1:35 German 75mm barrel for KwK40L/43 with early model muzzle brake for Pz.Kpfw. VI, Ausf.G

The real subject

The KwK 40 is a German tank gun of 7.5 cm caliber from the Second World War. The L/43 designation gives the length of the barrel, which corresponds to forty-three times the caliber, that is roughly 322 centimeters on the real gun. The Pz.Kpfw. IV tank in the Ausf. G version was armed with this weapon and, thanks to the long barrel, could take on the enemy medium tanks for the first time. The early examples carried a muzzle brake of a different shape from the later production machines, which is a clearly visible distinguishing feature on a model.

What the set contains

This is a turned replacement barrel in 1:35 scale with the early variant of the muzzle brake. A turned part is concentric and has no seam along its whole length, which on a split barrel from a kit has to be sanded down, and in the process the shape is easily spoiled. The extent of the package, that is whether the barrel is made up of one part or more, is given by the instructions from the manufacturer.

Building and painting tips

• Try the seating of the barrel in the mantlet dry and widen the opening if need be.
• Bond with super glue; ordinary cement for polystyrene does not hold here.
• Degrease the part before painting and apply a base coat, otherwise the paint will not hold on the smooth surface.
• Fit the barrel only at the end, as it is easily bent or knocked off during the build.
• Leave the muzzle darker and soil it lightly; a clean barrel looks unnatural on a finished model.

Terms of supply

The tank model, paints, glue and tools are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.