Scale Model Enthusiast - Blog on creative military scale models: Fists of War series

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Entry 4: Modelcollect UA35019 1/35 German Heavy Tank "Sabeltiger" E-60 Ausf.B 12.8cm Kwk- Clean Canvas for a Paper Panzer

German Heavy tank “Sabeltiger” E-60 Ausf.B 12.8cm Kwk- Kit number 35019

Scale modelling can be life-long hobby, I have seen many AFV subjects on offer as a model kits. These scale models kits were mainly based on historical vehicles. Mine preference of scale model kits, has always been World War II Axis Powers. Armour vehicles from Germany, Japan and Italy is still extremely interesting. Don't get me wrong. I do built the odd Matilda, Jeeps and Shermans.

But nothing beats an AFV monster from the Axis powers especially German Armour vehicles. Back then, in the 80s and 90s prevalence of this great hobby with its many japanese scale models manufacturers and themes were modelling magazines from Japan such as Model Art Magazine, Armour Modelling Magazine and Model Graphix showcasing wonderful scale model works by great modellers in Japan.

I recalled being gobsmacked by one of the magazine, publishing of a strange looking 1/35 german panzer called the “Sabelzahntiger”. This was mine first encounter with 'paper-panzers' which was not produced by major kit makers at that time. Back then, being a resin kit, it was expensive and not reachable for a high school student...so cool was these paper panzers designs at it sat at the corner of my mind unreachable..until... Model Collect. range of AFV themes.

Completed Paper Panzer ready for inspection!

Chinese based Model Collect came to the modelling scene in 2014, with their launch of main stay and unusal subjects 1/72, 1/48 and 1/35 . And these subjects included paper panzers!

I purchased this kit back in August 2024, It was basic to say the least, molding lines were soft, vehicle tools could be better. Fitting was also not the best, i recommend test fitting at every stage. Tracks was the big disappointment with their tiny guide horns. I feedbacked to Model Collect and was told, the tracks are being corrected with higher guide horns. Hopefully, these will be used in 2025 production run.

To counter the short track, i had replaced them with Hobbyboss King Tiger late production tracks which fits with adjustments to the track sprocket and idler.

Setting the tracks to dry after test fitting

Apart from the Tracks, the road wheels was also challenging as it has a rather short shaft to adhere to the suspension system. In order to strengthen these to prevent them from possible breakage, the holes was drilled and extended into the hull and the road wheel's shaft was extended with evergreen plastic rods. to reach the hull providing better strength.

As for assembly instructions, it can also be improvement as there was a lot of guess work involved in during my built and hence test fitting was essential!