Henschel & Son Tiger I Heavy Tank

With the new Tiger I, JSI has unveiled their new packaging for their 1:18 scale vehicles. Retailers have been touting the massive improvement in packaging design over the older 21st Century “bubble box” design, but how does it stack up in the real world?

First of all, it’s BEAUTIFUL. Compared to the old, dull, bland 21st Century Toys packaging, the new JSI boxes are absolutely 100% more attractive. They use a ‘dramatic’ shot for the cover and back, which shows off the product nicely and attractively. The packaging contains all necessary information, warnings, and even has a little hologram numbered label on the front. One big change from the old 21st Century Toys boxes is the inclusion of the term “Nazi German” on the packaging, as most big box retailers frown upon anything “NAZI” or “SWASTIKA” related.

The biggest improvement? JSI is utilizing a tri-fold “flap” that folds down over the vehicle “bubble” to help protect the overall box. The flap is secured with Velcro at the base of the box, preventing the flap from opening in transit. I can personally attest to the durability of this new design, as this tank made it from San Diego to here in the back seat of a very cramped car with no damage! No 21st Century Toys box could have done that.

Another neat feature of the new packaging is the inclusion of a facts sheet on the tri-fold flap. This has a basic rundown of the models history and time line. It is not terribly in depth, but it is a very nice addition where they didn’t have to put anything at all. Also on the tri-fold flap is another “diorama” shot of the model.

Finally, the tank comes attached to a plastic tray that resides inside the box. In order to get the tank out, you have to cut the tape holding it to both ends of the box. This means you need to carefully open both ends and disengage the tape from the sides BEFORE you try to pull the tank out. It’s a little bit of a pain, but it’s not that bad. The package also comes with very helpful and informative instructions.