For the last few days, the modelling world was thrown into a bit of a spin with the announcement of a new kit of the D.A.K. Tiger I which many (myself included) interepreted as an update/conversion set. In fact this is a complete kit using the Tiger 'Initial' as the basis...

Two new kits have been given the full 'treatment' on Dragon's extraordinary website:

DRA 6284 - 1/35 Sd. Kfz. 251/2 Ausf. C mit Wurfrahmen 40 (3 in 1) -Flammgranate/Sprengranate/PAK 36 - as this was covered in a previous story, I will only use the images of the details of this new kit...

The big news this week however, is the announcement, that DML are releasing a FULL kit of the 'Initial' Tiger I configured for use in North Africa.

Dra6286 : SdKfz 181- Tiger I Initial Production sPzabt501 D.A.K. Is a 1/35th kit of the Tiger I (initial) which differs from the previous incarnation with the addition of the distinctive 'Feifel' Air-cleaning system on the rear deck. DML has promised us no less than 20 new features in the kit which should be available very soon...

These are the listed 'Extras':

New Features

- photo-etched mesh screen under the engine deck

- newly tooled upper hull to depict 501 vehicles

- newly tooled hull sides to depict 501 vehicles

- newly modeled rear plate with air filter unit and tool box

- newly tooled sprocket

- new tooling for rear fenders

- completely new glacis

- new parts for Initial Tiger I side skirts

- upgraded engine deck layout to suit brand new air filter system

- new mounting locks on engine deck

- pipes for air filter system come in both plastic and cloth options

- detailed Feifel air filter system produced by slide mold technology

- exhaust system can be modeled w/ plastic or photo-etched guards, or w/o guards

- newly tooled turret stowage box exclusive to 501 vehicles

- new on-vehicle tools including newly modeled gun barrel cleaning rods

- dedicated metal cables specifically designed for 501 vehicles

- new 'S' tow shackles

- direct sight vane can be modeled from plastic or photo-etched parts

- newly modeled view ports on both sides of turret

- new toolbox on rear plate

More details as they become available, in the meantime, some images which will inevitably get your imagination moving!