1:35 Set of 4 barrels for german machine guns MG42 without jacket

A set of four barrels for German MG42 machine guns without a jacket, 1:35, Aber

The package holds four turned metal barrels of the German MG42 machine gun in the form without a cooling jacket, in 1:35 scale. This is not a kit but a detail accessory for modelers. The barrels replace softly molded plastic parts on the weapons of figures, on the armament of vehicles and on weapons lying loose in a diorama. The form without a jacket suits cases where the jacket comes from the base kit or from a photo-etched set, or for showing spare barrels away from the weapon.

The real subject

The MG42 was a German universal machine gun of 7.92 mm introduced in 1942 as a cheaper successor to the MG34 type, simpler to produce. It became famous for its exceptionally high rate of fire and for the quick barrel change, which the crew carried out by swinging it sideways out of the jacket. That is exactly why spare barrels belonged to the basic equipment of a squad, and in dioramas they turn up both stowed in cases and loose. The weapon was used as an infantry gun and as the armament of vehicles alike.

Usage and painting tips

Cut off the plastic barrel and, as needed, redrill the opening in the jacket with a micro drill to the diameter of the metal part. Glue with cyanoacrylate glue; plastic cement does not hold on metal. Before painting, degrease the surface and lay on a base coat for metals. The barrels look best in a dark shade with a hint of scorching toward the muzzle and with a faint metallic sheen on the edges.

Who the set is for

• builders of German vehicles and figures in 1:35 scale
• makers of dioramas who need spare barrels as well
• modelers bothered by bent plastic machine gun barrels
• competition modelers detailing small armament

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