Planet Models 60cm Flak Scheinwerfer (Flak Sw-36) mit Sd.Ah.51 (MV130) 1:72

[Mike]

60cm Flak Scheinwerfer (Flak Sw-36) mit Sd.Ah.51 (MV130)

Světlomet 60N s Vlekem

1:72 Planet Models by Special Hobby

 

 

Searchlights were the only way of finding enemy aircraft from the ground before the invention of radar and reliable infrared detection of targets, and all nations had their own systems to use in the run up to WWII.  Germany’s system started with a 60cm reflector that output a staggering 137,550,000 candles of light in a tightly focused beam, which is the equivalent of 1.729004_e9 lumens, if you can wrap your head round that number.  Imagine 5,763,345 of your average 5w LED bulbs crowded into that space, and you’ll be getting there.  There were larger diameter lenses at 150cm and 200cm, but we’re concerned with the baby of the range, which is kitted here by Planet Models in glorious 3D printed detail.

 

The Kit

The kit arrives in a small white cardboard box with a sticker of the subject matter covering one side, and inside are three bags of parts, one of which is doing a good impression of being empty, but more on that in a moment – just don’t throw it away.  The largest print base contains most of the parts for the model, including the chassis and running gear, while the cylindrical searchlight is in another smaller bag, both of which are protected by sturdy supports in the form of a framework that has small recesses where the top can be cut free with a pair of nippers without damaging the parts.  We nipped them off to show off more of the exquisite detail, and they have clearly been developed with protection in mind, including a web-work of internal structure to the floor and roof that adds strength to the whole arrangement.  The final “empty” bag contains two small clear acetate discs, one of which is used as the outer lens for the searchlight, the other is provided as a spare in case of loss or damage.

 

 

 

The print-bases with the frames cut away

 

Construction is relatively simple, which is a common theme in 3D printed models.  The base of the searchlight is a single part, into which you slot the cylindrical light, painting the interior silver, then applying the clear acetate disc over the top.  The carriage is built up separately, consisting of the chassis and two separate wheels that slip over axles under the curved arches.  You then have a choice of joining the two assemblies together to depict he light in transit, or leaving them separate so that you can pose the light in operation, with the carriage in the background.  The lights were powered by an 8KW generator when in operation, which was mounted on a similar carriage as the searchlight, and is available as a separate model, which we’ll be reviewing shortly.

 

Below you can see all the parts on simple prototype print-bases by Special Hobby

 

 

Markings

There are no decals on the model, and external painting is straight forward, requiring a choice between early war Dark Grey, sometimes referred to as Panzer Grey, or the later war Dunkelgelb or Dark Yellow.  The operator’s seat is painted a leather brown, and of course the tyres in a rubber grey shade.  Weathering will add some visual interest to your model once basic painting is completed.

 

 

Conclusion

A fantastically detailed model of this compact searchlight that is a rarity in the modelling world.  Careful painting and weathering will result in an excellent model.

 

Highly recommended.

 

 

Review sample courtesy of

 

[Pete in Lincs]

What a lovely little thing.  Thanks, Mike.