Tamiya Military Miniature Series

Tamiya Tiger I Initial – Africa (1/48)

The Tamiya 1/48 Tiger I Initial Production – Africa kit recreates one of the most iconic German tanks deployed during the North African campaign. This variant represents the early production model of the formidable Tiger I, adapted for service in the harsh desert environment of 1942–43.

First introduced in late 1942, the Tiger I was designed to outgun and outlast Allied armour. Armed with the powerful 88mm KwK 36 L/56 gun and protected by up to 100mm of frontal armour, the Tiger was nearly impervious to most Allied tank and anti-tank weapons of the time. Its heavy weight, advanced suspension, and wide tracks gave it good cross-country performance despite the sandy and rocky terrain of the desert. Units such as schwere Panzer-Abteilung 501 operated these tanks under the command of Erwin Rommel’s Afrika Korps, where they clashed with British and Commonwealth forces during pivotal engagements in Tunisia.

• 1/48 scale assembly kit of the Initial Production Tiger I tank
• Accurately captures early features such as side turret gun port, desert-use Feifel air filters, skid-pattern front fenders, and storage box on turret rear
• Die-cast lower hull for added weight and realism
• Includes assembly-type tracks with one-piece straight runs for ease of construction
• Commander figure included
• Two marking options for North African units

The Tiger I’s combination of firepower, armour, and engineering made it a feared opponent in the desert war. This kit offers modelers the chance to recreate a piece of armoured warfare history from one of WWII’s most iconic theatres.