As I begin my search for a Kingtiger kit to build I am already running into problems finding the one I want. I am looking for a "late" KT. dragon 6254 and 6232, my choices in order of preference, are both OOP and the 6254 is $80 and higher on EBay. Really? The last production is available so my questions is... what's the difference between a late and last production models? What's best route take? Hold out for one of the 1st 2 mentioned? Back date a "last"? Is the Tamiya late a better kit?

Marc,

Check out the "Black Knight" King Tiger from Dragon: http://www.dragonusaonline.com/item_detail.aspx?ItemCode=CHC6662
It looks like it would be a 'late' version. The most obvious differences for the last version (dragon 6209)are the reinforced mudguards, rain guard over the sight aperture and no ring MG mount over the commander's cupola. The annoying thing about that kit is the transport tracks. On the other hand it is on sale at Dragon USA Online.

Nate

What Nathan suggested, but a bit cheaper;

http://www.scalehobbyist.com/catagories/Military_Vehicles/CHC00006662/product.php?pg=1&ppp=24&sb=stocknumber&so=a&kw=king,tiger&sc=35

The Die Erzahlung Des Schwarzen Ritters series kits have nice box art (if that's important to you) and if the King Tiger is anything like the Late Panther from the same series, it's a very simple and easy build.

Kit 6232, but on back-order;

http://www.scalehobbyist.com/catagories/Military_Vehicles/DML00006232/product.php?kw=6232

Thanks for the info. Doesn't sound like it would be very difficult to back date the ate if those few thing are all that needed.