Yes, I know . . . before anyone emails me to correct me that technically this isn't a "Porsche" turret, I know that Krupp actually built both turret styles, but everybody (including Revell) calls this a Porsche turret, so that's what it's being called here.

This model is essentially the same as the earlier "Henschel" version of the King Tiger, meaning that it is an outstanding kit. The hull, wheels and tracks are the same as that previous kit, so I refer the reader to my previous King Tiger Preview for scans of those parts. New to this kit is the turret:

These parts are just as well made as the rest of the kit, with both crew hatches open, though not the rear loading hatch (but it could easily be made so). One thing missing, however, is the armored turret ring around the base of the turret. The Henschel version didn't need this additional protection, but due to the shape of the Porsche turret, there was a gap beneath the turret that needed protecting. This is a rather major oversight.

Also new is the main gun barrel:

. . . which is also very well done; perfectly straight, with only a minor molding seam.

Markings are included for two vehicles:

. . . both of Heavy Panzer Battalion 503. They are nicely printed and in fairly decent register.

This kit is almost as fine as the earlier King Tiger kit, but keep in mind that in addition to having to add the armored turret ring, zimmerit will most likely need to be added as well. As far as I know, only the two prototype vehicles lacked the zimmerit coating, but all production vehicles, including the two included on the decal sheet, had zimmerit applied to them. I imagine that we will soon see etched brass zimmerit sets from PART and maybe Eduard, and probably a couple of resin conversions as well. Note that if you want to build one of the prototype vehicles, you will have to double the number of teeth on the sprocket wheel, which should be easy enough, and make a couple of other minor changes to equipment stowage, etc.