Takom 1/35 German Army Tiger I Early Big Box Limited Edition (2 Tanks 2 Figures) # 02195W

The Tiger I Early Production was a formidable heavy tank developed by Nazi Germany during World War II.

Officially designated the Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger Ausf. E, it entered service in 1942 and was initially deployed on the Eastern Front and later in North Africa and Western Europe.

Designed by Henschel, the Tiger I was developed in response to the Soviet T-34 and KV-1 tanks, which had outclassed earlier German armor.

The early version of the Tiger I was equipped with the powerful 88mm KwK 36 L/56 gun, originally derived from the famous anti-aircraft Flak 36.

This gun could destroy most Allied tanks at long range, giving the Tiger a significant edge in firepower.

The tank's frontal armor was up to 100mm thick, making it nearly impervious to most contemporary anti-tank weapons when first introduced.

Key features of the early production model included rubber-rimmed road wheels, a drum-style commander's cupola, and Feifel air filter systems designed to help the engine operate in dusty conditions like those in North Africa.

It was powered by a Maybach HL230 P45 V-12 gasoline engine, giving it a top road speed of around 38 km/h (24 mph), though it was often slower in the field due to terrain and mechanical limitations.

Despite its battlefield superiority, the Tiger I suffered from several drawbacks: it was extremely heavy at over 57 tons, leading to transport and mobility issues, especially in muddy or rugged terrain.

It was also mechanically complex and prone to breakdowns, requiring significant maintenance and logistical support.

Only about 1,347 Tiger I tanks were built between 1942 and 1944, but its reputation as a symbol of German armored strength has endured.

The Tiger I left a lasting legacy in military history, both for its combat performance and its psychological impact on Allied forces.