1:72 40mm Bofors AA automatic gun superdetailing set

Armory 1:72 - photo-etched superdetailing set for the 40 mm Bofors gun

The set is an accessory, not a model. It holds photo-etched metal parts meant to replace plastic elements simplified in shape on a kit of the 40 mm Bofors anti-aircraft gun. Photo-etched sheet has a realistic thickness, so grilles, shields, brackets, steps and other thin-walled parts look markedly more faithful in 1:72 scale than plastic castings.

The real subject

The 40 mm Bofors automatic gun is a design of Swedish origin from the interwar period. It spread practically all over the world, it was built under license in a number of countries and it was used both in a ground form on a wheeled carriage and in naval mountings. It saw service on both sides of the Second World War and in modernized versions it stayed in use long afterward. Typical of it are the slender barrel assembly, loading from above with magazine clips and an open mounting with its crew.

Tips for working with photo-etched parts

Cut the parts off the fret with a sharp scalpel on a hard surface and never tear them out. Make the bends over a metal rule or in a photo-etch bender, so that the edge is sharp and straight. They are glued with super glue or with solder; cement for plastic does not hold on metal. Degrease the metal before painting and put a primer on, otherwise the paint flakes off. It is practical to paint the small parts while they are still on the fret.

Who the set is for

• modelers of military vehicles and artillery in 1:72 scale,
• builders who are bothered by thick plastic grilles and shields on a kit,
• more experienced modelers who already have experience of bending photo-etched parts.

The set is supplied unpainted and is intended for working a kit up. The base model, glue and paints are not included in the package. Please check that it matches your kit before buying.