1:72 Browning Cal. 30 Fixed (2 Items)

The .30 caliber Browning Fixed 1:72 (GasPatch models)

This set from the Greek manufacturer GasPatch models contains, according to the name, two .30 caliber aviation machine guns in a fixed mounting, that is in the form for firing forward. In 1:72 scale these are very small parts; that is exactly why resin is an advantage, because it holds the sharp edges and thin profiles that an injection mold cannot manage in this scale. The accessory is meant to be fitted into your own kit under construction.

The real subject

The .30 caliber Browning, that is 7.62 mm, was part of the basic aviation armament of Allied machines. In the fixed form it was mounted in the wing or above the engine and pointed forward along the line of flight; the pilot took care of firing it with a trigger on the control column. The fixed variant differs from the flexible version above all in the absence of hand grips, a shoulder rest and a ring sight, because the whole aircraft does the aiming.

Building and painting tips

In 1:72 scale work over a surface with a raised edge so that a part does not disappear from the table. Cut the gate off with a new blade or a fine saw and level the surface with an abrasive sponge. It is glued with cyanoacrylate glue applied with a pin, not from the tube. A brush can manage the painting too: a base in a dark metallic shade, then careful accenting of the edges with graphite or pigment. A heavy coat of paint floods the detail in this scale, so thin it more than usual.

Who the accessory is for

• builders in 1:72 scale for whom the plastic armament from the box is not enough
• modelers working with open panels and a visible gun bay
• more experienced builders used to small resin parts
• those who build several models and want to unify the level of detail

The accessory is supplied unpainted and unassembled. Glue, paints and the base kit are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.