1:35 German 128mm L/61 barrels for anti-aircraft 12,8 cm FlaK 40 Zwilling

128 mm L/61 barrels for the FlaK 40 Zwilling in 1:35 scale (Aber)

A metal detail set, not a kit. The package contains two turned barrels 61 calibers long for a model of the German 12.8 cm FlaK 40 heavy anti-aircraft gun in the twin version. The metal barrels have drilled-out muzzles and a surface free of mold seams, so there is no filling or laborious sanding to do. The manufacturer is the Polish firm Aber, long dedicated to turned barrels and photo-etched detail for military models in 1:35 scale.

The real subject

The 12.8 cm FlaK 40 was the heaviest German anti-aircraft gun taken into service during the Second World War. A barrel of 128 mm caliber 61 calibers long gave it a range and a ceiling that surpassed the more widely used 88 mm guns. The twin version, designated Zwilling, brought two barrels together on a common mount and was used above all on the concrete anti-aircraft towers in the large cities, where mobility was not needed. Because of their weight and demanding crew requirements only a limited number of these weapons were built, which makes their silhouette on a model all the more striking.

Fitting and painting tips

Degrease both barrels with alcohol and glue them with cyanoacrylate glue or with two-part epoxy. On a twin mount, parallel alignment is essential: once they are glued, check the barrels from above and from the side and pack them up if needed while the glue sets. Give the metal a primer for metal surfaces, otherwise the paint will not hold on the smooth surface. Darken the muzzles slightly and add fine traces of soot, which appeared very quickly on weapons of this caliber.

Who the set is for

• Builders of German artillery and anti-aircraft vehicles in 1:35 scale
• Modelers who are bothered by seams and imperfect muzzles on plastic barrels
• Anyone interested in large mounted weapons and dioramas with a crew
• Competition and display builds

This is not a model kit but a detail accessory. The base model, glue and paints are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.