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Proposed Project: Tiger II

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Rubicon Models:
While we are still working some active projects, we are now researching material for new projects.  One proposed project is the Tiger II.

Some Background:
The Tiger II was developed late in the war and built in relatively small numbers.  Orders were placed for 1,500 Tiger IIs — slightly more than the 1,347 Tiger I tanks produced — but Tiger II production was severely disrupted by Allied bombing.  Among others, five raids between 22 September and 7 October 1944 destroyed 95 percent of the floor area of the Henschel plant. It is estimated that this caused the loss in production of some 657 Tiger IIs.  Only 492 units were produced: one in 1943, 379 in 1944, and 112 in 1945.  Full production ran from mid-1944 to the end of the war.

Zimmerit:
Zimmerit was applied to some tanks produced from December 1943 to 9 September 1944.  Application of Zimmerit was usually done at the factory.  In general, vehicles already in service were not coated with Zimmerit.  Zimmerit was discontinued from factory application on 9 September 1944 and from field application on 7 October 1944.  This was due to concerns that projectile impacts could ignite it.  These proved false, but the order was never rescinded.  Applying and drying the paste added days to the production of each vehicle, which was unacceptable as there was a shortage of tanks.  Only early models of Tiger II have Zimmerit applied.

Proposed Plan:
Our proposed plan is to include both the "Porsche" and the Henschel (production) Tiger II turret.  The question is should we include Zimmerit?  Historically, out of the 492 Tiger IIs, less than half had Zimmerit applied.  Our concerns with Zimmerit is:
1) Increase design and production difficulties
2) Mould production cost significantly higher
3) Zimmerit pattern on model not convincing
4) Retail price of the final product too high

What is your opinion?
We have added a poll for those who don't want to comment, but want to contribute.  For those who wanted to comment, please give feedback and vote too!!

NOTE: You probably need to <SCROLL UP> to see the poll...

;)

Laffe:
Since my main area of interest is Normandy, I would like a zimmerited porsche design. However, I voted "No" since a Tiger II isn't really essential for me.

elias.tibbs:
For a plastic kit, I would vote no for zimmerit

Michael C:
No to Zimmerit, I would rather if possible be able to buy it in an add-on pack. But I am not interested it being on the kit.

VolleyfireAndy:
I think a Tiger II kit would be better served without Zimmerit as it never looks as good in plastic as spending a couple of hours with putty and a saw to detail. Also it's a lot easier to add Zimmerit than it is to remove it!

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