Takom 2191 VK 45.02 (H) draft blueprint w 1461

Takom CAD Drawings

With the growing interest in Paper Panzers in recent years, it is not surprising that Takom has released another model. Takom, a prominent manufacturer of injection-molded polystyrene model kits, is based in Donguan, a central city in Guangdong Province, China. The company is well known in the modeling community for producing high-quality kits in scales ranging from 1/72 to 1/16. You can find more information on their website: 

Takom http://www.takom-world.com/index/home/index.html

Paper Panzer?

So, what is a Paper Panzer?  For those unfamiliar, Paper Panzers refer to German WWII tank (Panzer) projects that were either conceptualized or blueprinted (hence "Paper") and, in some cases, manufactured as prototypes, but never entered mass production.

Background:

Although there is plenty of information about the "Paper Panzer," the following outlines the sequence leading up to the second version VK45.02 (H).

VK45.01(H )Tiger I

VK45.02(H) (draft blueprint w1461)

VK45.03(H) Tiger II

The Tiger 1 was designated VK45.01(H), where VK stands for "Fully Tracked Experimental Vehicle," 45 indicates its 45-ton weight, 01 represents the first design, and H refers to the manufacturer, Henschel and Sohn. In contrast, the Tiger II was classified as VK45.03(H), the third design for a 45-ton vehicle from Henschel, dated April 1942. This kit provides the missing link in the sequence. The blueprints (w1461) reveal notable changes from the Tiger I, particularly replacing the vertical driver's plate with a new two-piece sloping glacis. This new glacis features a lower, smaller section set at a steeper angle compared to the upper part. In addition to these changes, slightly sloping sides were also added. The Tiger II (VK.02 H), officially designated in April 1942, was effectively discontinued by October of that same year.

Box Contents:

This new arrival was packaged in a large box, measuring 15" (381mm) long x 10" (254mm) wide x 5" (127mm) tall with colorful box art showing the VK 45.02 (H) draft blueprint w 1461 with a tank commander in the hatch.The kit includes 19 grey sprues, 2 clear sprues, 1 lower hull, 1 turret, 1 photoetch fret, 1 small decal sheet for 2 paint schemes, 1 copper cable, and a 19-page  instructional booklet in landscape orientation with 23 steps for assembly.

After thoroughly inspecting the sprues, I didn't notice any flash or mold shifts present. As with all Takom moldings, they are consistently crisp and feature superb detail.

Sprue A x2 (tracks)  Page 5 above shows the construction.

Closer View of Track Links

Sprue C2

Sprue D x 2 (from Takom kit #2045 King Tiger Henschel Turret)

Sprue D (from Takom kit #2200 Tiger 1 Mid-Production Limited Edition)

Sprue D2

Sprue E (from Takom kit #2046 King Tiger Porsche Turret)

Sprue E x 2 (from Takom kit #2198 Tiger 1 Mid-Production w/Zimmerit)

Sprue E2

Sprue F x 2

Sprue H

Sprue J

Sprues K & L

Sprue N2

Sprue P2

Sprue S

Clear Sprues x 2

Lower Hull (from Takom kit # 2198 Tiger 1 Mid-Production w/Zimmerit) & Turret (from Takom kit # 2074 King Tiger Porsche Turret)

Photo-etch, cable, and decals

References Used:

https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/vk45-02h-tiger-ii-henschel-improved-tiger/

https://www.super-hobby.com/products/VK-45.02-H-draft-blueprint-w-1461.html

Conclusion:

I found it interesting that Takom assembled this kit using sprues from various Tiger I kits, much like the Waffen Prüfungsamt (Weapons Testing Office) did with their existing 45-ton tank. Molding is crisp with an excellent level of detail. As with any Takom kit, flash is something not seen anymore. The parts trees are easily identifiable, making this hobby a pleasure. With that said, I am looking forward to the full build. Stay tuned.

Highly Recommended for Beginner to Advanced builders pending the full build.

Thanks goes out to Takom for this review kit.

Reviewed by Phillip Cavender AMPS #3060

If you liked this review, consider joining AMPS. Your annual membership
includes six copies of AMPS's magazine, Boresight,
and helps to support our ongoing reviews.

Click here for more information about joining AMPS