I've got a Sherman and am building a King Tiger. They are the two extremes - the smallest and the largest tank Tamiya makes. I love them both....both are well designed, both have metal lower hull, but neither one is stock either! But then, neither are my Heng Longs....

I'd advise to get whatever you like best, but get one that is not available as a Heng Long. This way when (not if, when) you want to get more you don't get doubles. The Tiger I is a bad one to start with in my opinion just due to it being everywhere. Both Tamiya and Heng Long have had it for a long time and you will see a "too good to pass up" deal soon and get one anyway. Of course, there is an allure to the Tiger I, and some members on this forum have nothing but (it seems) modified Tigers. I will tell you that the Heng Long Tiger is a basic and buggy model, and needs a lot of tlc to bring up to snuff for serious tanking. That being said, it is also fairly accurate. The Tamiya Tiger I I can not comment- I have not seen one so do not know how good it is.

Ultimately, I would venture that whatever you like best is the best choice. I really don't think there is a bad one in the bunch. Personally, I drool over AAF Tank Museum's Panther, but I like big tanks!