1:35 QF 25pdr Field Gun Mk. II/I

British QF 25-pounder howitzer Mk. II on the Mk. I carriage 1:35 — Bronco

An injection-molded plastic kit of the British QF field howitzer of 25-pounder caliber in the Mk. II form on the Mk. I carriage in 1:35 scale from Bronco. It is a stand-alone weapon on a carriage, not a vehicle. In this line Bronco is known for finely broken-down parts, so the set offers a high level of detail.

The real subject

The 25-pounder howitzer was the main British field weapon of the Second World War and one of the most successful of its kind anywhere. What is special about it is that it combined the qualities of a gun and a howitzer: long-range fire as well as high-angle fire over an obstacle. Its most striking feature is the circular firing platform, which the crew laid under the carriage — the weapon could be swung round on it quickly in any direction, which was not usual with a field weapon. The howitzer was towed by a tractor together with an ammunition trailer and stayed in British service long after the war.

Building and painting tips

Cut the small parts of the carriage off with a sharp knife right on the sprue and glue them with a thin cement for plastic. Decide at the start whether you will build the weapon on the circular firing platform or without it. Assemble and paint the weapon separately from any diorama and take care that all the bearing points and the wheels sit down on the base. Drill the muzzle out if it is not open. Spent shell cases by the carriage and dust on the wheels give the scene some action.

Who the model is for

• Builders of dioramas with British artillery
• Collectors of artillery equipment in 1:35 scale
• Modelers who want to add a weapon to a scene rather than a vehicle
• More advanced builders, because the parts are finely broken down

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