1:35 3.7Cm Anti-Tank Gun (PaK35/36)

Tamiya 3.7cm Anti-Tank Gun (PaK 35/36) in 1:35 scale (Tamiya)

A plastic kit of the German 3.7 cm PaK 35/36 anti-tank gun of the Second World War in 1:35 scale from Tamiya. The model of the small gun is conceived as a miniature scene: according to the manufacturer the package also holds crew figures – a gunner, a commander, a loader and a man bringing another crate of ammunition. The barrel, the carriage and the splayed trail legs have movable parts and there is a choice between the standard and the later barrel.

The real subject

The 3.7 cm PaK 35/36 was developed by Rheinmetall as a light anti-tank gun that the crew could move into its firing position by themselves. It entered German army service in the middle of the 1930s and at the start of the war it was the standard anti-tank weapon. Against more heavily armored tanks, however, it soon lost effectiveness, which earned it the nickname of a door knocker.

Building and painting tips

Glue the small parts of the gun with a thin plastic cement and clean the seams carefully. Lay down a base coat (primer) before painting and ideally spray the paint with an airbrush for an even coat. The metal parts of the barrel and the carriage come to life with a dark wash and fine dry brushing of the edges; dust and mud pigments suit the bogies and the lower areas for realistic weathering. Paint the crew figures separately (uniforms, flesh tones, equipment) and the whole assembly can be conceived as a small diorama.

Who the model is for

• Modelers interested in German military equipment of the Second World War.
• Diorama builders who value a gun complete with crew figures.
• Collectors of vehicles in 1:35 scale looking for a smaller but striking project.

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