TIGER I MID-PROD. w/ZIMM. Pz.Kpfw.VI Otto Carius

Plastic model kit to build a Pz.Kpfw. VI Ausf. E Tiger I of medium production Commander Otto Carius
   limited edition  

• Scale 1:35
• with extras
• All hatches can be displayed open or closed
• Segment tracks with auxiliary gauge
• Clear, metal and photo-etched parts included
• one marking option
• with embossed Zimmerit
• 1 figure included
• unbuilt, unpainted
• Paint and glue not included

The Panzerkampfwagen VI Ausf. E Tiger I was one of the German Wehrmacht's most famous heavy tanks of World War II. Vehicles from the mid-production series, manufactured from mid-1943 onwards, differed from early versions through numerous detailed improvements. These included the introduction of a commander's cupola with seven vision blocks (periscopes), enhancements to the air filtration system, modified tool mounts, and various adjustments to simplify production. The Tiger I was armed with the dreaded 8.8 cm KwK 36 L/56 tank gun; its high armor-penetrating capability at long ranges made the tank one of the most dangerous adversaries on the battlefield. However, its heavy armor and powerful armament came at the cost of high maintenance requirements and a substantial weight of around 57 tons.

One of the most renowned Tiger commanders was Otto Carius. He served with Heavy Panzer Battalion 502 on the Eastern Front and achieved numerous tank kills with his Tiger I. He became particularly well-known for his engagements in the Narva and Dünaburg sectors, as well as for his memoirs, published later under the title *Tiger im Schlamm* (Tigers in the Mud). Carius was regarded as an experienced and level-headed commander who placed great importance on tactical maneuvering, the use of terrain, and crew cooperation.

During his most famous engagements, the Tiger I commanded by Otto Carius largely corresponded to the appearance of a mid-production vehicle. On the Eastern Front, the tanks typically bore the dark yellow base coat introduced in 1943, overlaid with sprayed-on green and brown camouflage stripes. Heavy traces of dust, mud, and wear were common, as the vehicles operated under difficult conditions on unpaved roads and in swampy terrain.

For modelers, a mid-production Tiger I commanded by Otto Carius holds particular appeal, as it combines a technically impressive vehicle with a historically renowned figure. Typical features include Eastern Front camouflage, spare track links on the turret and hull, extensive equipment stowed along the sides, and clear signs of wear reflecting the rigors of frontline service. Consequently, this variant is one of the most popular subjects for realistic World War II dioramas and collector models.