Dragon Models 1/35 2cm Flak 38 Late Production mit Sd.Ah.51

Description

From the Manufacturer Antiaircraft defense became very important with the advent of powerful air forces in WWII. Germany employed a number of antiaircraft platforms, with low-level air defense being taken care of by weapons such as the FlaK 30 (Flugabwehrkanone 30) and FlaK 38. The former entered service in 1935 while the latter replaced it in production in 1939. This family of 2cm FlaK weapons was the most widely produced German artillery pieces of the war. They were used not only against aircraft, but they regularly fired in the ground support role too. The chief advantage of the 2cm FlaK 38 was its significantly higher rate of fire, its cadence of 220 rounds per minute compared well to the much slower 120 of the FlaK 30. At 420kg, the gun was slightly lighter overall too. Produced by Rheinmetall, the FlaK 38 was towed on a light two-wheel carriage known as the Sd.Ah.51. For firing the gun platform could be quickly lowered onto the ground. Dragon’s newest Smart Kit features a Late-Production 2cm FlaK 38 cannon with its associated two-wheel Sd.Ah.51 trailer to give greater levels of mobility and versatility. The plastic kit accurately reflects the features of a late-war cannon, for example it has brand new hand wheels. It includes two options for the gunner’s seat as well. The 20mm-caliber gun barrel can be usefully posed at selected angles. The complete gun shield and spent-shell cage are made from pre-formed photo-etched metal to give a high degree of finesse. Modelers have the choice of displaying the weapon mounted on the trailer or dismounted on the ground as part of a dramatic action scene. This is certainly a high-impact addition to Dragon’s range of flak kits.