SD.Kfz.182 Tigre Real (Estrella/ICM)

1/35 Sd.Kfz.182 'Royal Tiger' (Zvezda/ICM) Photo-Etched Detailing Kit (Microdesign MD035314)

What Is It?

Elevate the look and realism of your Sd.Kfz.182 “Royal Tiger” tank model with this premium Photo-Etched Detailing Set, meticulously designed to enhance the Zvezda and ICM 1/35 scale kits. Introduced in mid-1944, the “Royal Tiger” (commonly known as the “Königstiger” or “King Tiger”) was among the heaviest production tanks deployed by Germany during WWII—featuring formidable armor protection, a lethal 8.8 cm KwK 43 L/71 main gun, and an imposing silhouette that commanded respect on the battlefield. Although renowned for its striking firepower and thick sloped armor, it faced logistical and mechanical challenges due to its sheer mass and complexity. Transform your build from a simple assembly into a near-authentic rendering, capturing the intricate features and robust construction that made the Royal Tiger a legend of armored warfare. Crafted from 0.17 mm brass, this set includes a photo-etch board plus color instructions, encompassing 88 unique parts. By integrating engine grilles, protective shields, ventilation covers, hatches, straps, tooling equipment, and more, you can replicate the subtle and critical exterior elements of the real “Royal Tiger”—bringing your model to life for fellow hobbyists to appreciate its hefty silhouette and mechanical finesse. This kit ensures authenticity and precision. The components are lightweight yet sturdy, allowing for easy handling during assembly. By using this kit, you can transform your SD.Kfz.182 'Royal Tiger' model into a MASTERPIECE with museum-quality detail. The brass material provides durability while maintaining a fine, realistic appearance, making it an essential addition for any model enthusiast.

Who Is It Intended For?

This photo-etch detailing set is perfect for:

• Beginner to intermediate modelers seeking a noticeable yet manageable upgrade from basic plastic parts
• Diorama creators focusing on late-war European armored encounters
• Collectors yearning for a show-stopping finish that underscores the Royal Tiger’s imposing design
• Armor enthusiasts highlighting the pinnacle of German tank engineering in WWII

Benefits

1. Extensive Exterior Detail: Features engine grilles, shields, ventilation covers, hatches, straps, tools, etc., granting near-authentic fidelity
2. High-Quality Brass Material: 0.17 mm brass providing crisp, resilient parts compatible with painting and weathering
3. 88 Unique Parts: One photo-etch board + color instructions refining the Royal Tiger’s essential external elements
4. Medium Difficulty: A worthy challenge for modelers upgrading their late-war German armor to professional-level detailing

Product Details

Kit Composition

• One brass photo-etch board featuring engine grille replacements, protective shields, ventilation covers, hatches, straps, tool details, etc.
• Color instruction manual providing clear, step-by-step assembly guidance

Applications

Ideal for upgrading:

• Western/Eastern Front dioramas displaying the Tiger II’s formidable presence
• Collector’s heavy tank builds needing a show-stopping finish that underscores advanced German tank design
• Competition-level models emphasizing meticulous detail in late-war panzers

Historical Background

The Sd.Kfz.182 “Royal Tiger” (Königstiger), first fielded in mid-1944, served as the direct successor to the Tiger I. With up to 185 mm of frontal armor and an exceptionally potent 8.8 cm L/71 gun, it outclassed nearly every Allied tank at range. Despite showcasing formidable firepower and an imposing presence, the King Tiger suffered from reliability problems tied to its immense weight, complicating transportation and repair logistics. Most saw action on both Eastern and Western fronts, including the Battle of the Bulge and final defensive actions in Germany. Although produced in limited numbers, the Royal Tiger’s design represented the apex of German WW2 tank-building philosophy—prioritizing firepower and armor even at the cost of speed and mechanical simplicity. By incorporating the photo-etched detail found in Microdesign’s set, you embrace the craftsmanship behind this late-war behemoth, reflecting the massive hull design, intricate ventilation systems, and the robust equipment that symbolized Germany’s final push for battlefield supremacy.

How to Use

Follow these steps for a showstopping Royal Tiger build:

1. Gently remove any molded plastic details that the photo-etch parts will replace—engine vents, hatches, or protective covers.
2. Cut and bend the brass pieces according to the color instruction manual, ensuring correct shapes and alignments.
3. Attach them with cyanoacrylate (CA) glue or another suitable adhesive, verifying the accurate fit of straps, tools, and covers.
4. Double-check the orientation of each brass part, especially around engine inlets and turret access points.
5. Prime & paint with historically appropriate late-war German camo or field gray, blending your new metal details seamlessly into the finished product.

Why Choose Imodeller's MD035314? ?

• Comprehensive Exterior Upgrades: Targets engine grilles, shields, hatches, straps, and more, capturing the Royal Tiger’s iconic hull
• Top-Tier Brass Quality: 0.17 mm thickness allowing for crisp shapes, sturdy integration, and realistic edges
• 88 Precisely Etched Parts: One photo-etch board + color instructions refining the Tiger II’s mechanical intricacies
• Medium Difficulty: A satisfying endeavor for modelers wanting to celebrate Germany’s largest WW2 tank design

Upgrade Your “Royal Tiger” & Conquer the Modeling Stage with Unmatched Detailing!

Elevate your tank diorama or collector’s piece by integrating these fine brass components. Order now and reveal the pinnacle of German late-war armored ingenuity for all to admire!

Shipping Information

Item Location: USA

Fast Shipping: Item will be shipped immediately after payment.