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First Look Review
135
Geschutzwagen Tiger 17cm K72
Geschutzwagen Tiger for 17cm K72 Gun
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by: Jim Starkweather [ STAFF_JIM ]

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There have been a lot of large rail-guns in recent years. Many of them from Trumpeter. In a continuation of this theme they will release a new kit based on a 'paper' Panzer that did not see actual combat but was in the late stages of development at the close of World War II. This 'Geschutzwagen' used Tiger II components and was designed to mount and transport the enormous 170mm K72 gun and would carry the designation 'Grille 17'. Production began on a prototype in 1943/44 by Krupp. According to Trumpeter one prototype was almost completed in May of 1945 when it was captured by British troops.

The kit can be built as one or two kits. The gun can be built and displayed separately or mounted in the AFV itself. The kit will consist of 556 grey parts according to Trumpeters press release. It will also include:

- Photo etch for the engine covers and dust-proof nets
- A complete interior including engine and transmission
- Marking will include green, brown, and sand camo options
- The set includes vinyl tracks

This test-shot is not of final production quality but the photos below and to the right clearly show the amount of material involved. Injector marks were plainly evident on this test-shot, so we can hope that the final production run will minimize these issues or there will be a lot of filling and sanding required on some of the panels.

Here is the official text from the distributor fact sheet:

The Germans often used parts from older armor to convert into more modern fighting machines later during WWII. In 1942, the German firm Krupp received orders to design a vehicle using Tiger II components, which was to be part of the Grille series. It was to be able to mount an enormous 170mm K70 L/50 gun - Grille 17. In 1943/44, Krupp started production of the prototype, while full-scale production was to start in mid-1945, but the end of the war cancelled any further development. Grille 17 had its armament mounted on the rail platform inside the hull allowing it to be dismounted at any time and used independent of the actual tank itself. It was also armed with two 7.92mm machine guns, and would be operated by crew of eight (driver, commander, gunner, radio operator, and four loaders). One prototype with 170mm gun was almost completed in May of 1945 and was captured by British troops at the end of the war, making this a rare find among military collections.

The suggested retail price for this kit is $119.95 USD which may seem like a lot until you factor in the sheer amount of plastic involved. The kit measures in at 13-14 inches long when complete.

This kit will certainly be another unique and interesting build for many modelers. And you can likely count on the aftermarket P/E manufacturers to provide update sets for such a large beast.

If you would like to see more images of the test-shot built (by Trumpeter) please check out our news story here.

I would like to give a special thanks to Stevens International for sending us this early preview of the kit. The release date is set for sometime in October.

(Scroll down for more close-up photos below.)
SUMMARY
We get a sneak-peek at the new Trumpeter Geschutzwagen Tiger with 17cm K72 gun. This test shot is not up to production standards, but it gives us a good idea of what to expect.
  Scale: 1:35
  Mfg. ID: 00378
  Suggested Retail: 119.95
  PUBLISHED: Sep 07, 2007
  NATIONALITY: Germany
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 89.91%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 84.47%

Our Thanks to Stevens International!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

View Vendor Homepage  |  More Reviews  

Photos
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About Jim Starkweather (staff_Jim)
FROM: NEW HAMPSHIRE, UNITED STATES

I started building models in 1971 when I was 6. My first model was a 1/32 P-40 Warhawk. Revell I believe. From there I moved onto the standard cars, Apollo spacecraft, and other kid orientated kits. I don't know what got me started on Armor. I must have seen a Monogram tank kit one day and said "Mom...

Copyright ©2021 text by Jim Starkweather [ STAFF_JIM ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

Yes it is a good review. I read it twice before plopping down my hard earned money. But the true test is how does it build up? I am now about 75% of the through my build, and I have to say it is a really good kit. The gearbox, transmission , cover, engine, and gun went together with no problem. I did notice a few small errors though. There is no drive shaft from the engine to the gear box. This doesn't reall matter since it would be almos impossible to put into place, and doesn't show anyway. Also, the hole through wich the drive shaft would pass is offset to the wrong side. If you put the bulkhead in backwards, the hole would liune up, and all the detail would be lost. I also found a few parts that are incorrect on the instructions. One is left off completely. But, to be honest, this is a fantastic kit. The pieces fit right into place. The gun is a work of art. The engine will probably reapear in a future KT release. If you are on the fence about this one, I would suggest you give it a try. Wow.
JAN 16, 2008 - 11:44 AM
I have this kit and for the money it really lacks the detail and extra's.The 2 piece plastic gun and soft rubber tracks are lame.Interior details are severly lacking and no shells or shell rack.It can be built to be a great kit but for much more money.Maybe Dragon may take a shot at this subject.
MAY 21, 2008 - 05:56 PM
Donald I am sorry you are not happy with the kit, I share your opinions over the lack of the 5 shells it was to carry and for the price the choice of rubber band or individual track links would have been a nice inclusion, I did feel the rubber band tracks were very good for what they where however getting them to hang correctly may be a problem. As for the interior I disagree as I felt that what was included and could be seen through the hatches was excellent, is it perfect? No but what kit is. The engine and transmission is in my opinion the best I have seen in injection plastic and a great kit in its own right. The gun was reasonable in my opinion, yes a turned barrel would be nice but even Dragon don’t include them all the time now. I have started on this beast for a build review and thus far have been very pleased with the fit. It would appear I missed a mistake in the instructions for which I apologize.
MAY 22, 2008 - 12:57 AM
Maybe (though probably not...) Trumpeter will address these concerns about the tracks and shells, etc, in the future. WAIT! I'm writing to you FROM the future, so I guess not...darned.
DEC 29, 2016 - 09:35 AM
Why bring up a thread this old? What use does it serve? And why do it on so many other old threads?
DEC 29, 2016 - 12:56 PM
Too obvious, low post count. Seen it too many times across too many boards. Too many bods excavate and answer old posts to get their post count score up to respectable levels. Best Matthew
DEC 29, 2016 - 01:56 PM
Hey...MG, usually when some one has a question and they do a search... their question's thread will pop up... filled with a question and finding no answer... they post a question.(many times on an old thread). the guy's only joined since last year. what inherent problem is there with asking ? (( I definitely am differentiating common questions / from 2 yr olds crying why? why? why? )) if every question had to be started in a new thread... ""The Horror, The Horror"" MJW; dang dude I thought global conspiracies were just an American short-coming.
DEC 29, 2016 - 02:17 PM
Global conspiracies might be uniquely American but the truth is out there... Its undeniable when its so obvious.... So conspiracies start, to hide it ! Best M
DEC 29, 2016 - 02:26 PM
...lol
DEC 29, 2016 - 02:27 PM
   
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