Dragon Tiger 1 Kits

[chops1sc]

I was looking for a Tiger 1 kit and I noticed Dragon has 7 different Tiger 1 kits (1:35)! Is it reasonable to think they are all pretty much the same in terms of track type, PE, etc? I realize the different variations and I don't really have a preference. Which one would you consider the "best" Tiger kit? It doesn't necessarily have to be Dragon.

Thanks!

[SergioSolo]

I've never built a Dragon kit before, but I've heard that you have to check what kind of tracks are included. If they are DS, then stay away! Unless you're willing to pay for aftermarket ones

[SteelScooter]

My favourite Dragon tiger is Tiger I Late Production w/ ZIMMERIT #6383.



It has DS styrene tracks but they are very good, only the recent DS Tiger tracks went to hell when they changed the plastic and stopped wrapping them in cardboard. The softer material and lack of protection led to bent guide teeth that are very difficult to fix.

The individual Magic Tracks from the earlier kits are actually less accurate than the good DS ones as they do not have the lightening hole molded in the guide teeth. A lot of peeps like to use replacement metal tracks whatever comes in the box but I think the DS set, that come in the above kit at least, will be just fine.

The earlier kits come with a lot more PE and metal barrels etc but are also more expensive when you can find them. They also lack molded on zimmerit where required and you will have to sort that out yourself if needed. For a first Dragon tiger I don't think you can go far wrong with #6383.

Scooter

[chops1sc]

Thank you!

[RonBurgundy]

A good option would also be to go for the Rye Field Model's Tigers. Cheaper than Dragon's, detail is almost the same, and RFM gives you workable tracks. A bit tedious to put together but worth at the end. My biggest letdown with RFM is that they dont do texture on hull and turret, but that is a minor thing. Personally, I prefer RFM just because they are new company, give you workable tracks and I dont like Dragon's new selling policy.
Dragons DS is allright if you want a quick assembly AND if you get the one without bent guide teeth.
My experience with the new recipe DS is that the late Tiger tracks are bulkier than early one's thus less likely to have been bent in box.
6383 is a great choice if you want a clean and fast build. It is also pretty accurate.

[chops1sc]

What is Dragon's new selling policy? I assume the workable tracks you speak of are plastic? Thank you for the recommendations. I'll definitely check them out.

[RonBurgundy]

Dragons new selling policy is removal of Dragon card with goodies, removal of Magic tracks and insisting on DS, skyrocketing prices etc... Still my favourite plastic though.
Yes, those tracks are plastic.

[RichardT]

Dragon 6383 is a great kit and goes together well. In my opinion the best Tiger kit Dragon do is 6820 Tiger 131.You can build almost any early from this
kit including Kursk Tigers.However by far the best Tiger 1 kit currently on the market is Rye Field Model RM5003 with full interior.

[mannloon]

They do all have simliar PE sheets and sprues if you stick to the newer ones. RichardT has things pretty well explained there, i can't disagree with his opinons. I build up all of Rye Fields Tiger kits when they come out and they are pretty good. I still prefer Dragon Tigers, but RFM is catching up.