In January 1943, a new Tiger tank was ordered by the Waffenamt, this time with a turret large enough to mount the fearsome 8.8cm L/71 gun. Besides improving its tank killing capabilities, the new Tiger was also intended to be more survivable on the battlefield. To achieve this, the thickness of the frontal armor was increased to 150mm, while the side armor remained constant at 80mm. A wooden mock-up showing the immense size of the vehicle was displayed on October 20th, 1943 and immediately became the center of attention to all that saw it. Production of the vehicle began soon thereafter in November 1943 although the first 50 vehicles sported the Porsche turret with its curved front plate. On December 6th, the Waffenant deemed that the shot-trap formed by the turret be eliminated. This was achieved by Henschel re-designing the turret and gun mantlet, in such a manner as to decrease the frontal area while at the same time incorporating a bell-shaped mantlet.

Now Unimax has crafted a marvelous 1:16 scale diecast replica of the PzKpfw VI King Tiger Ausfuhrung B heavy tank. This stunning recreation features a rotating turret -- which can be removed so you can check out the different crew stations -- elevating gun, opening hatches, removable diecast ammunition, detachable fender skirts, tank commander, and realistic-looking metal tracks! Each metal track alone weighs over 2 pounds!

All sorts of armament and other accessories have also been included to give this 'king of the battlefield' a truly royal look. This particular King Tiger is painted in a dazzling autumn ambush camouflage pattern which was used during the latter stages of World War II and bears the insignia of Joachim Peiper's command tank during the Battle of the Bulge. Limited edition production run of only 2,500 pieces worldwide, 750 of which were available to the North American marketplace. Comes with a numbered certificate of authenticity and is bundled with a total of four pre-painted figures. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Length: 25-inches
Width: 9-inches
Height: 7-inches

Release Date: October 2005

Original Issue Price: $399.99

Historical Account: "Towards the Blue Horizon" - Schwere SS Panzerabteilung 101 was formed in July 1943 around a cadre drawn from the SS Panzer Division Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler and was subsequently attached to I SS Panzerkorps Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler. It was later attached to SS Panzer Division Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler and sent to Italy in August 1943. Two of the companies were then sent to the eastern front where they remained until April 1944.

Later on, the unit was assigned to SS Panzer Division Hitler Jugend, where it fought the allies in Normandy, suffering heavy losses in the process. It was refitted with Tiger II (Koningstiger) tanks in September 1944 and redesignated schwere SS Panzerabteilung 501. Schwere SS Panzerabteilung 501 participated in the failed Ardennes offensive before being sent to the Eastern front where it was completely destroyed.