Reviews : Tamiya German Tank Destroyer Elefant

I felt the need to build and represent a little known aspect of the Epic battles fought on the Eastern Front. These Armored Giants were of often thought of as to heavy, hard to maintain, and just hulks. However after doing my reasurch these were very effective killers of any tank they encountered. This is a wonderful kit to build, kept me interested the entire time. Very good fit of parts, but watch the front fenders for proper final fit. The easy link tracks are easy to build, but the numbering to end up with proper sag was incorrect. I ended up needing to add extra links. I left off the zimmeret due to the complexity of the kit. And in photos some tanks did not have it applied. Due to the fact these beasts were so rare ... Less than 90 units built you should build one for your collection.

I started this after building the Nashorn. Quite a difference between them. The Elefant is bigger but not as many parts as it doesn't have an open fighting compartment. It went together so well I'm a little disappointed that I don't have anything to gripe about, that's my nature. It took about half the time to build as it took for the Nashorn. Here's a suggestion. Get the Nashorn and Elefant kits. Build the Nashorn first then the Elefant. You'll be amazed at how quickly the Elefant goes together. Would recommend this kit for any level of modeler with possibly a little help with beginners on the treads, a lot of parts for them attention may wander.

I just finished this kit. What a monster this tank was, another great kit from Tamiya. Pieces fit together great, remember to dry fit first. Detail is spot on; figures have good poses. The only thing you have to watch is fitting the tracks its very tight with the fenders on. So, I suggest is to dry fit or lightly glue the fenders then paint. After you paint remove the fenders to set the tracks, they have very good detail and fit together well. Keep an eye on the directions some of the track pieces look the same. Other than that, it is a really good kit to build. I would recommend this kit to anyone you will not be sorry you bought it; price is descent also.

no Zimmerit on the hull?...The model has the post Battle of Kursk factory modifications such as the MG34 gun on the front and the commander's cupola. The addition of zimmerit would have been a standard part of these factory modifications. I shouldn't have to mess around with a sheet of after market Tamiya zimmerit stickers or a can of putty to add this type of realism to a model. I would recomment either the Dragon 6317 Ferdinand kit for the pre Battle of Kursk version or the Dragon 6465 Elefant kit which is post Battle of Kursk and has the zimmerit molded right on the hull.

never thought I would have one of these ,let alone 2.cant wait to get the 2nd. first one I cammode ,next one will be dark yellow.even the small parts fit well.the tank is so good I had to buy a second one..its a large tank, about the size of a tiger2. Tamiya does it again.5 stars.for around 70.00 you can't go wrong.only 4 left at the battle of Berlin and I have 2.A must have for a tank collector.cons plastic tracks' like the rubber version.the figures are a nice addition. I bought after market tracks to replace the build type tracks.

This rare tank the German army used in the Battle of Kursk and in northern Italy after the italians surendered to the Allies, this is a fun build, it took me about 35 hours over a 3 week period, building, painting and detailing ect. i also added the new Zimmerit stick on coating offered by the Hobbylinc store, and i also added the 88mm Pak43 metal gun barrel, these really makes the tank look realistic.

This was an awesome kit. Tracks were a challenge but take your time be organized and it goes together well. I would recommend wrapping the treads around both sprockets then apply to tank. No fit issues..Great fun to build and weather.

Absolutely loved putting this model together. Only issue was gun locking mechanism, it was a little difficult

Nice build but the tracks are a pain in the butt.Would not recommend for beginners