Reviews : Rye Middle Production Tiger I w/ Full Interior

This is the first Rye Field kit I have ever built. I am far from an expert on the Tiger I, but this kit contains everything I look for and expect in a good quality kit. This kit is NOT for a beginner or even some advanced modelers. I would call it a craftsman kit. The track assembly alone consists of 480 parts. There are 96 individual links per side. Each link has 5 parts. The interior detail is exquisite. With a fully detailed driver/radio operator/bow gunner suite. Completely detailed drive train and suspension system, ammunition storage lockers with 60 assorted shells of 4 different types. The turret alone has over 100 parts for the fighting compartment and 88mm main gun. The coax machine gun is a model itself. The engine compartment is fully detailed. The kit contains many parts which are not used but could be used on other models. Many of the parts are very small so a steady hand and good eyes are a must. The hull assembly is pretty straight forward and there is a wealth of exterior detail with tow cables (real wire) excellent OVM, gas cans, tow hooks etc. There is no need for any after market parts to improve this model. It is museum quality right out of the box. The one drawback is displaying the interior detail, because once the kit is assembled, much of it is hidden. Only you will know it is there. The only way you could display the interior would be in a maintenance diorama or showing a tank which suffered catastrophic destruction. I got great enjoyment building the kit and am going to use it in a field maintenance diorama.

Started this kit last night. First impression of the sprews seems ok. Start on step one, right off the bet, barrel assembly, barrel components are covered in flash and warped along with a huge mold divot right in the middle of the barrel. So much work to make this barrel look good I'm contemplating buying a metal one. Depending on how the rest of the build go, I may never buy rye field again. Takom was much better. If I can, I will leave pictures and an update as I go.

Did a detailed look at the box contents, lots of detail work to be done. Sprues are in really good shape no flash observed. Instruction sheet is well detailed and clear, the only thing I see that is lacking is a guide for the interior painting, but a little online research can remedy that. I'm definitely looking forward to working on this model and adding it to my displays.

Excellent kit, it was what I expect, I will recommend to other modellers.