Back then, they didn't have the plastic models we have now. I recall in 1959, I saw a "kit" Tiger E downtown Frankfurt a/M. It was all wood and believe it was close to 1;15/16 scale. It was big and required some sanding/filing. Like wartime models, don't believe the
detailing and accuracy was all that good, but they were toys for kids.

Big thing then, and still for sale, was paper models. I assembled the battleship Scharnhorst and it took me forever. With those paper models, it was crucial that you cut exactly on the line with no deviation.