits. What do you recommend or use for tracks, if Dragon Tiger I tracks have guide horns?

[@BIGZet]

So im planing to build a 1943 early Tiger in Kursk painted in Grey and so on. So Tamiya kit No. 35216 is completely fine to go with? Of course I'm gonna add a whole ton of PE's and Friul metal tracks, metal barrel and tow cabbles. My question is. Is everything alright with this tamiya kit? Like geometricly correct correct, like being in scale (hull, turret and wheels)? I'm having problem with finding dragon kits, shops are often out of stock :(

[@AdamMann3D]

BIGZet Yes 35216 is fine as far as what's there is correct. There are certain Academy and older Tamiya kits without the asymmetric turret shape, but that one is good. All parts that are there are correct. For a Kursk era Tiger make sure you use the later style feifel filters with one large upper canister, not the two separate cans . Also a Kursk Tiger would be dark yellow with olive green camo not grey. The only grey Tigers (at least commonly known that were photographed) were initials in the Leningrad area in late 42.

[@BIGZet]

Adam Mann Thanks for the tips and advices! :D yeah you're right! When it comes to camo turns out there were no grey Tigers, i suppose it was just a common misconseption to think that tigers in Kursk were grey for some reason. Thanks man! Subscribed

[@AdamMann3D]

BIGZet Glad to help. You know It could just be that all the footage being in black and white sticks in our minds. If you think about it we've basically only ever seen real Tiger tanks in grey scale.

[@thomasandrew4881]

WOW, I might just switch my hobby after all those Dragon kits. What about the Wittmann's Last Tiger kit by Cyber Hobby?

[@AdamMann3D]

It's just 6383 with the befehls parts from 6253. This video is rather out of date now.

[@arthurreyes2632]

Good review. It helped me decide which tiger tanks to buy. I noticed the initial tiger was the only one with 3 outer road wheels, everything after has 4. Is that correct?

[@AdamMann3D]

They all have the same amount of wheels until the steel wheels were introduced. They are just commonly removed on the first station.

[@thiagobartolo]

Hello, great video, is there any dragon Tiger that comes with hollow horn tracks?

[@AdamMann3D]

Thiago SB All of the Dragon Tigers that come with DS have hollow guide horns. So 6406, 6600, 9142, 6700, 6383 and 6730 all do. I am not a fan of one piece tracks though. But I've seen them done well.

[@jamesmackenzie1336]

Not sure why you didn’t go the whole hog and include the RFM Tigers?

[@AdamMann3D]

When I made this video the field didn't exist yet. I did talk with RFM while they were working on their kits, and reviewed them individually.

[@jamesmackenzie1336]

Yep, I’ve seen them all - and I just realised about the release date when I saw date of your vid - if the RFM reviews were in the same format that would be awesome

[@gunnarbaumer492]

Thanks Adam. I thought this video to be very useful. As well as your video on the Dragon query. Keep it up pal.

[@AdamMann3D]

Gunnar Bäumer You're most welcome. That's exactly what I made them for.

[@scottmccloud9029]

Great job on your Tigers. Thank you for the information too. If I may ask, where did you get your work mats at? I can only find relatively small ones. Thank you in advance.

[@derwindhund116]

HI Adam I've only just come across this mini review of the different Tiger kits, Like you, i've built a number of them over the years, so I know them fairly well, but thought I would watch it out of interest. I know that you made this five years ago, and prices change, but I have to say, your prices for the UK are way out. Retailers at the shows, which is where I buy some kits, have always put me off buying Tigers from them, they are generally £60 and up, in fact, that goes for most Dragon kits. I buy most of my kits on eBay, as there are no local hobbies stores in the city I live, however, even today, the cheapest Dragon mid Tiger is £56, and has held that price for years, the Michael Wittmann early Tiger 1 with crew is £67. Even the Cyber Hobby orange box kits retail for £35 and up, and thats not thier Tiger, but more their PZIII ect. I think the cheapest I've seen them in the UK, was £33, and that was over five years ago. Other than that, it was a enjoyable video. Martin

[@williamfitch1408]

Ace! Cleared up a lot of confusion.

[@morgoth62]

thanks! very informative. I am currently building the Tamiya kit you built your 131 from and I am going to make it a 131 also. Do you have a video on your tamiya 131 build? Or can you tell me what changes you made to fix the tamiya kit? thanks in advance.

[@MJ-nn1ox]

Its a pity that you haven't done a chart highlighting the differences. I enjoyed your highlighting the differences but lost my way among the plethora of information you gave. Maybe a top twenty chart of all the manufacturers to see how they really compare.

