German Sd.Kfz.182 Kingtiger Operation Goodwood '44

Plastic model kit of a Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger II (Sd.Kfz. 182) heavy tank from Heavy Panzer Battalion 503 during Operation Goodwood
   Full interior detail  

• 1:35 scale
• Fully detailed fighting compartment, engine compartment, and turret
• Photo-etched parts included
• Working suspension and tracks
• Separate, highly detailed Zimmerit decals
• 3D-printed damaged side skirts
• 2 3D-printed figures
• 2 marking options for Heavy Panzer Battalion 503
• Unassembled and unpainted
• Paint and glue not included

The Tiger II was developed as a heavy battle tank featuring significantly stronger frontal armor and heavier armament than the Tiger I. Designs from both Porsche and Henschel competed for the new vehicle; ultimately, the Henschel design became the basis for mass production. The hull combined thick, sloped armor plates with the long 8.8 cm KwK 43 L/71 gun.

However, even before the decision against the Porsche chassis was made, 50 early-model turrets had already been manufactured or ordered from Krupp. Rather than being scrapped, these were adapted for mounting on Henschel chassis. Consequently, the first 50 Tiger IIs were fitted with this distinctive turret.

Operation Goodwood was a major British offensive launched east of Caen in Normandy. It began on July 18, 1944, and lasted until July 20.

Following the Allied landings on June 6, 1944, Caen remained a fiercely contested objective. Goodwood was intended to drive southward from the bridgehead east of the Orne Canal using a massive assault by British armored formations. As a result, the area around Cagny, Émiéville, Grentheville, and Bourguébus became the scene of major tank battles.

The ground assault was preceded on the morning of July 18 by an exceptionally heavy Allied aerial bombardment. German armored units were also affected by this; s.Pz.Abt. 503 suffered significant losses. An account regarding the unit reports that its 3rd Company, in particular, was hit hard by the bombardment.