1:35 U.S. M2HB Machine Gun Set

American M2HB Machine Gun Set, 1:35 — AFV Club

An accessory set of the American Browning M2HB .50 caliber heavy machine gun in 1:35 scale from AFV Club. It is not a vehicle model, but a set of armament to fit onto a vehicle or into a diorama. On sets like this AFV Club works with a fine parts breakdown, so the weapon is far more detailed than the part from a basic kit.

The real subject

The Browning M2 in .50 caliber is an American heavy machine gun that has been in service since the 1930s and is still in use today — which makes it one of the longest-established weapons of all. The HB designation stands for heavy barrel: a thicker barrel carries the heat away better and takes a long burst, which is why it is this version that is used on ground and vehicle mounts. The weapon turns up on tank turrets, on armored personnel carriers, at air defense positions and on off-road vehicles.

Usage tips

• The barrel has a perforated jacket, so drill out the holes and the muzzle
• Paint the weapon separately and fit it onto the finished vehicle last
• Glue the small mount parts with liquid cement while they are still on the sprue
• The ammunition belt comes alive in a brass shade with a dark wash

Who the set is for

For modelers of American equipment in 1:35 scale whose kit is missing the machine gun or has a simplified one, and for diorama builders. It can be used on wartime as well as modern equipment, because the weapon has changed very little in that time.

It is an accessory set, not a vehicle model. A vehicle, glue and paints are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.