I really want to build Tiger S33 from Kursk, but never got around to it. Which kit would be the best starting point? On hand, I have:
Cyberhobby Early Tiger Wittmann Zittadel https://www.scalemates.com/kits/134499-cyber-hobby-6350-tiger-i-early-production

Dragon Early Tiger Wittmann's Command http://www.missing-lynx.com/reviews/german/dml6730reviewcs_1.html


Ryefield Tiger Early

Or any other recommendations would be welcome. Thanks

Which one?

Only "Das Reich" could have a Tiger at Kursk numbered "S33", so that narrows down the field - to 2 Tigers.

They had a Tiger from the start of 1943 numbered "S33" which could have been at Kursk as far as I know; then they got 9 Tigers from LAH on 26 July, and one of them was given the number "S33" implying that the first Tiger wasn't around any more.

So...choose?

David

Oops- sorry. I didn't realize there were 2. Second one down on Star Decals new sheet.
http://star-decals.net/35-C1072.html

Hi, I will use my Tiger I, Cyber Hobby 9142 (2013) its the same subject but I like the S22 number, the same tank as S33 as I read around.

regards

Alvaro

I have that kit as well, but wasnt impressed with all the short cuts Dragon took, especially with the wheels

Yes, but after the paint and weathering I think that you can note the difference with a normal kit.
Regards
Álvaro

So let's look at the first "S33".

This is a type of Tiger that no model manufacturer has ever addressed properly.

It has the "wide" 1.4 meter turret bin with side supports - not the type used in Africa with 2 latches, but the later type with 4 latches. You need aftermarket for that. And look at how they dealt with the bin being too wide; they cut out a notch on the left.



The rest of the turret is not unusual; thick mantlet, welded loader's hatch, side hatch, no loader's periscope, no spare track holders. The smoke launchers were removed, leaving tabs on the roof.

Cont...

David

The hull has the complete S-mine system installed, open holes above the driver's visor, standard side skirts, a 5-part gun cleaning rod, no triangle panel on the rear engine cover, and would have the first type of Feifels if they were installed. I can't see them installed in any photos. I can't see exhaust shields either, but the welded mounts should be on the rear wall. I don't know if there is a shaft stored at the bottom of the rear wall.

David

Looks like Pazer Art has the bin. Being Resin, I supposed I can dremel out the notch
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Panzer-Art-1-35-German-Tiger-I-Tank-Stowage-Bin-in-Battle-of-Kursk-WWII-RE35-064-/182009965414?hash=item2a60a3ab66:g:Tk8AAOSwQTVWB-gx

This is why I have never even attempted to build S33 not having the right kit and also not knowing the best kit to use.
David maybe in the future Dragon or someone else will contact you to help out and give some technical assistants in creating an accurate model of S33

We could easily have a good model of S33 and its coevals. Just take Dragon's 6820 and add the bin, mantlet and a few other little things.

A more interesting challenge would be the Tigers just before the introduction of S-mines.

Or just after the introduction of the new turret.

David

Would this be the correct mantlet?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Panzer-Art-1-35-Reinforced-Mantlet-with-Cast-Markings-for-Tiger-I-Tank-RE35-165-/171950418943?hash=item28090b2bff:g:j0YAAOSwFnFWCDHN

No, this Tiger had a fairly typical mantlet :



There was a slight angle in the surface of the raised part, halfway along, and you won't get that in kit mantlets. But there's no large flat area.

David

Well, well..... Another project gone.....


Thanks for the data David, I never note the details before.
Regards from the south
Álvaro

Thanks again, David.

What currently available kit would build into an LAH Tiger at Kursk?

Which one?
The first Tigers issued to LAH were very similar to S33 that I have been describing. But they got some later Tigers before Kursk, even those with tracks on the turret side. One or two kits exist that address the later Tigers; no kit addresses the earlier ones, as I have been explaining.

I expect that some manufacturer or other will release a suitable kit for these "big bin" Tigers before too long. The clamour for "Kursk Tigers" is growing louder.

David

Thanks David. I was thinking the newer one with the spare tracks on the turret. I remember Dragon releasing the old cyberhobby Wittmann kit which is no longer available and then the orange box with the simplified lower hull/road wheels. Is there a more modern option.

Seriously? Unless you need to articulate the suspension, the solution for the wheels in that kit is a phenomenal time saver! You need to snip off just a few chunks of ejection pins, and you're done. No need to sand anything. And the wheel connectors will be totally invisible once assembled.

I've read so much bad stuff about this kit (of which I own two copies, no less), but after actually building one of them myself, I can't say it is a bad kit at all. For the price it's a steal, and any flaws in it is actually easily dealt with using basic modelling skills. I was about to sell the other copy, but the wheel solution alone has persuaded me to keep it for future project.

Sure, some annoying stuff in there. Location holes that may need filling, and the gap in the weld seam for the turret hangers (but that can be fixed by using a spare roof if you're careful).

Just to balance the bad press this kit has gotten. Can't comment on the "S33" issue, I'm afraid.

Arild