Flak 38 / Archive /

Model of Flak 38 AA gun was built last year, just before Sdkfz 234 Puma. Building similar AA gun mounted upon Sdkfz 7 half track made me digging up  archive pics. There is nothing bad that could be said about this kit, it was one of the best models I happened to build. The design is so perfect, that every millimeter counts, thin cutting lines make difference or even card/paper thickness does too. Precision and caution at all times is required, but all parts fit together without any problems (if cut right), at right angle, at right places. I spent around 2 weeks building it, looking for references and trying to cope with large number of details. In fact this model is only details, what makes it even more enjoyable. It comes as two parts - gun itself, shield, body, base and the railer. This is one of the models I would like to build again, with all improvements & extras.

Build started with making base frame for gun. Two awkward "y" shaped panels were laminated with card and edged. No problems here, all turned out as it should, even inner edges. Supports, small brackets, holding rails, knobs and handling bars completed the frame.
Round base and side panels were assembled next. It was first time when I started filling gaps with super glue that left after fixing two panels back to back. Cutting thicker card, at least in my case, happens at an angle. When panels are fixed facing out, inner edges are never flat and the same. Super Glue fills the gap and allows for further sanding & painting. Same procedure here

Next step was assembly of gun barrel with it's bed. This section sits between side panels and fixed to round sockets (that can turn lifting gun barrel up if assembled correctly, unfortunately, not my case). Pistons, levers, controls and additional devices were added also front shield was assembled (I did try to put some victory counters on it, but my free hand painting was not in it's best). Before fixing front shield permanently I made and attached all remaining details to side panels in applicable spots (scope shield, gunner's seat, ammo clip, and spare ammo clip shelf). Certain parts of the model are very simplified, aiming device & scope, or however that thing is called, is a simple box which I "fixed" after assembly to resemble a little bit better what it was supposed to be, not the best choice have to say...

This could be well finished model at this moment, but this sort of weapon used to be mounted upon different vehicles:

•  trucks 
•  cars
•  tanks (eg. 38(t) chassis)  
•  trains (Flak 38 was used as AA protection for Br-52 trains).

All choices are tempting  but this kit provides a trailer. Again design is masterful, everything suits perfectly, even framework that was made out of small diameter paper tubes bent at different angles. Hats off for the designer - A. Halinski himself. After rear lights and hooks assembly, wheels and leaf springs were added. There was a bit of wire cutting when it came down to front stand - support bar, but super glue and tailor pins done the job pretty well.
Both parts of the model can stand alone or together, so I "married" Flak 38 sitting on the trailer (see here) with Horch 1a (car that also was used as a mount for this gun).    

 I would not recommend this model for starters, modelers with some experience should enjoy it very much, as it poses a challenge with details, but with a bit more attention gives a lot of fun and satisfaction (and will to build another one!).