1:35 German 3,7cm Flak 42 Barrel

A barrel 37 mm Flak 42 in 1:35 - Aber

A turned metal barrel in 1:35 scale from the Polish manufacturer Aber. It represents the barrel of the German anti-aircraft cannon of 37 mm in the Flak 42 version. This is not a model of a weapon but a detail accessory: the metal part replaces the plastic barrel, which on thin small-caliber weapons can hardly be molded either straight or with a hollow muzzle.

The real subject

The German anti-aircraft cannons of 37 mm formed the backbone of the medium anti-aircraft defense during the Second World War, between the light twenty-millimeter weapons and the heavy guns of 88 mm. The Flak family went through a gradual development toward a higher rate of fire and simpler production; the Flak 42 version is among the later forms of this family and it told both on ground carriages and in naval installations. Modelers meet it at anti-aircraft positions, on self-propelled mounts and on the decks of ships.

Building and painting tips

Cut off the plastic barrel at the root, clean out the opening in the mantlet or the shield and push the metal part home. Degrease the metal with alcohol before gluing and roughen the mating surfaces lightly; it is glued with cyanoacrylate glue (super glue). Lay a base coat meant for metals onto the metal parts, or the paint will hold poorly. The hollow muzzle stands out when you darken it lightly from inside with a soot shade. On anti-aircraft weapons it pays to leave the barrel somewhat darker and more matte than the rest of the carriage and to pick it out with a gentle dry brush, so that the metal surface stands apart from its surroundings even after painting.

Who the set is for

• Modelers of German vehicles of the Second World War in 1:35 scale
• Builders of anti-aircraft positions and self-propelled mounts
• Modelers who detail artillery carriages and naval installations
• Collectors who upgrade plastic kits

This is a detail accessory, not a complete model. The base kit, glue and paints are not included in the package.