Kit Introduction – 1/35 Pz.Kpfw. VI Ausf.E Sd.Kfz. 181 Early Production – “KK’s Tiger I”
The Tiger I remains one of the most iconic tanks of World War II — feared for its firepower, armor, and battlefield presence. The newest DML Tiger kit depicts an early production variant of the Tiger I as it appeared during its critical frontline debut, specifically the vehicle associated with one of the most successful tank ace of the war.
This particular Tiger I saw action on the Eastern Front, under the banner of schwere Panzer-Abteilung 503, one of the Wehrmacht’s elite heavy tank battalions. It was during this period — across engagements at Kursk, Kharkov, and the Ukrainian steppes — that he and his crew developed their formidable reputation. The Tiger represented a leap in German armored warfare: a 56-ton vehicle mounting the high-velocity 8.8 cm KwK 36 L/56 gun, thick frontal armor, and a commanding silhouette that dominated the battlefield.
Historical Background – “KK’s” Service & Legacy
A German NCO, he became a legend among tank crews during WWII — credited with over 160 tank kills, making him the most successful tank ace ever recorded. Serving with s.Pz.Abt. 503, he operated the Tiger I in some of the fiercest armored engagements of the war, including Operation Citadel (Kursk) and the Battles for Kharkov.
Unlike many decorated soldiers, he never pursued political favor. He was known for prioritizing crew welfare, often refusing to accept kills that weren’t confirmed — a rare trait in an era when personal tallies were used for promotion and propaganda.
His Tiger I — featured in this kit — was part of the battalion’s early delivery batches, making it an ideal subject for WW2 enthusiasts and modeling. Drawing on the research of David Byrden, this kit incorporates verified details down to tool placement, weld seams, and track configuration — supported by Dragon Models’ precision engineering and visualized through the artwork of Ron Volstad.
This release brings together Dragon’s “dream team” — Byrden’s research, Volstad’s visuals, and our own heritage tooling — to recreate one of the most historically important tanks of WWII, as it appeared under the command of its most storied crew.