[@TheNordus]

I bought a Dragon Tiger I Late Production "With goodies" brand new from a hobby store for 55 euros except it didn't come with "Goodies" such as the commander or extra metal bits. Did I get ripped off?

[@non-prolific135thscalemode7]

Thank you very much for this video. I think I'm THE Tiger dummy. This is really, really helpful, 'cause I never built a Tiger. I just didn't dare to due to my little knowledge on the subject. Great! I just discovered your channel recently. Liked and subbed! :)

[@AdamMann3D]

+Non-Prolific 1/35th Scale Model Builder Thank you. Glad to help and share the knowledge. That's why I put the video up. There have been new kits since this was made, so if you have any questions about a kit or something just ask.

[@non-prolific135thscalemode7]

Thanks a lot. I really might need your help. :)

[@MisterStoffy]

Hi Adam, Interested in buying my first 1/35th scale tiger1, so thanks for the video. I'm from Australia so everything is exspensive, so have my eye on a dragon tiger1 for a sort of cheap but still exspensive price. What do you know of the 25401 set fromTamiya Tiger I Late Version - w/Ace Commander & Crew Set? This one is cheaper again but will I end up having to buy upgrade etching etc? Everything is so exspebsive I might be better off sticking to scratch building figures. Regards Chris.

[@panzergarage7333]

+cosocreative hey mate, I am from Australia as well - its a pain and very expensive hey for this stuff. Anyway have a few Tamiya Tigers myself and some of the new Dragon ones. Depending on how good you want to make it some of the newer Dragons I would highly recommend, either initial early or late. I am dreading the next Tamiya due to the work involved. You can get some Dragons off ebay from asian suppliers often with free delivery, which makes it comparable or better than buying here. Good luck

[@MisterStoffy]

+PanzerGarage Hey there, yep totally agree, looking at getting a dragon 6406 1 in 3 kit from ebay shortly. really itching to give it a go, even thinking of shelving it then building a cheaper academy one first before making the dragon.

[@AdamMann3D]

+cosocreative Sorry I didn't see this until now, Google notifications can be a little wonky. I know that set, it's been recently re-released, and yes it would for me at least require some PE engine grills and possibly after market tracks. The PE for those Tamiya tanks though I keep to a minimum because they look pretty solid in most ways apart from those grills. I didn't know stuff was so expensive over there. Careful of Academy Tiger's they can be kind of icky. 6406 is a super good kit though, just remember if you want to be accurate you should get a Atak Zim set or do some with putty.

[@panzergarage7333]

mate I agree with Adam. I would stick with Dragon for the moment as you ending up spending on upgrades etc that add up, especially with out postage. The Academy one I did recently I only did due to the interior that I wanted but it did cause me some grief with some changes and terrible paint guide - you have to replace the tracks at an absolute minimum. The level of detail is good for its time but now the Dragon detail is sensation - I am building two Stugs at the moment; Dragon Kit 6633 and Tamiya Finnish Stug G and to be honestthe Dragon it is exceptional, even though it is essentially double. Its the postage here that kills you but the model shops tend not to store the latest and so have no option.

[@MisterStoffy]

+Adam Mann So I bought the Dragon 6406 for like $63 Aud inc shipping and next time I look it's gone up to $83Aud!!!! and thats the cheapest I've seen a dragon tiger kit for anywhere. So for us Aussie whom want to get a 'decent ' tiger kit it's getting a little on the side ridiculous. For the likes of Tamiya, Academy, Italeria, Rye Field and even Zvezda you're looking at mostly on average $60 and up and most Dragon kits are $90 and up. It's just crazy!

[@berniescheid5286]

Where do you rate the Ryefield Model tigers compared to these?🇨🇦

[@58MrMike]

Building 6866 Mid but want to get 6406 late. . Have you ever tried making your own Zim? Or is the Trumpeter kit with Zim a better buy?

[@randyjones4975]

Adam, what are your thoughts on Tamiya's late Tiger which depicts Wittman's last Tiger in France? Saw it on Amazon and was curious.

[@AdamMann3D]

It is exactly like their other late kit with different decals. SO if you really want to build an accurate 007 the Dragon kit would be best. Either 6253, 6404 or 6383 would have the right parts. Although 6383 doesn't tell you to use them in the instructions they are still there. Mainly with befehlsTigers you have the large command antenna storage tube on the rear, an extra short antenna on the roof and some tool configuration changes. Also with the Tamiya the tracks are solid guide horn which is something I always fix. And all the kits except 6383 would need Zimmerit added. Technically the white boc Wittmann's Last Tiger from Cyberhobby is the best as it has the decals for 007 and the Zimmerit. But it's expensive.

