Special Hobby 3.7cm PaK 36 German Anti-tank Gun 1:72 Special Armour (72024)

[Julien]

 

3.7cm PaK 36 German Anti-tank Gun

1:72 Special Armour (72024)

 

 

Rheinmetal began work on the 3.7cm PaK 36 Anti-tank gun back in the 1920s when it was realised such a gun was needed. Originally the gun was designed to be horse drawn. By the beginning of the 1930s the gun was re-designed for a more mechanised Army. The main difference being the wheels. Like a lot of German Equipment it saw its first major use in the Spanish Civil War. Other nations took notice of the new gun with Japan and Russia acquiring the rights to licence build the gun, Export orders were also placed by The Netherlands, China, Finland and Italy. By the start of WWII the German Army had over 9000 Guns. However even by 1940 it was found the gun struggled against the British Matilda, and French Char 1 tanks. In the East the gun was able to hold its own against most Soviet Tanks, however it was totally outclassed by the T-34. German crews dismayed by their rounds bouncing off tanks nicknamed the gun  "Heeresanklopfgerät" or army door-knocking device!The gun continued to serve though throughout WWII as a mobile and mounted gun. The Chinese had more success with their guns against the lighter armoured Japanese tanks they encountered. 

 

 

The Kit

This is the a new tool kit from Special Hobby for 2021 which arrives on one sprue of parts. There are not a great deal of parts but the are all well moulded. Construction starts with the carriage, the traverse and elevation wheels are added to the gun mount and this is paced on the main part of the carriage. The single part main gun is then added. The front of the carriage is then added followed by the gun shield. The wheels are then assembled and added along with the gun legs.  The legs can be fixed splayed for firing or in trail for towing, Small handles, the feet and a mounted spade need adding to the legs. 

 

 

 

Decals

There are no decals with the kit, but Special Hobby Suggest a few colour schemes you can use. 

 

 

Conclusion

This is a good looking model in 1.72 and should be welcomed by the small scale armour modellers. Recommended. 

 

 

Review sample courtesy of