From mid-1944, the German army unleashed a new beast onto the battlefield: the Sd.Kfz 182 Panzer VI Ausf. B "King Tiger" heavy tank. This successor to the Tiger I boasted significant improvements, including an all-new chassis, thicker armour with a distinctive sloped front hull (increasing weight to almost 70 tons), and the devastating 8.8 cm KwK 43 L/71 main gun. Powered by a Maybach V-12 engine, the King Tiger reached a respectable 42 km/h. Two turret designs were employed; the initial Porsche turret and the more common Henschel turret, both housing 80 rounds for the main gun. The King Tiger saw its first action with the 503rd Heavy Panzer Battalion during the critical Battle of Normandy in July 1944. While undeniably powerful, its production was limited and its operational lifespan was cut short by the dwindling resources of the Third Reich. This formidable tank remains a symbol of late-war German engineering, a testament to their continued innovation even in the face of impending defeat.

Now, Italeri have recreated this piece of military history in 1/72 scale, ready for you to build and display.

• Paints & Brushes
• Modelling Glue such as Revell Contacta Professional Glue 25g
• Tweezers, Scissors & Modelling Knives