1:200 Set of 20 pcs 20 mm L/65 barrels C/38 for German ships

Turned 2 cm C/38 gun barrels in 1:200 scale

The package holds twenty turned barrels of the 2 cm automatic anti-aircraft gun designated C/38 with a barrel length of 65 calibers. This is not a ship model but an accessory used to replace the plastic barrels on a model under way. At 1:200 scale the barrel of a 20 mm autocannon is so thin that the plastic part tends to be exaggeratedly thick because of the mold and carries a lengthwise parting line. A turned part, by contrast, has a constant circular section and the finished weapon on deck looks properly small.

The real subject

The 2 cm C/38 autocannon was the most widespread light anti-aircraft weapon in the Kriegsmarine in the Second World War. It replaced the older C/30 model and had a markedly higher rate of fire. It was used both in single mountings and in a quadruple version, and as the war went on ships received more and more of them.

Usage tips

• Cut the plastic barrel off right at the mounting and level the mating face.
• Drill the hole for the pin with a micro drill and try the diameter in an offcut first.
• Bond the metal parts with super glue, as cement for plastic does not take on metal.
• Degrease the brass before painting and give it a primer, or the paint will not hold.
• Unpack the parts over a tray, as a tiny barrel will disappear off the bench at once.

Who it is for

The set is for ship modelers who are finishing the light armament at a large scale. Expect to work under a magnifier and with fine tweezers. Glue, paints and the base model are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.