1:72 5.5cm Zwilling Flakpanzer (Western Front 1945)

The real subject

Toward the end of the Second World War the German anti-aircraft defense ran into an awkward ceiling. The proven twenty-millimeter weapons had a high rate of fire, but their shells reached only a limited altitude, while the heavy cannon were too unwieldy to escort armored units. The answer was to be a medium caliber, and that is where the coupled pair of 55 millimeter cannon belongs. The word Zwilling means twin and describes the arrangement of two barrels side by side in one mounting. Weapons of this kind belonged among the late German projects that the war caught at the development stage, and their appearance is therefore known more from drawings and projects than from photographs at the front. For a collector that is exactly what makes them interesting: the model shows the direction development was taking, even if the result never came into its own.

The model

This is a finished collector's model in 1:72 scale, not a kit. It comes assembled, painted and with its markings, so all you need do is unpack it and set it in a display case. The details of the finish are given by the manufacturer.

Placement and care

A level, stable place out of reach of direct sun is best, as sun gradually changes the shade of the paints. Remove the dust with a soft brush, so that a cloth does not catch on the thin barrels and small parts. Do not use cleaning agents, as they could damage the finish and the printed markings. When carrying the model, hold it by the hull, never by the barrels or by the elevation gear.

The package holds the finished model. A display case, a base and diorama accessories are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.