Pz.Kpwf.VI Sd.Kfz.182 Tiger II (Henschel 105mm) 1:35 Model Kit by Hobby Boss

Model Features

• 1:35 scale plastic model kit
• Accurately represents the German Pz.Kpfw.VI Sd.Kfz.182 Tiger II (Henschel 105mm), an experimental heavy tank variant based on the famous Königstiger design
• Detailed representation of the proposed Henschel turret fitted with the powerful 105mm gun system
• Highly detailed hull with realistic armour plate texture, weld lines, and surface features
• Accurate sloped armour layout based on the production Tiger II design
• Detailed turret components with realistic gun mantlet and commander’s cupola
• Includes a finely reproduced 105mm main gun and detailed gun mounting system
• Detailed engine deck, exhausts, hatches, tools, and external fittings
• Accurately reproduced suspension system with overlapping road wheels
• Individual track links included for realistic track sag and positioning
• Detailed lower hull and running gear components
• Includes photo-etched parts for enhanced scale realism
• Multi-directional slide moulded parts for improved detail and accuracy
• Waterslide decal sheet featuring authentic German WWII marking options
• Precision-moulded parts for an advanced and highly detailed build
• Ideal for German WWII heavy armour collections, late-war vehicle displays, or large-scale diorama projects.

Specifications

• Brand: Hobby Boss
• Scale: 1:35
• Subject: Pz.Kpfw.VI Sd.Kfz.182 Tiger II (Henschel 105mm)
• Material: Injection-moulded plastic
• Skill Level: Suitable for intermediate to advanced modellers
• Paint & Glue Required: Yes (sold separately)
• Recommended Age: 14+
• Parts: 880+
• Photo-Etched Parts: Included
• Track Type: Individual track links
• Sprues: 25 sprues including upper hull, lower hull, and turret components
• Model Length: Approximately 323mm
• Model Width: Approximately 107mm
• Kit Number: HB84559

What's in the Box

• Plastic sprues
• Detailed upper and lower hull components
• Henschel-style turret components
• 105mm main gun assembly
• Detailed suspension and running gear
• Individual track links
• Engine deck and external equipment parts
• Photo-etched detail parts
• Waterslide decal sheet with German WWII markings
• Illustrated assembly instructions

History of the Original Vehicle

The Pz.Kpfw.VI Sd.Kfz.182 Tiger II, commonly known as the King Tiger or Königstiger, was Germany’s most powerful operational tank of the Second World War. Developed during the later stages of the conflict, it combined the heavy armour philosophy of the Tiger I with the sloped armour concepts introduced on the Panther tank. The Henschel 105mm variant represented a proposed further development of the Tiger II design, intended to provide even greater firepower against increasingly heavily armoured Allied vehicles.

The Tiger II programme began in 1942 as Germany sought a successor to the Tiger I. The new vehicle was developed under the VK 45.03 programme, with competing designs submitted by Henschel and Porsche. Although both designs shared similar requirements, the Henschel design was ultimately selected for production due to its more practical engineering approach and improved reliability.

The production Tiger II entered service in 1944 and featured a powerful 88mm KwK 43 L/71 gun, thick armour protection, and a heavily reinforced chassis. Its frontal armour was among the strongest of any tank fielded during the war, with the sloped hull design providing excellent protection against most Allied anti-tank weapons.

The Henschel Tiger II used a conventional layout with a rear-mounted engine, front driving sprockets, and overlapping road wheels mounted on torsion bars. Although heavily armoured and extremely well armed, the vehicle suffered from reliability issues caused largely by its immense weight, complex construction, and shortages of materials and fuel during the final years of the war.

The 105mm Tiger II variant was an experimental concept intended to increase the tank’s destructive capability. The larger calibre weapon would have provided increased explosive power and improved armour penetration compared with the already formidable 88mm gun. However, the project never progressed beyond the design stage, as the existing Tiger II was already expensive and difficult to manufacture, while Germany’s industrial situation continued to deteriorate.

The proposed 105mm armament would have required modifications to the turret design, ammunition storage, and internal layout. While such a weapon could have offered advantages against enemy fortifications and heavy armour, the additional size and weight would have created further challenges for an already overloaded vehicle.

Operational Tiger IIs served mainly on the Eastern Front and during the Normandy Campaign, where their powerful guns and heavy armour made them formidable opponents. Units equipped with Tiger IIs achieved notable successes in defensive battles, often destroying enemy tanks at ranges beyond the effective reach of Allied weapons.

Despite its impressive capabilities, the Tiger II arrived too late and in too few numbers to influence the outcome of the war. Only around 490 production examples were completed, limiting its strategic impact. However, its reputation as one of the most powerful tanks of World War II has ensured its enduring popularity among historians and modellers.

The Henschel 105mm Tiger II represents an interesting "what-if" branch of German armoured development. Although never built as a production vehicle, it demonstrates the continued German pursuit of greater firepower during the final years of the war and provides modellers with a unique interpretation of the legendary Königstiger.

Historical Snapshot

• Country: Germany
• First Development: 1942
• Entered Service: Production Tiger II entered service in 1944 (105mm variant remained experimental)
• Role: Heavy Tank / Experimental Heavy Tank Variant
• Manufacturer: Henschel & Son
• Crew: 5
• Engine: Maybach HL230 P30 V12 petrol engine
• Primary Armament: Proposed 105mm tank gun
• Secondary Armament: 2 × 7.92mm MG34 machine guns
• Maximum Speed: Approximately 38 km/h (24 mph)
• Range: Approximately 170 km

Please Note

This is an unassembled plastic model kit. Paint, glue, and modelling tools are not included. Recommended for ages 14 and over.