[@randyjones4975]

Thank you, Adam. Am a subscriber to your channel and it has been extremely helpful!

[@Brodka4Realz]

Incredible video and perfect timing. I am looking to build another Tiger I so this helped me decide that I will go with Dragon for sure rather than Tamiya. Problem is I want to build a mid production Tiger AND I want to do my own zimmerit so that I can work in lots of battle damage. But Dragon's mid production version comes with zimmerit which I don't want. Is there anything you recommend to help?

[@AdamMann3D]

Brodka4Realz I'm not sure what you should do there. That is the only Dragon Mid I know of that isn't stupidly expensive. I think, and I don't have the sprues handy but I think there'd be all the parts in the box for the hull without Zimmerit. The turret though would have ZImmerit. The Cyber-Hobby white box 6660 doesn't have molded on Zim but it's rare so it'd be expensive.

[@RasEli03]

so witch shud i get?

[@willabe566]

Halo mannen did you even watch the whole video?

[@RasEli03]

Willabe aperently i dident

[@goshoone]

how did you do the green on the 131 to look so yellow and historical accurate?. I used the recomended color from the scheme and my tank looks ugly because the green is very green

[@AdamMann3D]

I used Tamiya desert yellow as RAL 8000 and Tamiya Khaki as RAL 7008. I was very surprised how close to actual colors those two are. What paints did you use?

[@goshoone]

Mr hobby 402 - Green Brown (Grunbraun) Kaki and Mr Hobby 80 - Khaki Green (Khaki Grun)

[@goshoone]

Can you help me identify the yellow Is it www.migjimenez.com/en/acrylic-colors/557-khaki-brown.html Or is it www.migjimenez.com/en/real-colors/24-ral-8000-gelbbraun-8432074000136.html ?

[@willfont1143]

Thanks for the great review Adam... very helpful! I've built 3 Tigers to date... a Tamiya late and early version and an Academy early version which was horrendous. Replaced the 88mm with a Jordi Rubio barrel on the Academy and used an Eduard barrel on one of the Tamiya Tigers. I have 6 other Tiger kits in my stash... 3 are Tamiya (35146 late), 35202 mid [Otto Carius #217] and 35227 DAK initial. Also have 2 Dragon kits both 3-in-1's... (6406 late and 6600 initial). The last is that Academy Tiger with the 'full interior'... which has warranted terrible reviews. I'm developing a fever to build another Tiger! Two questions Adam... (1) if I first choose to build Dragon's 3-in-1 Tigers will there be enough spare parts to enhance the Tamiya kits? (2) Any thoughts on AFV's 1/35th Tiger? I've built their 1/48 scale Tiger and the 251 halftrack and was impressed.

[@AdamMann3D]

Quixotic Modeler Thank you. Yes there would be tons of parts left over from a Dragon Tiger to help upgrade the Tamiya a bit. I'm not sure which parts, but yes. I haven't built the AFV Club one yet, reviews say the barrel is a bit too short. It seems ok, but nothing special. But again I haven't built one, so eventually I'll have to. I share your opinion of the Academy Tiger though. If you're interested in Tiger models there is a new company about to release a DAK Tiger called Rye Field Models, it looks almost Dragon like.

[@willfont1143]

Thanks Adam... I'll give a Dragon kit a go for my next Tiger build... hoping any unused parts will supplement the Tamiya kits in my stash. Hoping to master this YT video technology one day so I can share my build with the community. I'll keep an eye out for Rye Field Models' Tiger... thanks for the Recon!

[@JohnWick-wi9rs]

Hey there Adam. I have watched this video at least 3 times now. What you went over in this video has helped me narrow down what my first tiger 1 would be. I went with the Tamiya 65216 early. I think that's the right model. The dragons obviously appear to be better. But I'm on a bit of a budget, and could not really justify spending that much on my second model. Anyways, seeing that I will have the early production tiger 1 I was wondering what paint schemes I could apply to it. I didn't want to go with just a solid color, I'd like for there to be camo on it. But I also want it to be historically accurate. Thank you again for providing this video, it was most certainly informational. I look forward to hearing from you.

[@rickconnel532]

I'M just getting into building my first tiger.It's an academy. Is it a good kit?

