1:35 Barrel for German A/T Self Propeled Gun “Nashorn” with 8,8cm Pak 43/1 L/71

The real subject

The Nashorn was a German tank destroyer of the Second World War with an open fighting superstructure on a chassis derived from medium tanks. The vehicle is also known under its earlier designation, the Hornisse. Its strength lay in the 8.8 cm Pak 43/1 gun, whose barrel has a length of 71 calibers; the caliber is therefore 8.8 cm, while the figure L/71 describes how many times the caliber fits into the length of the barrel. The long, slender barrel overhanging far ahead of the outline of the vehicle is the most conspicuous element of the whole silhouette.

What the set offers

The set holds a metal barrel, which on a model replaces the plastic part from the kit. The metal barrel has an exact circular section along its whole length and no lengthwise join, so the filling and sanding during which the shape of long plastic barrels is easily rubbed away fall away. Metal also holds its shape and, when the finished model is handled, it neither bends nor warps.

Building and painting tips

Try the seating dry before gluing and, if need be, widen the opening in the superstructure carefully. Degrease the metal and gently matte the surface you are going to glue. It is glued with cyanoacrylate glue; cement for polystyrene will not join metal. Before painting, lay down an undercoat meant for metal, or the paint will rub off at a touch. Leave the finished barrel for the model until the end of the build, so that you do not bend it while working.

Terms of supply

The set is an accessory for a kit. The model, paints, glue and decals are not included in the delivery, unless stated otherwise.