Tamiya 1/35 Nashorn Heavy Tank Destroyer (kit no. 35335)
Tamiya 1/35 Nashorn Heavy Tank Destroyer
The Sd.Kfz.164 Nashorn (“Rhinoceros”) was one of Germany’s most effective long-range tank destroyers of World War II. Mounting the deadly 8.8cm Pak 43/1 anti-tank gun on a lightly armored Panzer III/IV hybrid chassis, the Nashorn could destroy Soviet and Allied armor at extreme ranges while remaining relatively mobile and inexpensive compared to heavier tank destroyers.
Tamiya released the Nashorn in 2014, and the kit quickly gained a reputation as one of the company’s best modern German armor releases because of:
Outstanding fit
Highly detailed fighting compartment
Excellent gun engineering
Crisp slide-molded detail
Realistic open-top interior presentation
Easy assembly despite the complex subject
Builder & Reviewer Feedback
Modelers consistently praise:
Exceptional engineering
Outstanding gun detail
Excellent open fighting compartment
Smooth assembly process
Fine recessed detail
Excellent figure quality
Strong Eastern Front diorama potential
One reviewer described it as:
“one of the best kits” they had seen recently.
Builders frequently mention:
Excellent balance of detail and buildability
Outstanding weathering opportunities
Impressive gun length and appearance
Excellent fit around fighting compartment panels
Strong aftermarket compatibility
The kit is especially respected because Tamiya managed to create:
A highly detailed open-top vehicle
Without excessive complexity
With very little filler required
While maintaining excellent alignment throughout the build
The included crew figures are also frequently praised for:
Natural poses
Sharp molding
Good interaction inside the fighting compartment
Strong winter Eastern Front appearance
Builders also note:
Vinyl tracks are the standard Tamiya flexible style
Some advanced builders prefer aftermarket individual-link tracks
Interior ammunition racks benefit from additional detailing
Open fighting compartment invites super-detailing
A Reddit armor discussion comparing Nashorn kits noted many builders still prefer Tamiya for:
“simple details” balanced with excellent engineering and build quality.
Despite newer competitors, many armor modelers still strongly recommend the Tamiya Nashorn because:
The fit is excellent
The gun detail is superb
The subject is historically important
The build experience is extremely enjoyable
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Features
1/35 scale German Sd.Kfz.164 Nashorn
Long 8.8cm Pak 43/1 anti-tank gun
Open fighting compartment
Detailed ammunition racks
Realistic gun elevation/depression
Four crew figures included
Eastern Front marking options
Excellent modern Tamiya engineering
Highly detailed suspension and chassis
Recommended Accessories
A strong detailing upgrade option is:
Voyager Model Nashorn Etching Set ·
Comprehensive photo-etch upgrade set designed to enhance the Tamiya Nashorn with additional fighting compartment and exterior detail.
A useful painting accessory is:
QuickWheel Nashorn Paint Mask Set ·
Pre-cut wheel painting mask set designed specifically for the Tamiya Nashorn road wheels and suspension.
Paint Suggestions
Dunkelgelb (Dark Yellow)
Red-brown and olive green camouflage
Eastern Front winter whitewash
Heavy dust weathering
Gun soot and burn marks
Matte operational finish recommended
Builders frequently recommend:
Chipped fighting compartment edges
Dust buildup on lower hull
Shell casing wear effects
Burnished metal on ammunition racks
Mud accumulation around suspension
Heavy exhaust staining
Store Recommendation
The Tamiya Nashorn is widely considered one of the best modern open-topped German AFV kits available thanks to its excellent engineering, highly detailed gun assembly, and enjoyable build experience. It delivers impressive display presence without becoming overly complex
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