Yes, I know . . . before anyone emails me to correct me that technically this isn't a "Porsche" turret, I know that Krupp actually built both turret styles, but everybody (including Revell) calls this a Porsche turret, so that's what it's being called here.

This model is essentially the same as the earlier "Henschel" version of the King Tiger, meaning that it is an outstanding kit. The hull, wheels and tracks are the same as that previous kit, so I refer the reader to my previous King Tiger Preview for scans of those parts. New to this kit is the turret:

These parts are just as well made as the rest of the kit, with both crew hatches open, though not the rear loading hatch (but it could easily be made so).

Also new is the main gun barrel:

. . . which is also very well done; perfectly straight, with only a minor molding seam.

Markings are included for two vehicles:

. . . both of Heavy Panzer Battalion 503. They are nicely printed and in fairly decent register.

Rob Haelterman adds:

There are a number of inconsistencies in the kit. The table below gives an overview of the evolution of the "Porsche King Tiger". (Yes, I know, Porsche has nothing to do with this tank...)
In red the kit features. You can clearly see that there is no line that is completely in red, so you will have to modify something to make the kit consistent. We'll leave it up to you to choose which modifications you would like to implement.

Overview

"Porsche Tiger" without, resp with, turret ring guard (pictures found on internet - site long forgotten - used for discussion purposes only.).

As an additional note:

1. From June/July 1944 spare tracks were fitted to the turret on newly produced KT. At this point at most 3 "Porsche" KT were still under construction. In November this modification was also available as a retrofit. The instructions ask us to install them, which means we are dealing with a "Porsche" KT that has surviced until November 1944 and would thus (most likely) have the 9 teeth sprocket and matching track.
2. From September 1944 a retrofit was available that added the armored cover over the vent on the engine deck.
3. The kit has extra gratings for under the rear of the turret. It seems these were only installed together with the armored turret ring.
4. For reasons of clarity, the table above doesn't cover the following details.
   • Originally the prototypes didn't have any tools fitted. These were later added.
   • There were view and pistol ports on the sides of the turrets of the prototypes. These were welded shut, but visible. Some of the early production vehicles also had these, but with the Zimmerit covering them they are hardly visible, although it creates a flat spot where they are.
   • The roof of the turret of the protoypes was thinner at the front and the rear, showing a step.
     

One of the painting options, Anneliese, has a whitewash. Pictures of this tank show that it has
- a monobloc gun and no turret guard (which makes it a Jan-Feb 1944 vehicle);
- spare tracks on the turret, which must have been backfitted;
- a 9 teeth sprocket, which must have been backfitted.

"Anneliese" (pictures found on internet - site long forgotten - used for discussion purposes only).

This would be by far the best marking option to go by, as it would require very little work if we accept that it was produced in February 1944. Modifications needed for the kit would be
- Zimmerit
- removal of the notches in the glacis
- modification of the tow hook attachment
- modification of the vent cover, although this might have been uparmored as a retrofit by then.

It is believed this picture shows the vehicle suggested in the other marking option. (Pictures found on internet - site long forgotten - used for discussion purposes only.)

Some other items that might warrant attention with this kit:
- The sides of the tracks are smooth: no notches, no track pin heads. The teeth might be a tad on the short side.
- The solid mesh behind the turret would better be replaced with something that you can actually see through, assuming you are going to use the parts (see remarks above).
- I still have to test fit the kit, but I fear there might be an issue at the front of the hull. Revell has a single plate for mounting all the wheels, idler and drive sprocket. The backside of the mount for the sprocket is hollow. Normally, this wouldn't be a big deal, but I think this hollow section might just stand proud of the nose and thus be visible.
- Note that Atak does a Zimmerit set for this kit.

References

[1] Panzerkampfwagen Tiger, Achtung Panzer No. 6, Mitsuru Bitoh, Dai Nippon Kaiga
[2] Panzers at Saumur N°1 - Tiger II, Jagdtiger, Luchs, Panzer IV L48, L70, Dai-Nippon Kaiga
[3] German Tiger Tanks, VK45.02 to Tiger II, Design, Production and modifications, T.L. Jentz, H.L. Doyle, Schiffer
[4] Kingtiger Heavy Tank 1942–45, New Vanguard 1, Hilary Doyle & Tom Jentz, Osprey

Article Last Updated:
19 February 2013
03 March 2013
04 November 2017