1:35 MG 42 German WWII Machine Gun (Late Variant)

MG 42 in the late variant, scale 1:35 (Special Hobby)

A scale replica of the German general purpose machine gun MG 42 in the late production form in 1:35 scale by the Czech brand Special Hobby. It is a separate accessory, not a kit; it serves to fit out vehicle models, dioramas and figure scenes, or as a replacement for a coarser weapon supplied in the box.

The real subject

The MG 42 is an air-cooled general purpose machine gun of 7.92 mm caliber with a quick-change barrel and a high rate of fire. Typical features are the perforated barrel jacket, the folding bipod and the box for the ammunition belt hung on the side of the weapon. The design was progressively simplified during production to save time and material, so the early and the late pieces differ in the details of their execution. This item is listed as the late variant; the same line has the early variant in a separate package, so you can choose the form matching the scene you are building.

Fitting and painting tips

Separate the small parts with a sharp scalpel in layers and clean them up with a fine file. The perforated barrel jacket is the most striking place on the whole part, so it pays to work with it carefully and not to clog the holes with paint. Prime the assembly before painting, then a dark metallic shade, fine drybrushing on the edges and a dark wash into the recesses are enough. Set the wooden parts of the stock and the grip apart with a brown tone and a glaze. Finally unify the weapon with its surroundings using dust pigment, so that it does not come across as a foreign element in the scene.

Who the accessory is for

• Builders of dioramas and vehicles in 1:35 scale
• Figure modelers looking for a more faithful weapon than the box offers
• Those interested in German armament of the Second World War
• Collectors who distinguish the early and the late production variant