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

. 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. We have chosen as our subject a mid-production Tiger. This retains the rubber tyred road wheels and larger idler, as well as the new commander’s cupola with the seven periscopes.

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.

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.

Weight is in excess of 70 kg (150lbs)

We have opted to power the model by two 24v, 200w motors that deliver in excess of 3.0 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 an 8mm blank firer that discharges 12 rounds per magazine. This provides a legal, safe and inexpensive, method of providing a big bang to accompany the gun recoil action.

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 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.