German 2cm Flakvierling 38 (Bronco)

This is the Bronco 35057 kit in 1/35 scale, of the ‘German 2cm Flakvierling 38’.

German 2cm Flakvierling 38

History

The 2cm FlaK 38 was a variant of the earlier FlaK 30 naval gun developed by Rheinmetall-Borsig from the Swiss Solothurn ST-5. The FlaK 38 was to have a greater rate of fire with improved ammunition feeding, though the 20-round box magazine was retained. The rate of fire (practical) was raised from 120 rpm to 220 rpm, while the overall weight of the weapon was lowered. With a muzzle velocity of 900 m/s, the FlaK 38 had a range of 2,200 meters.

In 1940 the 2cm Flakvierling (quad mounting) 38 was officially adopted by the German army as its standard light anti-aircraft weapon. Mauser was made responsible for the development work and subsequent production of this variant. All four guns could be fired with a combined rate of fire of 800 rpm, or the weapons could be fired in pairs.

During the war it was used either vehicle mounted or on its familiar 4-gun Sd.Ah.52 towed carriage. As the war progressed, ammunition was developed for ground use against vehicles and ground works.

Source: Bronco website

Manufacturer

German Telemeter KDO Mod 40 (Bronco)

This is the Bronco 35103 kit in 1/35 scale, of the ‘German Telemeter KDO Mod 40’.

German Telemeter KDO Mod 40

History

The Kommandogerät 40 was a director used principally for large anti-aircraft guns, such as the 8.8cm FlaK 36 or the 10.5cm FlaK 40.

Introduced by the German military in 1941 this small director was used by all three services and could be modified for use with almost any anti-aircraft weapon. In the field the director used a 5-man crew, two men are required to input azimuth and elevation data. A third man sets the slant range by means of a 4-meter stereo range finder which is mounted on top of the director. A fourth man sets the horizontal angle of approach, while the fifth man is a general operator. The time from first acquiring the target to firing the first round could be achieved in less than 30 seconds. The slant range could be up to 18,000 meters.

For transport the director is mounted on a Sd.Ah.52 special trailer, equipped with lifting devices, and towed by a light truck.

Source: Bronco Website

Manufacturer

German 20mm Flakvierling 38 (Tamiya)

This is the Tamiya 35 091-1000 kit in 1/35 scale, of the ‘German 20mm Flakvierling 38’.

German 20mm Flakvierling 38

History

Shooting an impressive 600 rounds per minute and greatly feared by Allied pilots was the German 20mm Flakvierling 38 with Sd.Ah.52.

Although its purpose was to provide aerial defense against Allied aircraft attack from a grounded position, it was also seen used with trucks and other land vehicles as well on warships.

Source: Tamiya website

Manufacturer

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