The Tiger II Ausf.B, Konigstiger, King Tiger or Royal Tiger, as it was called depending where you were from, was the most powerful tank produced by the Germans. It became operational in July 1944, during the Invasion of Normandy. This formidable tank fought on the Western and Eastern Fronts until the end of World War II.

Hauler is located in the Czech Republic, and produces high quality photo-etched sets for AFVs, aircraft, cars, railway vehicles and resin accessories for dioramas and resin kits.

This set fits the 1/72 scale Revell Tiger II kit, and comes nicely packaged with the two photo etch frets inside individual clear plastic bag. The instructions are folded and everything is stapled to the folded over cardboard backing.

Detailed and fairly clear instructions are shown pictorially on the front and back of a small sheet. Semi circles and arrows are shown that indicate how to fold parts. These are little confusing initially, but after further study, they made sense.

The first photo etch fret contains all the mesh grates over the engine inlets, and should be straight forward to attach.

The second fret contains a plethora of detail items, many of which are really tiny. These include pioneering and repair tools, a storage box with separate straps, hatch locking mechanisms, periscopes for the commander’s cupola, side skirt attachments, exhaust shrouds, handles and lifting hooks. There are also optional solid engine covers. I placed a pen next to some parts to show the size of these items against the pen nib.

The hooks and handles are very, very small! It may be easier to attach these to the tank, by drilling small holes where the hook or handle goes in the deck or turret. Then, when removing the part from the fret, include the attachment stub. This would allow the stub to be glued and inserted into the hole for a more secure, neater and easier attachment. The “easier” part may still prove to be ambitious!!

Overall, this is a nice addition for this small scale Tiger II. Experience with photo etch, and tools to handle the very small parts would be essential for this set.

I would like to thank Hauler-Brengun, and the IPMS for the opportunity to review this set.