introduction

History of Nazi Germany's Jagdpanzer VI Jagdtiger Ausf. B Sd. Kfz. 186 has been well covered so I will not do so here. In 1990 Fujimi released this ex-Nitto Jagdtiger, upgraded with photo-etch and cast metal spare track links. It has a basic interior.

fujimi

Fujimi is a model producing leader known for their high quality kits. However, Fujimi has been around since the 1960s and many of their original models suffer the standard of the industry of that era. Additionally, Fujimi acquired many molds from Nitto. This is one of those Nitto models, upgraded with white metal and photo-etched parts in Fujimi's High Grade series.

Fujimi had (has?) an eccentric kit numbering system. Their numbering system is complex and something strange... . At first please note that after 1980's each kit has two numbers, one is the series number and another is the product number. This system is common to many Japanese manufacturers.*
The following are some of the model numbers for this kit and its predecessors:
38045 (this issue)
SWA-13/760438
Ex-Nitto 731-250**

high grade jagdtiger 38045

This model consists of four injection moulded sprues of dozens of parts, vinyl tracks, a packet of photo-etch, a packet of white metal spare track links, and decals. Moulding is mainly good, with sharp edges. It is marred by some flash and sink marks, as well as some seam lines and visible ejector circles. Some sinks are severe, as can be seen on the assembled 128mm Pak 44(80) L/55 gun breech. Many parts are over scale, such as the towing "U"s. The exterior surface has a slight texture to it. Surface detail is both recessed and relief, as appropriate. Weld seams are molded on several parts. Unfortunately, engine deck grilles are not molded open.

Two figures are included with separate arms. Look for replacements... .


A few unit choices are provided. A full series of numbers allow you to create the panzer of your dreams, as well as a Regimental command vehicle "R". The carrier film is a bit thick.

detail

A unique feature of Nitto/Fujimi models is interior detail. It is basic and most is moulded on, such as torsion bars on the bottom of the hull, and big Pzgr.39 (APCBC) and Pzgr.40/43 (APCR) ammo for the 128mm gun. Six projectiles and eight propellant charges are moulded separately.
A 12-cylinder 700hp Maybach HL 230 P 30 engine is included, and shown built up. No access hatches are moulded open for viewing, so I guess it provided just for peace of mind.

conclusion

Nitto did a fair job tooling this 1/76 Jagdtiger (common military scale for the 1960s thanks to the preponderance of Airfix) and Fujimi tried to bring it up to 1990s snuff with metal pieces. It was a nice try but the High Grade series did not last long. Today there are better models of the Jagdtiger available. I think that if you have one of these models, build it. If you find one at a show for cheap, buy it if you really want a Jagdtiger.
Overall, I think that the primary value of this model is the novelty of the interior.

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Source
*, **. Henk of Holland. Fujimi Kit-numbers - by Mikio Aida from Japan. http://henk.fox3000.com/Fujimi.htm. n.d.