gave the best manoeuvrability of any large tank in existence and the production order was awarded to the Henschel company. Production commenced under the service designation Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger Ausf E, SdKfz 181. Soon it simply became known as the Tiger, both by the troops privileged to crew it and by those unfortunate enough to face it in battle.

The ancestry of the tank can be traced back to design projects initiated in 1937. However, the Tiger as we know it mounting the 88mm KwK36 cannon was ordered in May 1941. The Henschel and Porsche engineering companies competed to present their finished prototypes, designated VK 4501, in time Hitler’s birthday on 20th April 1942. The impressive regenerative steering final drive gearbox in the Henschel prototype gave the best manoeuvrability of any large tank in existence and the production order was awarded to the Henschel company. Production commenced under the service designation Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger Ausf E, SdKfz 181. Soon it simply became known as the Tiger, both by the troops privileged to crew it and by those unfortunate enough to face it in battle.

The model is an accurate 1/6th scale replica of the Tiger and is 1373mm (54 inches) long, and 622mm (24 inches) wide. The tank stands 478mm (19 inches) high

. The Model

The model has been thoroughly researched by reference to technical data, books and our own photographs of one of the few surviving Tigers. Drawn on the very latest 3D SolidWorks software the Tiger model prototype you see featured on these pages has been manufactured to prove the design and fit of parts. Whilst the pictures shown are of our original mid-production
Tiger the general design is very similar to the early production version. The early version benefits additionally from featuring an authentic drum style cupola, Feifel air cleaners and 'S'

We feel this represents the Tiger at its best, before material shortages prompted the removal of the outside set of road wheels and the introduction of the steel resilient type.

This is achieved by correctly designing the turret as asymmetrical.

We have opted to power the model by two 24v, 280w motors that deliver 4.7 Nm of torque. This provides a scale top speed of circa 4mph and also substantial power for climbing inclines. A micro-processor controlled Maybach engine sound unit is available, as is a smoke generator. We can also provide a 12 gauge blank firing system that produces a dramatic fire effect that discharges 6 rounds per magazine.

The kit comes fully machined for bolt-together assembly. It is designed with the non-engineer in mind and may be assembled in around 50 -100 hours.

The Armortek Tiger I features working torsion bar suspension that replicates prototypical performance. The model will rise at the front when accelerating and dip at the front when stopping quickly. The ground clearance can be adjusted and is dependant on the suspension setting. The position of the sprocket relative to the road wheels varies as the hull moves up and down on the suspension. The amount of hull movement is dependent on the weight of the model, suspension setting, terrain and operating conditions.