I finally was able to open the Tiger this morning. For those that are not familiar with the new 84273 full option kit, here are some highlights.
First, there is a supplemental instruction booklet that gives both painting and option instructions for four different tanks. These are
Tank number 131, 1st Co, sPzAbt 504, Tunisia, Spring of 1943
Tank number 142, 1st Co, sPzAbt 504, Tunisia, Spring of 1943
Tank number S33, 8th Co, 2nd SS Panzer Rgt, Russia, Summer 1943
Tank number II, sPzAbt 503 HQ, Russia, January 1943
The first two have early production parts, and the second two have late production parts. I am still learning about the differences between early and late production versions of the Tiger, but this seems like a nice move by Tamiya to include parts for different versions.
This new kit does include the K sprue, so if I chicken out on the PE hatch details, they are included. The new kit also includes a metal barrel and PE grilles. Does anyone know how accurate the Tamiya metal barrel is? Having these parts on the Leo, it makes me very happy they are included with the Tiger now, too.
Next, I will go through the manual step by step and start figuring out what I want to replace with metal pats and PE.
So, stay tuned. I will certainly have more questions.
Steve