[@AdamMann3D]

not really.

[@rickconnel532]

Not even for a beginner.

[@rickconnel532]

Happy Thanksgiving.Sorry to bother you.

[@AdamMann3D]

Rick Connel You should go with Tamiya if you're a beginner. The level of complexity is similar, but Tamiya fits like a dream whereas Academy is essentially a lower quality copy. If you want to do an Early, try 35216, it's beautiful.

[@rickconnel532]

Thank you.For the advice.I'll put this one away.And get the Tamiya.

[@Tony196180]

Would like to see a review on Border Models 1/35 early Tiger I

[@MichaelGreen-dm2ov]

Am I right that DRA-6820 Tiger 131 is a Early and DRA-6608 is DAK-Initial? I ask cause I saw the new Dragon listing on their website.

[@AdamMann3D]

michael green basically yes. 131 is an early early, and 6608 is an initial.

[@oddball3673]

Ahh, Dragon "Magic wheels" in the orange box Tiger.

[@RandomCanEHdian]

Did many mid Tigers not have track holders on the front? I've also seen mids without zimmerit, is this accurate?

[@AdamMann3D]

RandomCanEHdian If you're referring to the bar across the lower front, some did and some didn't. So whatever you choose is fine for that. A Mid without Zimmerit I don't think I've seen but that doesn't mean it didn't happen. So the redesign of the cupola happened in July of 1943, right when Kursk was happening. I don't off hand though know when they started being issued. Zimmerit was applied in the factory from late 43 to September 44. Some sources say it started in September 43, some December 43. So this becomes a bit of a math thing. If you can figure out (and there are books that say so, such as "The Modelers Guide to the Tiger Tank") when those features that make a Tiger mid such as the cupola started to be issued, you can cross reference with the dates Zimmerit was applied. Also, refurbishments did happen, where say a vehicle had a damaged turret, and may have gotten a new one. If your image reference looks like something it probably is that thing. The war was chaos, and I'm always running across pictures that defy the "standard" view of these things. So in short, anything is possible.

[@RandomCanEHdian]

Adam Mann Thanks. My modeling partner and I don't like the look of zimmerit and had seen pictures with cast cupolas and no zim, so we'd figured it was mid. Love the videos!

[@RandomCanEHdian]

+Adam Mann I finished the model. The store had a Late instead of a Mid, so I got that instead. No aftermarket parts or metal, and it was a Tamiya kit. I love it.

[@AdamMann3D]

RandomCanEHdian Very glad to hear it.

[@silvestersze4411]

Nice 👍🏻 videos! What do you think about the Zvezda 1/35 Tiger I E? The price is not too expensive.

[@AdamMann3D]

I've seen the mold quality is spotty. Sink marks and mismolds. I would stick with Tamiya if I was on a budget.

[@silvestersze4411]

@@AdamMann3D Thanks 😊 so much!

[@silvestersze4411]

@@AdamMann3D Oh, btw, which Tiger I kit do you like the best? I know you’ve lots of experience with Dragon. What do you think of RFM Tiger I kits? Thank you.

[@BazzyPredPop]

Really useful thanks just what I was looking for.

[@jedidropout8848]

do mids have the S mine launchers?

[@Johnny-jz5yx]

nope:)

[@daveybyrden3936]

Thank you Johnny for posting a wrong answer. I hope you got some enjoyment out of that. Mids were built with the complete S-mine system until about September of 1943. There are hundreds of photos of Mid Tigers carrying S-mine launchers. There's even some newsreel film.

[@KEM451]

Great video, thanks for making it. Have you seen or heard anything about the Tamiya Late Version Tiger I, kit #25401?

[@AdamMann3D]

+KEM451 You're very welcome, I'll have to do an updated version of this as many Tiger kits have come out in the last year. 25401 is a rebox of 35146 with figures.

[@andrebarbosa1808]

the "orange box tiger" is currently being sold by Platz/ cyberhobby as the Tiger I from the Anime "Girls und Panzer". hlj.com has it currently for 4900 yen which is about 40 bucks. (I got it on sale there though for 2900 yen which is about 22 bucks!)

[@AdamMann3D]

That is a good deal for sure. I just filmed a proper review of that one yesterday.

[@andrebarbosa1808]

+Adam Mann my current problem is finding proper Dragon instructions because the "Girls und Panzer" ones are absolutely useless. would you be able to help on that front?

[@AdamMann3D]

+Andre Barbosa if you need a copy of some instructions i can hook you up.