1:72 Lehký objekt vzor 37A-160Z

Ropik pattern 37, type A-160 with strengthened protection, 1:72

A model of the small fort that became the symbol of the Czechoslovak border fortifications. The designation in the name describes the type of the pillbox, the angle between the axes of the embrasures and the level of protection.

The real subject

Type A was designed for flanking fire from two machine guns and you recognize it by the massive side wings, which were nicknamed the ears. It made up the great majority of all the light fortification pillboxes of the 1937 pattern that were built. The number after the letter gives the angle formed by the axes of the two embrasures, and variants were built roughly between one hundred twenty and two hundred twenty degrees; the choice depended on the shape of the line and on the terrain. The strengthened version had a thicker front wall and roof than the basic level. The pillboxes were sited so as to cover one another's flanks, and obstacles were laid between them.

Building and painting tips

The ears of the pillbox are the dominant surfaces, so work most carefully on the modulation of shade there. Suggest depth in the embrasures with a dark shade and set any metal parts apart with a cooler tone. The original camouflage finishes were irregular, so blurred transitions look more convincing than hard edges. Keep the patina restrained so that the structure does not look older than the scene allows.

Who the model is for

• For anyone building a typical border scene
• For collectors starting out on the typology of ropiks
• For school and museum displays
• For combining with infantry in 1:72 scale

The pillbox is supplied to be assembled and painted; the paints needed are not enclosed.