For those who are interested in what kind of tanks that might have been created had WWII continued into say 1946, this 1/35 scale release by Trumpeter may be one you will be interested in. This kit actually follows up a release they made several years back now, the E-100 Super Heavy Tank, which we reviewed back in 2008.

This model likely shares some of the resources of that kit, but obviously features totally different hulls and main gun. The main gun is a massive 170mm anti-tank gun and would have been capable (according to the box text) of firing it's shells up to 4km. The front hull armor of this tank would have (with sloping) given it an amazing 200mm of protection from other tanks.

The box text also claims that several prototypes of this tank were produced, however I think they are referring to the chassis of a generic E-100 (tank) that was found by the British in 1945. I did find a page online that called this tank destroyer version the E-100 "Krokodil" (I assume 'Crocodile'). I also found references to Jagdtiger III as well. Updated: I have been informed by a reader that both these terms are likely inaccurate and that if the German's were to name this tank according to normal protocols it would have simply been either the Jagdpanzer E-100 or the StuG E-100.

The Kit

The kit consists of about 270 pieces. The plastic is of typical light grey variety and it includes a single piece upper hull and separate lower hull. There is a small brass photo-etch sheet with (6) fan screens and one decal sheet with minimal markings (German cross and unit numbers). The kit also includes vinyl tracks. The kit is about 365mm long and 128mm wide once completed.

There are some nice details to this kit. One is the single piece (slide-molded?) muzzle brake. This piece will need some cleanup from flash in the very tiny holes it has, but otherwise is an impressive bit and focal to such a large primary gun. As for the rest I would prefer to let the photos on the right of this page speak for themselves.

The kit does include a color marking and painting guide. However only two camouflage schemes are shown and there are very few actual unit markings to add to it. However all the basics are provided as a starting point to be sure.

Kit Impressions

With only 270 odd pieces this should be a very easy kit for even average modelers to put together. I was even contemplating a build-up of this kit myself (and for those of you who know me that's a rare thing with my time constraints!). Overall I would have to say this kit fits a good niche for the paper panzer collectors out there. It would also make a great addition to a fantasy-based diorama or what-if display. If you have built these kits before you are not going to be surprised by certain factors. One of those being you won't have to worry about accuracy too much as much of the top hull is likely good guesswork on the part of the CAD designers who laid this one out.