Dragon Models Limited have finally given the release date AND details othe features in both kits.

The release date is given (officially) as July 2005...

Lots of text here - but some interesting features....

6253 - Sd.Kfz 181 Tiger (late Version)

Full Features:

1) All the parts needed to reproduce a command version will be included as part of the 3-in-1 package

2) It will feature the new generation cupola found on this version; slide-molded all-round with super detail

3) *Amazingly accurate cupola ring with weld seam

4) *Two types of cupola ring available: with and without drainage holes

5) *Commander’s hatch w/ head pad and details

6) *Separate commander’s hatch swivel arm - the first ever on the market

7) *Clear parts for direct vision ports in cupola, accompanied by individual head pads

8) Two types of loader's hatch to suit different variants

9) *Either of these loader’s hatches can be assembled open/closed

10) *Loader’s hatch with interior details

11) Stowage bin can be assembled open/closed, replete with slide-molded rivet detail on all faces of the bin

12) *Lock for stowage bin is made of photo-etched metal

13) One-piece slide-molded turret

14) *The only turret available with correct weld seam on the sides

15) Two types of turret roof available to suit different variants

16) *Close defense weapon can be assembled open/closed

17) *Grenade launcher molded in super detail: can rotate 360 degrees

18) *The three piltz (for late type roof) have a weld seam and drainage hole

19) *Detachable spare tracks can be hung on the turret sides

20) Workable escape hatch with interior details

21) Three types of gun mantlet

22) Screw holes in gun sleeve

23) Barrel recoils as in real firing

24) Accurately detailed slide-molded muzzle brake

25) Radio operator's hatch w/ interior details and clear periscope

26) Driver's hatch w/ interior details

27) *Slide-molded clear periscope with rubber sleeve

28) Driver's vision port is movable upward/downward

29) Detailed Bosch headlight with electrical cable

30) Complete bow MG w/ sights and ammo bag

31) Detailed injected on-vehicle tools and brackets

32) Additional on vehicle tools w/o brackets

33) Brass tube for spare radio antenna rod

34) Photo-etched fret for on-vehicle tool brackets

35) Photo-etched fret for engine grill mesh - pre-formed to correct shape

36) Pre-formed side skirts are finely reproduced in brass metal

37) Photo-etched parts for fender supports

38) 2 types of metal tow cables

39) Slide-molded cable heads

40) Photo-etched cable brackets

41) Exhaust cover is finely reproduced in brass

42) U-shaped tow hooks (metal)

43) Fine details such as the tiny fender retainers are perfectly reproduced, with both a plastic and photo-etched version offered

44) Extreme attention to detail correctly replicates the curved cross-section design of the air cooling grills (late production pattern)

45) Brass star-antenna container

46) Interior components: fuel tank, radiator etc

47) *Fan in separate parts

48) Pre-formed photo-etched air duct, the first on the market

49) Newly tooled torsion bars are workable

50) One piece slide-molded bottom hull of Tiger I Late Production variant

51) Both front and rear mud guards are hinged and can be folded

52) Correct idler arms with details

53) Newly tooled road wheels and two types of road wheel hubs available

54) Detailed jack comprises several pieces – can be variously configured as it is extendable

55) Barrel (aluminum)

56) Newly designed bucket (brass)

57) Used ammo shells (brass)

58) Three types of brass 8.8cm ammo (HE, anti-tank, high explosive)

59) Two ammo cases

60) A bonus figure: Tiger Ace

61) Cartograf decals for sPzAbt 101 and sPzAbt 508, including those used by the Tiger Ace

6264 - Pz. Kpfw. IV Ausf.E (3 in 1)

No less than 80 features are promised...

