Tamiya 35325 German Tank Destroyer Elefant 1/35

Tamiya 35325 German Tank Destroyer Elefant (1/35) is an advanced plastic model kit depicting the German heavy tank destroyer Sd.Kfz.184 "Elefant". The set was released by the renowned company Tamiya in 2012 and allows for a faithful reproduction of this historical armored vehicle in the popular 1:35 scale. The model consists of high-quality plastic parts, as well as photo-etched elements, a rotating metal barrel—a finely rendered replica of the powerful 8.8 cm L/71 gun—and a water-slide decal sheet enabling personalized vehicle markings.

• Scale: 1/35
• User country: Germany
• Service period: World War II (1943–1945)
• Category: plastic model kit
• Dimensions of finished model: 236 mm in length
• Material: plastic, metal elements (barrel), photo-etched parts

The Sd.Kfz.184 "Elefant" was developed in response to the need to counter Soviet T-34 and heavy KV-1 tanks on the Eastern Front. It was characterized by extremely thick armor—up to 200 mm in some areas—and powerful armament, allowing for effective long-range fire. The hybrid powertrain based on Maybach HL 120 engines and Siemens electric generators provided a unique driving dynamic, although the vehicle was prone to breakdowns, especially in the harsh conditions of the front lines.

The Elefant was first used during the Battle of Kursk in 1943, where it proved highly effective against Allied armored vehicles, but its weaknesses became apparent—lack of a machine gun for self-defense, poor mobility, and vulnerability to mines. Later units received additional small arms and other improvements.

The Tamiya 35325 model stands out for its precise reproduction of armor details, faithfully rendered running gear, realistic interior components, and details such as inspection hatches, drivetrain elements, and tools mounted on the hull. Thanks to the use of a metal barrel and photo-etched parts, it is possible to achieve the level of realism expected by advanced modelers.

We recommend this model to both intermediate and experienced military modelers (difficulty level 4/5). The wealth of detail and high quality of the set make it an excellent choice for enthusiasts of World War II history, German armored vehicles, and 1:35 scale vehicle collectors. The set allows you to create a realistic diorama of a vehicle used during key battles of the Eastern and Italian fronts.