King Tiger Military Tank Model Review

King Tiger Military Tank Model Review

— A Duel with a Steel Beast

The King Tiger tank, one of the most iconic German heavy military tanks of World War II (WWII), is famous not only for its formidable firepower and thick armor but also as a coveted collectible for military model and assembly toy enthusiasts.

This model kit and toy aims to faithfully capture the rugged charm of the King Tiger, with metallic paint and intricate details that promise an exciting assembly experience—but how does it perform in practice? Is assembly smooth? How accurate are the details?

Hello everyone, I'm Cecilia. Today, let's explore this King Tiger military tank model and see what surprises and fun it brings.

1. Box & Contents

Contents:

•Bag 0 – 2 bags (parts for an alternative color version, army green)

•Bag 1 – 7 bags (steps 1–99)

•Bag 2 – 9 bags (steps 100–209)

•Bag 3 – 9 bags (steps 210–315)

•1 instruction manual

•3 parts boxes

•1 bookmark

Note: This kit comes in two color variants: dark green camouflage and army green camouflage. You can choose your preferred color. Bag 0 contains parts for the army green version.

Now, let's start assembling the King Tiger military tank toy!

2. Assembly Process

A. Chassis and Suspension (Steps 1–51)

Bag 1 contains 6 parts bags

First, open parts bag [1.12].

Parts marked with “or” in the top right corner can be replaced with a part of another color. If you prefer the military green version, you can use the corresponding parts from bag 0.

Step 12.

Next, open parts bag [13.30].

Continue with parts bag [31.51].

By step 40, the chassis and suspension are mostly assembled. At this point, the overall structure is still fragile, so apply lighter pressure during subsequent assembly to avoid parts popping off.

Step 51: Install the seats.

Then open parts bag [52.69].

Step 59 completed.

By step 64, the steering wheel and dashboard are assembled, and the cockpit begins to take shape.

After step 69, the structure is basically stable.

Next, open parts bags [70.88-1] and [70.88-2].

Install the front armor plate.

Finally, open parts bag [89.99] to assemble the tracks.

The manual provides a 1:1 buckle illustration, which allows grouped assembly for easier operation.

When installing the 63 buckles as indicated in the manual, the track is too tight. I increased the number to 64 for better results. It is recommended that the manual inform builders that adjustments can be made based on actual conditions.

Bag 2 contains 9 parts bags

Start with parts bag [100.111].

Step 105: Parts marked with ''*'' in the top right corner are plated parts.

Step 111: Engine installation completed.

Next, open parts bags [112.136-1] and [112.136-2].

Step 136: Engine compartment completed, with rich details and distinct layers.

Then open parts bag [137.150].

The dark brown parts are hard to distinguish, requiring careful observation.

Step 150: Rear armor installed.

Next, open parts bag [151.166].

Step 166: Ammunition storage completed. The metallic finish makes the model look very realistic.

Then open parts bag [167.179].

Continue with parts bag [180.192].

Step 192: Side armor installed. By this point, the tank's overall shape is formed. It is recommended to add assembly arrows in the manual for smoother assembly.

Finally, open parts bags [193.209-1] and [193.209-2].

Note: The manual indicates x2, meaning there are two bags of parts numbered [193.209]. In reality, only [193.209-1] is visible; the other bag, [193.209-2], contains hoses without numbering, which may give the impression that parts are missing.

Step 208: Adding assembly arrows would make this step clearer.

Step 209: Illustration shows the hose bag. 

Hoses need to be cut to size according to the 1:1 manual diagram. 

The hose material is stiff and slightly difficult to handle; consider using a softer alternative.

Bag 3 contains 9 parts bags

Start with parts bag [210.226].

Steps 211 & 219: Manual arrows are slightly off, but this does not affect assembly. The main issue is insufficient detail in the manual.

Step 226: Part orientation is unclear. Adding an additional view in the manual would make installation more intuitive.

Next, open parts bag [227.240].

Step 229: Assembly arrow still slightly off.

Step 240: Armor plate can be placed directly for easier inspection of internal details.

Then open parts bags [241.254-1] and [241.254-2] to assemble the turret.

Step 252: Rod #4 is very tight and cannot be inserted by hand; a small tool is required.

Next, open parts bag [255.266].

Turret gun assembly completed; slight angle adjustments are possible.

Continue with parts bag [267.281].

Then open parts bag [282.292].

The manual uses dark colors, making dark parts harder to distinguish.

Finally, open parts bags [293.315-1] and [293.315-2].

Install the turret on the model. The turret can rotate to control direction, completing the Tiger tank model.

3.Overall Evaluation

This King Tiger tank model performs excellently overall. The external details are highly accurate, and plated parts give a realistic metallic finish. Both color options cater to different preferences, enhancing collectible value.

The design allows easy access to internal components, showcasing the tank's complexity and increasing display interest. This makes it more than a static model—it highlights mechanical intricacy and realism.

However, the manual could be improved. Printed diagrams are dark, making deep-colored parts hard to see; assembly arrows are slightly inaccurate, and some key steps lack multi-angle views. The chassis is fragile, requiring careful handling; some parts, like hoses, are too stiff; tight tolerances can make manual assembly challenging.

Overall, this is a high-fidelity military model and collectible toy, suitable for experienced builders, with impressive finished result and strong sense of accomplishment. For fans of German armor, WWII tank models, military models, and Lego-style toys, the King Tiger tank remains a must-have collectible.