Friday, September 6

MiniArt German Gun Crew in 35th scale brings the boom!...

MiniArt gives us a new crew (& their equipment) in 1/35th scale for your anti-tank guns. They look ready for action. We see the contents in our preview....



MiniArt German Gun Crew in 35th scale brings the boom!...

German Gun crew
From MiniArt
Kit No #35471
1/35th scale
Four crew & extras included
The Subject: German gun crews...
During World War II, German anti-tank gun crews played a crucial role in the Wehrmacht’s defensive strategy. These crews operated a variety of anti-tank weapons designed to counter the increasing threat posed by Allied armoured vehicles. The primary anti-tank guns used by the Germans included the 3.7 cm Pak 36, the 5 cm Pak 38, and the more powerful 7.5 cm Pak 40.

German Panzerjäger use a Pak 40 against Yugoslav partisans in Bosnia on 12 January 1944.
German anti-tank units also utilized self-propelled guns like the Panzerjäger and Jagdpanzer. The Panzerjäger had an open casemate, exposing the crew but allowing for greater mobility and flexibility. In contrast, the Jagdpanzer had a closed casemate, providing better protection for the crew.
The crews were typically composed of four to six soldier depending on the gun, each with specific roles such as gunner, loader, and spotter. They were trained to quickly set up their guns, aim accurately, and fire under the pressure of advancing enemy tanks. The Pak 40, for example, could penetrate the armour of most Allied tanks at ranges up to 1,800 meters.

German crew of a 7.5 cm PaK 40 anti-tank gun resting in front of the Italian State Radio at the corner of Via Asiago and Via Montello, Rome, Italy, 11 Sep 1943.
These crews faced significant dangers, as their positions were often targeted by enemy artillery and infantry. Despite these challenges, they were instrumental in delaying and disrupting Allied armoured advances on both the Eastern and Western Fronts. 

German 7.5 cm PaK 40 gun and crew in Northern France, Oct 1943

The kit: German Gun Crew from MiniArt:
We have seen the the Pak.40 gun sold singularly from MiniArt, but now you can purchase this gun crew by itself (& it isn't SS which is good for some people who don't want to model them) with some extras included in the kit...

The four gunners are presented on a small sprue each. The uniforms are mid-latter war gear.
Speaking of gear, included are two sprues of weapons and equipment. The first with bread bags, helmets, entrenching tools, gas mask cannisters, flasks and bayonets are included.
Weapons on this sprue are the Kar.98, Mp40, pistols in holsters & a flare gun. Ammunition for each weapon plus optical glasses and map pouches are included.
Spare ammo for their PaK.40 gun is included in this release.

Due for release next month, you can see more about this kit on the MiniArt Website...