Name: German Sd.Kfz. 182 King Tiger w/ Zimmerit (Henschel turret) 1:72 Model Kit by Trumpeter
Brand: SCH Models
SKU: TRU07291
Price: 13.99 GBP
Availability: InStock

German Sd.Kfz. 182 King Tiger w/ Zimmerit (Henschel turret) 1:72 Model Kit by Trumpeter

£13.99

Model Features

1:72 scale plastic model kit
Accurately represents the German Sd.Kfz.182 King Tiger with Henschel turret
Finely detailed hull and turret
Realistic 8.8cm KwK 43 L/71 main gun
Detailed suspension and overlapping road wheels
Authentic Zimmerit anti-magnetic mine coating texture
Detailed armour plating and exterior equipment
Precision-moulded plastic parts
Waterslide decal sheet included
Illustrated assembly instructions
Ideal for display or World War II diorama projects

Specifications

Brand: Trumpeter
Scale: 1:72
Subject: German Sd.Kfz.182 King Tiger w/ Zimmerit (Henschel Turret)
Material: Injection-moulded plastic
Skill Level: Suitable for intermediate modellers
Paint & Glue Required: Yes (sold separately)
Recommended Age: 14+

What's in the Box

Plastic sprues
Waterslide decal sheet
Illustrated assembly instructions

History of the Original Vehicle

The Panzerkampfwagen Tiger Ausf. B, commonly known as the King Tiger or Königstiger, was the most powerful production tank operated by Germany during the Second World War. Designed as a successor to the Tiger I, it combined the exceptional firepower of the 8.8cm KwK 43 L/71 gun with heavily sloped armour derived from the Panther tank design. This combination allowed the King Tiger to engage almost every Allied armoured vehicle at ranges where return fire was often ineffective.

The Henschel turret became the standard production turret for the King Tiger and replaced the earlier Porsche turret design. Featuring a flatter frontal profile and improved armour layout, it eliminated the vulnerable shot trap found on early vehicles and provided better overall protection. Many later production examples were also fitted with Zimmerit, a textured anti-magnetic mine coating applied to the armour surfaces to prevent enemy magnetic charges from being attached.

Despite its formidable capabilities, the King Tiger was a highly complex and expensive vehicle to manufacture. Weighing almost 70 tonnes, it placed enormous demands on engines, transmissions, and recovery equipment. Mechanical reliability and fuel consumption remained significant challenges, particularly during the final stages of the war when Germany faced shortages of resources and spare parts.

The King Tiger entered service in 1944 and saw combat on both the Eastern and Western Fronts, including the Normandy campaign, the Ardennes Offensive, and the final defence of Germany. Although fewer than 500 examples were produced, its combination of armour protection and firepower gave it a legendary reputation. Today, the King Tiger remains one of the most iconic armoured vehicles of the Second World War and a favourite subject among military enthusiasts and scale modellers.