OKB Grigorov

Commander Cupola for Tiger 1, early

This is an aftermarket cast resin and etched brass replacement cupola set for the early Tiger I tank, the version that is called a drum or dustbin shaped cupola that would have seen service in the Leningrad area and at Kursk in 1943. This set would be appropriate for 1/72 scale Tiger I models such as Hasegawa’s kit 31108/MT8, Dragon kit 7370 and Trumpeter’s kit 7242. We can also use this drum cupola to help convert a late Tiger I to an early Tiger.

This cupola set comes in a small ziplock plastic bag containing four resin cupolas with separate resin hatches and a fret of etched brass for the hinge detail. Not supplied is a piece of brass wire to use for the grab handle. The detail is excellent, and we do have some reasonable details on the inside of the cupola. Because of the complexity of the hinge details, OKB gives us nicely done instructions.

The cupola hatches have good detail on the top and bottom.

I highly recommend this detail set and with four we have enough to share with a friend. Wash all the parts with detergent and warm water to remove any molding lubricants.

Here is a comparison of the resin OKB resin cupola parts with the dark green Revell drum cupola and the light gray plastic Dragon cupola parts. In my opinion the Dragon kit offers the best drum cupola in plastic but the OKB cupola has the best detail and quality of all.

This accessory was purchased by the modeler.

Article Last Updated: 01 November 2020