1:48 Set of 2 barrels for German 13mm aircraft machine guns MG 131 (early type)

Barrels of the 13 mm MG 131 Machine Gun, Early Type, 1:48 (Aber)

A set of turned metal barrels in 1:48 scale from the Polish manufacturer Aber. It is not an aircraft model but an accessory for a kit of a German Second World War aircraft. The package contains a pair of barrels of the 13 mm MG 131 aircraft machine gun in the form matching the early type. Aber offers this weapon in several barrel variants, because it changed during production; before buying, therefore, compare the shape of the barrel against a photograph of your subject. The exact breakdown of the parts follows the contents of the particular package.

The real subject

The MG 131 was a German 13 mm aircraft machine gun introduced at the turn of the 1930s and 1940s. It was designed as a compact weapon with electric priming, so that it could easily be synchronized and installed in cramped spaces. It gradually replaced the older 7.92 mm machine guns in fuselage installations on fighter aircraft and was also used in the defensive gun positions of bombers. Among others it appeared on the late versions of the Bf 109 and the Fw 190.

Building and painting tips

In 1:48 scale the parts are very small, so work over a mat and with tweezers. Separate the barrels with a fine cut, fit them dry and bond them with super glue. Degrease the metal and go over it with a base coat of primer. Leave the barrel in a dark metallic shade and bring out the muzzle with a dark wash; match the fairings above the machine guns on the cowling to the camouflage scheme of the airframe.

Who the set is for

• Builders of German Second World War aircraft in 1:48 scale
• Modelers who tell the production variants of the MG 131 barrel apart
• More experienced modelers used to very small metal parts
• Collectors of aircraft armament accessories

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.