Master LMG 08 Spandau machine guns -1:32 Master-Models

[Viking]

AM-32-102 Spandau LMG 08 (with cooling jacket version 1).
AM-32-103 Spandau LMG 08 (with cooling jacket version 2).
AM-32-104 Spandau LMG 08 (with cooling jacket version 3).
AM-32-105 Fokker E.II/III (Early) Ammunition feed chute with belt.

 

1:32 Master.

 

 

The LMG 08 Spandau was produced and developed through several versions during the Great War.
It was fitted to numerous German aircraft, single and multi seat, on both fixed and flexible mountings, though note that these kits are for the forward firing fixed mounting versions.
With the current boom in the availability of 1:32 Great War aircraft, these new releases from Master-Model are applicable to numerous German machines, particularly those kits that only provide them as solid mouldings.

 

These four sets come in beautifully presented packing designed to both protect and display the delicate parts.
Three of the sets are for the LMG 08, the main variation between them being the style of fretted cooling jacket.
The fourth set is specifically designed for the Wingnut Wings Fokker E.II and E.III, and offers a finely detailed ammunition feed to attach to one of the guns.

 

 

 

 

The three guns all share the same resin body and etched brass fret, but with different etched brass cooling jackets, all of which are pre-rolled to shape. They are in fact fretted tubes without a seam, rather than rolled from flat pieces. A ‘rule of thumb’ when looking at versions of the LMG 08 is that the fewer the slots & holes in the cooling jacket, the later the version it is.  This is because they were reduced in number in order to give greater structural rigidity. The catalogue numbers of these kits correspond, in that AM-32-102 / 103 / 104 go from early to late, and from left to right in the photo below;

 

Two styles of sight are provided, the familiar circular 'ring' sight, and the less common oblong sight. Each of these can be made in either simplified or advanced forms.
The simplified version has the sight and jacket end piece etched as a single part. The advanced version has a separate end piece for the jacket, and separate sights to mount more accurately on the cooling jacket itself. The advanced needs to be folded up to make a proper oblong 'wall' shape with very fine cross hairs in the middle, I.e. proper 3D rather than a flat etched piece. Use of a 'hold & fold' type tool will probably be needed to do this one.

 

 

The gun barrel itself appears to be made from turned brass, and is provided with an alternative booster for the end. The etched brass fret also provides a mounting bracket and cocking handle, to which a small knob is fitted.  A tip for when assembling these; do so in an upturned box lid on your workbench. Then when you drop any of these tiny parts, they will fall directly into the lid where you can easily find them again. All three LMG 08 sets contain the same parts as in the photo below, only the fretted cooling jackets differ;

 

The final touch is supplied with a pair of resin ammunition belts, one full and one empty, for each side of the gun. (The belts fed from right to left).  The detail on them is incredibly fine, even under a magnifying glass.

 

AM-32-105 Ammunition feed chute with belt.

This is a simple little set with a resin feed chute and etched brass plate to fit on top, complimented by the same resin empty/full ammunition belts seen in the guns. The reason for this is that the chute itself is hollow, enabling the modeller to feed in the separate ammo belt, which will be visible through the large oval slot. Thus greater fidelity and accuracy is achieved than is possible with a single injection moulded part. It is designed to fit on all of the guns mentioned above.

 

 

The plastic part in the Wingnut Wings kit, which this set replaces;

Conclusion.
The Fokker E.II/E.III has its LMG mounted on top of the engine cowling, with an unobstructed view of it.  The ammunition feed set and one of the guns will be a very worthwhile, if not essential, addition to the Wingnut Wings kits
Most two seaters had a single forward firing fixed gun, whilst single seaters mostly had side by side pairs. As far as I know, only Wingnut Wings f offer etched brass LMG’s with their kits. These will ‘gild the lily’ on the WnW offerings, whilst being essential to the appropriate Roden, Special Hobby, etc kits.
These really are very impressive, the level of detail is outstanding and they will certainly enhance and form the focal point on any Luftstreitkräfte aircraft.

 

Highly  Recommended.

 

Review sample courtesy of