1:48 Lewis Mk.III Ammo magazines, two types 5 + 5 pc.

Magazines for the Lewis Mk.III machine gun, 1:48: two types, 5 + 5 pieces

A detail accessory from the Czech brand Art Scale Kit. The box holds ten magazines in two types, five pieces of each, in 1:48 scale; the manufacturer gives a high print quality for the set. These are extra parts for the build, not a model of an aircraft nor a complete weapon.

The real subject

The Lewis was a light machine gun that served with the British forces in both world wars, and you recognize it at first glance by the pan magazine fitted from above. The magazine was made in two sizes, for 47 and for 97 rounds, and the larger of them was intended precisely for air use. In aircraft the Lewis was used as a flexible machine gun for the observer on a Scarff ring or above the wing, where it could be pulled down along a rail so that the gunner could change the magazine in flight.

Building and painting tips

Resin prints cut, sand and drill well, they are glued with cyanoacrylate glue (super glue) and painted with ordinary modeling paints. The manufacturer recommends dipping the parts in hot water before cutting the supports off: the material softens and does not chip, and the hardness returns once it cools. Spray a primer before painting. Sand with your airways protected. The magazine is painted in a dark metallic shade and edge highlighting shows up well on it; seat the fitted piece on the weapon only after painting. The remaining pieces will serve as spare magazines stowed in the cockpit or placed around a diorama.

Who the set is for

• Builders of British aircraft with a flexible machine gun in 1:48 scale
• Modelers for whom the simplified magazine from the kit is not enough
• Diorama builders who want to add spare magazines to the cockpit

This is a detail accessory. The basic kit, glue and paints are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.