Scale Models of the Tiger I
Forces of Valor 1:16 Scale Tiger I "Villers Bocage" 222
Third in the series of "Extreme Metal" vehicles released by Forces of Valour, this 1:16 Tiger I commemorates the battle of Villers Bocage on 13 June 1944 and the exploits of Michael Wittmann during the course of that dramatic day as part of the 101st (Heavy) Panzer Battalion. Although the debate continues to rumble, it has been accepted by a number of parties that the vehicle Wittmann commanded that day was number 222 - the vehicle initially assigned to SS-Unterscharführer Kurt Sowa.
This exquisite piece of die-cast engineering features a moving turret and cannon, hatches that open and close, and an engine section into which can be placed the detailed die-cast engine block. The vehicle has a fine "Zimmerit" paste finish, and is painted in the three-tone dark sand yellow, red-brown and olive green camouflage colour scheme adopted by the 101st Panzer Battalion during the summer of 1944.
This limited edition item comes with a number of accessories, including tank barriers, oil drums and a scale figure of Michael Wittmann which can be fitted in the cupola. It comes complete with a guide sheet, an A3 poster, numbered certificate of production, and two brochures containing technical information on the Tiger I and the story of Michael Wittmann's role in the events at Villers Bocage. Both of the brochures that come with this model contain narrative provided by this author from this website.
To view a larger version of the image, click the appropriate thumbnails.
Packaging, brochures and accessories
The selection of images below are of the 1:16 Forces of Valor "Villers Bocage" Tiger I inside its packaging, as well as of the two brochures, poster, certificate and guide sheet. As well as the vehicle itself, there was a separate box containing the die-cast engine block, and a container with all of the fixtures and fittings to be attached to the hull.
The basic vehicle
The following images are of the base vehicle straight out of the box, with none of the accessories - such as the tools, tow ropes, mud flaps, aerial, additional track links and side armour skirts - attached. The hull and turret have been applied with a "Zimmerit" finish - emulating the anti-magnetic paste that was applied to many German vehicles during the latter stages of the war.
Vehicle with all accessories fitted
The selection of photographs above show the Tiger I with all of the accessories attached, including the mud flaps, side skirts, aerial and commander's MG34 machine gun. A number of the images illustrate the opening and closing hatches located on the hull and turret, the engine compartment with fitted engine block, and the commander's cupola into which can be placed the Michael Wittmann figure. You can also see the additional accessories including the tank barriers and oil drums.
