Sd.Kfz.182 Tiger Ausf.B King Tiger (UPGRADE V.)

Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger Ausf. B Sd.Kfz. 182 Henschel Turret German King Tiger

1/35 RYEFIELD MODELS

KIT INSTRUCTIONS

Plastic model kit for a Sd.Kfz.182 Tiger Ausf. B Königstiger (Henschel Turret)
   Upgrade version  

• Scale 1:35
• 3D printed and photo-etched parts included
• Workable torsion bars
• Drive wheels in individual parts; 4 different gear ring types
• Workable individual link tracks
• Hatches can be built open or closed
• Workable cannon with locking details
• Cannon barrel made of metal
• Side skirts in individual segments
• Anti-aircraft armour made of PE
• Separate tool holders made of PE
• Unbuilt, unpainted
• Paint and glue not included

The Sd.Kfz. 182 Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger Ausf. B "Königstiger" (King Tiger) with the Henschel turret was the primary production variant of Germany's heaviest battle tank of World War II. Unlike the first 50 King Tigers, which featured the so-called Porsche turret, the vast majority of the vehicles were equipped with the later Henschel turret—also manufactured by Krupp. Weighing approximately 69 tons, the King Tiger was powered by a 700 hp Maybach HL 230 P30 V12 gasoline engine and achieved a top road speed of around 38 km/h, depending on conditions.

Externally, the Henschel turret differed significantly from the early Porsche turret. Its turret front was much flatter and more heavily sloped, largely eliminating the problematic shot-trap effect associated with the Porsche turret. At the same time, the new shape provided a more practical interior layout and improved crew positioning. The turret front featured armor approximately 180 mm thick, while the sides and roof had armor thicknesses of about 80 mm and 40 mm, respectively. Another characteristic feature was the larger, lower-profile commander's cupola, which offered improved all-round visibility.

Its main armament was the outstanding 8.8 cm KwK 43 L/71, one of the most powerful tank guns of World War II, capable of engaging enemy tanks at long ranges. Additionally, the King Tiger was equipped with a coaxial 7.92 mm MG 34 and a second MG 34 mounted in the hull front. The crew consisted of five men: commander, gunner, loader, radio operator, and driver.

A key feature of the Henschel turret was its redesigned gun mantlet. With the early Porsche turret, there was a risk that projectiles ricocheting off the lower, curved turret face would be deflected onto the hull roof. The flatter design of the Henschel turret eliminated this structural drawback, making it the characteristic standard configuration for the King Tiger.

Overall, the King Tiger with the Henschel turret combined exceptionally powerful armament and superior armor protection with—admittedly—enormous weight and the resulting high mechanical strain. From mid-1944 onwards, the vehicles increasingly reached the front lines and were deployed with units such as heavy tank battalions. Despite its impressive combat capability, the King Tiger suffered from high fuel consumption, limited operational range, and significant maintenance requirements.

The shipment of your order is usually done in the same day of your order date if the order is done before 16:00 local time. Otherwise, we ship in the next working day.

We use the following shipping companies and costs:

For Greece:

• Box Now (1-3 working days) from 3.00 euro. Free for orders above 50.00 euro.
  
• Geniki Taxydromiki (1-2 working days) from 5.80 euro. Free for orders above 50.00 euro.
• ACS (1-2 working days) from 5.90 euro. Free for orders above 50.00 euro.
• For ACS and Geniki Taxydromiki, there is available option for pick up from the local courier representative.

For Cyprus:

• Box Now from 4.00 euro.
  
• ACS from 12.00 euro.

For EU countries:

• National Post, no tracking (7-20 days) from 8.00 euro.
  
• DHL Economy with tracking (5-10 days) from 15.90 euro.
• DHL Express with tracking (1-3 days) from 22.90 euro.

Rest of the world:

• National Post or DHL from 29.00 euro.
  

The buyer retains the right to return the purchased item 14 days from the shipping day only if the item is not damaged or altered.