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Armor/AFV: Axis - WWII
Armor and ground forces of the Axis forces during World War II.
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Better Final King Tiger Academy or Dragon?
oyoy23
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United States
Joined: July 11, 2009
KitMaker: 410 posts
Armorama: 119 posts
Posted: Saturday, December 27, 2014 - 09:34 AM UTC
Which is the more accurate of the two? Thanks
sdk10159
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Oregon, United States
Joined: December 08, 2005
KitMaker: 556 posts
Armorama: 433 posts
Posted: Saturday, December 27, 2014 - 09:48 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Which is the more accurate of the two? Thanks


I've only seen one review on the Academy kit and it wasn't bad.

http://www.cybermodeler.com/hobby/kits/aca/kit_aca_13229.shtml

I've built both the Tamiya and the DML TIger II kits, but not the Academy. Tam's was very easy, with no fit issues at all. DML, at times was a tedious build, but no fit issues and detail was very good.

If you were looking for a quick, easy build, go with the Tam or the Academy kit.
Wierdy
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Ukraine / Україна
Joined: January 26, 2010
KitMaker: 570 posts
Armorama: 553 posts
Posted: Saturday, December 27, 2014 - 06:01 PM UTC
Hello there Sean.
The same guy with pretty much the same question huh...Nevertheless, here is my opinion. First of all, it all depends on how experienced modeler you are, how accurate KT on your shelf you want to see and how much money/time you can/want to invest into it.
The most important thing I'm trying to tell you is I hope you know what final KT should look like. After all, you can buy Tamiya's 35164 or 35252 and add Voyager's 'universal' upgrade set to it That is just one option...if not - read further.
When choosing between Ac and DML, don't forget about moulding quality. Fortunately,it is almost identical between them, 4 out of 5 in comparison to generally recognizable standards set by Tamiya, so, no favorite here...
Academy kit has some serious errors in turret and hull size, but workable suspension and final type road wheels. The tracks are from earlier period, not final.
The one from DML has better transport tracks and no problems with general dimensions, but earlier/standard road wheels.
Neither has correct spare track hangers layout with numerous absent/incorrect details typical for final vehicles.
If I had to build a final KT I would take DML 6209, PanzerArt late pattern road wheels, Tamiya idler, Friulmodel tracks, plus metal barrel and PE tool clamps.
Russian blog on Academy kit:
http://panzer35.ru/forum/40-11400-1
Academy kit details (last two images show size difference between all three manufacturers Ac-DML-Tam):
http://karopka.ru/community/user/7007/?MODEL=314343
Here is a blog on Final KT:
http://www.pancernyklin.pl/showthread.php?tid=1509

HTH and happy modeling,
Paul
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