1:35 Soviet 76.2mm M1936 (F22) Divisional Gun

Soviet F-22 76.2 mm Divisional Gun, Model 1936 1:35 — Bronco

An injection-molded plastic kit of the Soviet F-22 76.2 mm divisional gun, model 1936, in 1:35 scale from Bronco. It is a standalone weapon on its carriage, not a vehicle. Bronco is known in this line for a fine parts breakdown, so the set offers a high level of detail.

The real subject

The F-22 was a Soviet divisional gun designed as a universal weapon: it was meant to handle fire against ground targets as well as against aircraft, for which it needed a large elevation range and a long barrel. The universal approach did not work out and the weapon was heavy and complicated, so simpler types replaced it in production. Its second life is the interesting part: the Germans captured a great many of these guns in 1941, found that the long barrel gave the weapon excellent penetrating power, and after rebuilding put them into service as anti-tank guns and also mounted them on self-propelled chassis.

Building and painting tips

Cut the small carriage parts off with a sharp blade while they are still on the sprue and glue them with liquid cement for plastic. Assemble and paint the weapon separately from any diorama and make sure both trails and the wheels sit down on the ground. The long barrel with its large elevation range is characteristic of this gun, so check its angle and drill out the muzzle if it is not open. Soviet dark green comes alive if you lighten it on the edges; concentrate the dust on the wheels and the lower part of the carriage.

Who the model is for

• Diorama builders working on Soviet artillery
• Modelers interested in captured and rebuilt weapons
• Collectors of artillery in 1:35 scale
• More advanced builders, because the parts breakdown is fine

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.