Dragon 1/35 scale 88mm Flak 36 with crew

Kit: No. 6260
Scale: 1/35
Manufacturer: Dragon, from Dragon Models USA, 626-968-0322, www.dragonmodelsusa.com
Price: $34.95
Comments: Injection-molded, 658 parts (38 photoetched, 7 turned-aluminum, 3 turned brass, 1 vinyl), decals
Pros: Excellent detail, optional versions, nice turned-aluminum cannon barrels, good photoetched parts, good figures
Cons: Confusing instructions, winterclad figures with majority of unit markings for warm climates, dissimilar levels of detail on part versions

First developed in 1917 and entering service in 1933, the German "88" was designed as an antiaircraft weapon. It soon became an even more formidable anti-tank gun and one of the most-familiar weapons of World War II.

The Dragon 88 Flak 36 also has parts to build a Flak 18 version. The plastic parts are crisp with no flash and just light mold-parting lines. Many of the styrene parts have detail molded on both sides, and some have beveled edges to look more to scale. Extras include: styrene and turned-brass 88mm shells, ammunition crates simulating wood and basket types, turned-aluminum barrels and actuators, and eight crew figures.

Attention to detail is evident throughout. Scale rivets, bolts, and weld seams are present, along with rifling on the styrene barrels (though missing from the aluminum versions). You can also choose between anchoring stakes for travel or firing position and different trunnion sides for a mounted or un-mounted gun shield.

The two-page, 36-step instructions use part numbers for locations, but I found the seemingly random placement of inset diagrams within steps confusing, making it easy to miss a sub-assembly. A painting and marking diagram is also included.
Decals for seven units are provided - oddly, the majority of unit choices are for warm climates, while the figures are in winter attire. Decals are thin and well-printed, and an extra sheet is included with additional vehicle markings and data.

Construction was straightforward - though slow going with all the detail and version choices. Clearance is tight in step nine; install parts C38 and C57 first, followed by the seat subassembly.

Dragon has an interesting tire-assembly sequence. Each tread section is a disc, and a series of five discs creates a full tire. To make them easier to paint, I made two subassemblies by joining outer tire parts C1, C2, and C3, then inner tire parts C1 and C2. After painting, I sandwiched the rim between the tire subassemblies.

I painted the model with Vallejo Air Color German gray (No. 052), followed by Polly Scale clear gloss to prepare for decaling. The decals lay down nicely with the help of Micro Sol. I finished with a satin clear coat made with a 50/50 mix of Polly Scale clear flat and gloss.

I spent 40 hours building the "88." The kit scales well to the Vanguard Series 88mm Flak 18/36/37/41 & PaK 43 1936- 45. Only modelers who have experience with mixed-media kits should attempt it, but it makes a fun and rewarding model.

- Phil Kirchmeier