1:350 Twin 20 mm Oerlikon fixed mount guns

Metallic Details 1:350 - twin 20 mm Oerlikon in a fixed mount

A set of fine parts representing the twin fixed mount of 20 mm Oerlikon anti-aircraft guns in 1:350 scale. It serves as a replacement for the coarser parts from a plastic ship kit. At this scale the whole weapon measures only a few millimeters, so the difference between injection-molded plastic and a fine casting is immediately visible on a finished model, above all on the shield of the mount, on the barrels and on the outline of the sighting ring. The package contains these parts only, no ship and no parts of one.

The real subject

The twenty-millimeter Oerlikon gun was among the most widespread light anti-aircraft armament on Allied warships during the Second World War. It was used in single and twin mounts alike and was fitted to practically every class of vessel from destroyers to aircraft carriers. A twin mount increased the density of fire in close defense. For a modeler that means it is a part usually needed in several examples on one model; check the extent of the package against its particular contents.

Building and painting tips

Work with parts at this scale using tweezers over a tray with a raised edge, so that they do not fly away. Cut the casting blocks off with a sharp scalpel or a fine saw rather than snapping them. Wash resin and printed parts in warm soapy water before painting, to get rid of any mold release residue, otherwise the paint holds badly. They are bonded with super glue, ideally a gel with a longer setting time. Apply the paint with an airbrush in a really thin coat: a heavy application in 1:350 scale floods exactly the detail you are buying the set for. A dark wash and fine drybrushing of the edges will help to bring it out.

Who the set is for

• Builders of ship models in 1:350 scale who want to replace the coarser plastic weapons.
• Modelers building Allied vessels of the Second World War.
• Those who combine photo-etched accessories with fine castings.
• More experienced modelers used to working with very small parts.

This is not a ship kit but an add-on set. Paints, glue and the base model are not included in the package.