'General Features'

1 ) Incredibly accurate shape and details
2 ) The first kit ever to include the hollowed out undercut on the turret bottom
3 ) Incorporates toothed turret ring on turret interior
4 ) Turret turntable unit included
5 ) Complete gun assembly with full detail
6 ) Beautifully detailed Kwk37 L/24 gun
7 ) Correct catcher for used ammo shells
8 ) Detailed gun muzzle
9 ) Accurate rifling inside gun barrel
10 ) Turntable with accurate floor pattern
11 ) Commander’s, loader’s and gunner’s seats included
12 ) Slide-molded co-axial MG with hollow muzzle
13 ) Full co-axial MG assembly
14 ) Mantlet view port can be modeled open/closed
15 ) Mantlet guard can be removed and gun unloaded like real vehicle’s
16 ) Full cupola
17 ) Vision port w/ open or closed option
18 ) Hatch can be assembled open or closed
19 ) Commander's hatch w/ interior detail
20 ) Direct sighting post can be made from supplied photo-etched parts
21 ) Storage bin can be assembled open/closed with optional lock
22 ) Signal ports can be shown open/closed
23 ) Pistol port can be shown open/closed
24 ) Two different types of spare wheel racks are offered
25 ) Side hatches can be assembled open/closed with interior details
26 ) Side hatches complete with interior details and stoppers

Upper Hull:

27 ) Driver's hatch and radio operator's hatch have interior detail and can be
28 ) Assembled open/closed
29 ) Workable driver's vision port can be opened or closed
30 ) Complete MG; with workable MG ball-mount
31 ) Headlights with clear parts inside
32 ) Transmission inspection hatches can be assembled open/closed
33 ) Final drive inspection hatches can be assembled open/closed
34 ) Steering brake inspection hatches can be assembled open/closed
35 ) Both regular and DAK type engine deck hatches available
36 ) Realistic double-layered air intake
37 ) Air intake covers have option of injection or photo-etched parts
38 ) Add-on side armor plates come as separate parts
39 ) Frontal MG armor plate with mounting brackets can be assembled in three different ways
40 ) Towing eye brackets with slide-molded eyelets
41 ) Chain on towing eye brackets made from photo-etched parts
42 ) Detailed on-vehicle tools with clasps are injection molded
43 ) Additional on-vehicle tools w/o clasps
44 ) Extendable jack with separate parts
45 ) Mounting ladder can be made from photo-etched parts
46 ) Track tools can be made from photo-etched parts
47 ) Brackets for fenders can be formed from photo-etched parts
48 ) Bolts and rivets are accurately represented

Bonus:

49 ) General Guderian figure made in DS
50 ) Realistic cacti made in DS
51 ) Metal towing cable
52 ) Towing cable heads have hollow ends courtesy of slide molds
53 ) Metal chains
54 ) Jerry cans with photo-etched parts
55 ) Decals for 9 different Panzer IV

Chassis:

56 ) High-tech one-piece slide molded hull tub means it won't deform like one assembled from several parts
57 ) The world’s first kit with duel hull with and without additional side armor
58 ) Cutting edge suspension units
59 ) transmission with separate armoured cover and details on both sides
60 ) Suspension armored covers come as separate parts
61 ) Leaf spring front ends can be assembled with or without covers
62 ) Injected fenders are made to the thinnest possible dimensions
63 ) Separate front and rear fenders can be posed in a folded back position
64 ) Side fenders with pattern detail on both top and bottom surface
65 ) Metal wire for front and rear lamp electrical wiring
66 ) Fuel filler hatch open/closed option
67 ) Convenience of "Magic Tracks" for both left and right tracks
68 ) Road wheels exhibit extreme detail with separate rubber rims and hubs
69 ) Realistic parting line on rubber rims
70 ) Accurately portrayed width on rubber rims of wheels
71 ) Correctly detailed idler wheels with numerous separate parts molded with astounding delicacy and slide molded
72 ) Realistic suspension with multiple component actually works like the real vehicle’s
73 ) Hull bottom has full and correct details

Rear:

74 ) Idler adjuster mountings have the most accurate details possible with gear inside
75 ) Cooling drain cap with metal chain
76 ) One-piece muffler produced by slide molds
77 ) Exhaust pipe with fine detail
78 ) Taillight with photo-etched parts
79 ) Accurate smoke discharger housing
80 ) Metal cables can be made from photo-etched parts

More to come....