This 1/72 scale model early production Tiger I is the fourth in the “Tiger Ace” series released by Dragon Armor and Cyber Hobby. Unlike the standard Dragon Armor models, the Cyber Hobby pieces are professionally presented as collectors’ items, complete with a special tin and interior protective foam padding. Not surprisingly, these Tigers are among the most sought after scale models of their type.

Like the other 1/72 models this Tiger I “Kursk” is attached with two small screws to a black plastic stand, which sits inside the nice little presentation tin which slips into an attractive presentation sleeve. This model also has a number of additional features: the plastic base comes with a grassy effect to reflect the Russian Steppes, and the commander’s cupola on the fully revolving turret is left in an “open” position to fit the accompanying 1/72 scale Michael Wittmann figure that comes with the tank.

The early production Tiger I “Kursk” commanded by Michael Wittmann in the summer of 1943 during Operation “Zitadelle” is painted in the desert yellow and dark green summer camouflage pattern adopted by the 13th Heavy Company of the LSSAH, and the turret has the number of Michael Wittmann’s vehicle, “1331” – indicating the leader of the third platoon.

As with all of the Dragon Armor 1/72 pieces, this metal and plastic die-cast model has an extremely high level of accuracy for a piece of its size.

As a special collectors’ item only five-hundred “Kursk” Tiger 1s were produced, and each item comes with a special credit-card sized certification card. The item in my collection is numbered 263.

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