Forces of Valor Armored Fighting Vehicles 801008B
Krupp 88mm FlaK 18 Diecast Model
German Army DAK, El Alamein, North Africa, June 1942, w/8 Figures |
| 1:32 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Krupp 88mm FlaK 18 | | 8" | | 6.5" |
The German 88mm anti-tank artillery gun became infamous during WW2 for its ability to not only target allied armoured units but also airplanes and warships. This led to the technology and design for the 88mm being worked into the Tiger tank series of mighty weaponry.
In post war interviews with allied troops, they claimed that the 88mm "FlaK Gun" was an unfair weapon to be deployed in ground warfare. The word "FlaK" is a contraction of German Flugzeugabwehrkanone meaning "aircraft-defense cannon".
There were four major phase variations of the FlaK gun that were issued model numbers 18, 36, 37 and 41. The 18's barrel was constructed from a single piece of steel. As the gun was mainly used for targetting aircraft, particularly bombers, this turned out to be a major flaw as the fire rate required to hit and bring down allied aircraft would form cracks along the barrel's surface. To counter this problem, the German army developed the 36 model with a sectional barrel to help the longevity of the gun and the speed at which it could be repaired.
Due to supply shortages, particularly when the war started to turn against the Germans, many combinations of gun and cruciform base were used together. For instance, the FlaK 18 gun could be combined with the FlaK 36 cruciform and vice-versa.
The 88 mm gun was developed as early as 1928 by Krupp of Essen, and entered production after Hitler's rise to power in 1933. The '88' proved itself to be an excellent anti-aircraft gun and a feared tank killer relying on power and range rather than concealment. It could knock out any Allied tank at distances well over 1000 meters. The series of anti-aircraft guns officially called the 8,8 was mounted on a pivoted cruciform carriage, which was carried by two single axle trailers, pulled by another vehicle and could be quickly dismounted and stationed in the field or fired while trailered. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Forces of Valor's 1:32 scale 88mm FlaK Guns are some of the most intricately detailed models in Forces of Valor's 1:32 scale armor series. The guns are fitted with a set of removable twin carriages and loaded with details such as rotating wheels, mounting mechanisms and an operator's station. The metal barrel with simulated recoiling action pivots near vertical and the entire gun assembly spins 360 degrees on the base, with dial handles that are keyed to spin with each action. An all metal gun shield installs easily when the model is configured for engaging ground targets. A set of five detailed figures are poised to man the gun.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Waltersons "Forces of Valor" range presents detaled, ready-made diecast models of military vehicles.
Waltersons "Forces of Valor" diecast vehicles feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Rotating turret, elevating cannon and accurate hull.
- Moving tracks on detailed rotating wheels.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
