The German Waffenamt issued an order to design the VK4501(H) (as the PzKpfw VI Ausf. E was then known) in May 1941, just one month prior to the commencement of Operation Barbarossa. Interestingly, Henschel und Sohn of Kassel was charged with building the heavily armored chassis while Krupp, by far the largest munitionwerks in Germany, was given the task of developing the turret. The PzKpfw VI Ausfuhrung E (type E) was one of the first German tanks to feature a torsion bar with eight interleaved wheels, which was designed to support the weight of the mammoth 57-ton tank. The Ausf. E mounted a huge 8.8cm KwK36 L/56 cannon and featured two MG34 machine guns for close support against enemy infantry. By war's end, 1,354 vehicles had been produced, some rolling off the Wegmann assembly line.

Dragon Armor's newest 1/72 scale model (Item No.60544) depicts one of these mighty Tiger I tanks, in this case a Late-Production version. It is presented in the markings of schwere Panzerabteilung 510, a unit formed in June 1944. After being equipped with its complement of Tiger Is, schwere Panzerabteilung 510 was sent to the Eastern Front. It fought in East Prussia and Kurland until the end of the war. The units distinctive standing bear marking inside a shield is applied to the front of the hull. This exciting Dragon Armor item has a ready made Zimmerit coating applied with a masters touch to give a fine scale appearance. It is also adorned in a typical three-color camouflage scheme. Armor model lovers won't bear to be without this Tiger I in their collections! Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Length: 4-1/2-inches
Width: 2-1/4-inches

Release Date: April 2012

Historical Account: "Deadly Companions" - Schwere Panzerabteilung 510 (abbreviated s.Pz.Abt. 510) was a German heavy Panzerabteilung equipped with Tiger I and later Tiger II Knigstiger tanks. The 510th saw action on the Eastern Front during the Second World War.

Schwere Panzerabteilung 510 was formed in June 1944 in Paderborn. In July, the Abteilung was sent to Lithuania where it fought in the Kurland pocket until the end of the war, attached to the 14.Panzer-Division and 30 Infanterie-Divisions.

Elements of the Abteilung were evacuated from Kurland. Via Kassel and Putlos, where they reached the Western Front and were engaged in the last bits of fighting. The group went into captivity with the Western Allies. A Kampfgruppe with the last 15 Tiger tanks did stay in Kurland, commanded by Leutnant Wise. This part of the Abteilung went into Soviet captivity.

The personnel came from parts of the workshop-Kp of sPzAbt. 504, the company commander School Versailles, and by the PzErs.-u. AusbAbt.500 Paderborn.