1:35 Soviet 85mm D-44 Divisional Gun

Soviet 85mm D-44 divisional gun, a Trumpeter plastic kit, 1:35 scale

An injection-molded plastic kit of the Soviet towed 85 mm D-44 divisional gun in 1:35 scale from Trumpeter. The kit contains finely shaped parts of the barrel, the breech, the shield and the carriage with its wheels and spreading trails; rubber tires and small photo-etched parts are usually included. The exact contents of the particular box are given in the instructions inside.

The real subject

The D-44 is a Soviet divisional gun of 85 mm caliber introduced after the Second World War as the successor to the proven 76 mm ZiS-3 divisional gun. It served as a general-purpose weapon able to destroy armored targets by direct fire as well as to deliver indirect fire at longer range. The spreading carriage trails gave stability while firing and the pair of wheels with tires allowed it to be towed by an artillery tractor. The gun spread to the armies of a whole range of countries and stayed in service long after it was introduced.

Building and painting tips

A gun builds faster than a vehicle, which makes clean work stand out all the more. Take care over the correct fit of the shield and the carriage and decide whether you want the carriage trails spread (the firing position) or closed (the travel position). You will refine the barrel and the breech with fine shading. Bring the metal parts to life with a dry brush and a steel pigment; dust pigments on the ends of the trails and on the wheels will suggest contact with the ground.

Who the model is for

• For collectors of artillery and towed guns.
• For builders of dioramas with a firing position or with towing.
• For modelers of postwar and Cold War equipment.
• For beginners and advanced builders alike, because a gun is a rewarding model on its own.

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