1:72 Flak 36/37

Zvezda 1:72 Flak 36/37 (8.8 cm) - Heavy Anti-Aircraft Gun with Crew

A plastic kit of the famous German 88 mm gun in 1:72 scale from manufacturer Zvezda. The set belongs to the Art of Tactic gaming system: the parts are designed to snap together, so they can be assembled even without glue, and the package includes crew figures alongside the gun itself. The model suits a display case as well as tabletop wargaming.

The real subject

The 8.8 cm Flak 36/37 gun grew out of the earlier Flak 18 and became one of the most famous weapons of the Second World War. Originally a heavy anti-aircraft gun, its high muzzle velocity and flat trajectory also made it an exceptionally effective anti-tank weapon — Allied tank crews in North Africa and Europe alike knew it by the nickname Acht-Acht. The gun sat on a cruciform carriage allowing all-round traverse and was towed on a pair of wheeled bogies.

Building and painting tips

Even though this is a snap-fit set, it is worth adding a drop of thin plastic cement at the joints for strength. Paint the gun and carriage before final assembly so you can reach every spot. For a faithful look, a base coat, light dry-brushing on the edges, and a final wash with dust and mud pigments around the carriage all work well. The crew figures bring the whole scene to life and give the gun a sense of scale.

Who the model is for

• collectors of German WWII combat hardware in 1:72 scale
• players of tabletop wargames in the Art of Tactic system
• beginners, thanks to the snap-fit construction that needs no glue
• diorama builders who will appreciate a gun complete with its crew

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