Tom,

the inspiration for this pattern came from watching a superb piece of cine-film footage filmed at the assembly area for the newly equipped 503rd Heavy tank battalion at Padderborn in sept 1944 (i think) just prior to the battalions deployment to Hungary into action against the Soviets forcing there way into the West.

The battalion was a truly organic Tiger battalion with 45 brand new KT's, the battalion was the first of its kind initially equipped with Tiger 1 and later Tiger 2 Porsche, most of which were destroyed in Normandy.

Stills from the Paderborn footage can be found in many books including "konigstiger" volumes 1 and 2 by Waldemar Trojca, the footage itself is normally included on DVDS about the Tiger tanks and its stunningly impressive to watch.

interestingly the tanks sport a variety of camouflage schemes such as the late war "Ambush" pattern and the 3 tone zimmeritted patterns i like to call "cloud pattern"

Can anyone answer me, why Tamiya include an MG42 in the kit as anti-aircraft machine gun on commanders cupola? i have only ever seen photos of MG-34 used in this role.

it would be a great aftermarket accessory to make, a detaile AA MG-34 with turned metal 7.92 mm machine gun link, photo etched ring sight and an MG Ammunition bag.

Any one listening? these tanks are crying out for such things!

Sorry to rant on, Tamiya get rolling on After market Hop up accessories for your tanks, your losing money by not making them, Late version Tiger 1 please also.