Tiger I Side-by-Side Comparison Build, Vespid and Border Kits

This was a side-by-side comparison build of the Vespid and Border Tiger I kits in 1/72 scale to see how they stack up. Here are the finished models with their crews in place, Vespid on the left and Border on the right. The models were weathered with a Burnt Umber oil wash and AK Interactive Earth Effects. The figures were a tight fit and some needed trimming even though most were designed specifically for the Tiger I.

The kits are more similar than different. Throughout the build I was struck by the similarities. The designers seemed to always make the same choices. Both kits have the same options for the early air cleaners (or not), the same options for smoke dischargers, the same options for open hatches, the same metal barrels, printed muzzle brakes, PE screens, camo, markings, etc, etc, etc. Both kits are very well executed with fine parts, crisp detail, excellent fit, and no flash. It is unfortunate for both manufacturers that they have released the same kit of the same subject to the same standard at the same time. I know some will argue that, “The Vespid kit makes no money for Border”, but in this case Vespid and Border have effectively split the market for their efforts and will make half the profits they would have made otherwise with two different subjects. Even if one had chosen to kit a late production Tiger instead it likely would have worked out better.

Construction and full kit comparison here: https://inchhighguy.wordpress.com/2025/01/31/tiger-i-comparison-build-in-1-72-scale-part-i-vespid-and-border-kits/

23 additional images. Click to enlarge.