Ace 1/72
52K 85mm Soviet Heavy AA Gun

Background

The M1939 52K 85mm gun was a transportable air defense artillery weapon that provided a defensive shield around strategic positions within the Soviet Union. Developed several years before the 'Great Patriotic War', the 52K was the anti-aircraft (AA) weapon for medium altitude targets.

Like the famous German 88mm Flak gun, the 52K was best employed in large numbers to erect a flak shield that would provide a deadly shield against enemy air attacks. In keeping with the Soviet practice of employing large numbers of artillery pieces in their armed forces, the M1939 would evolve into more advanced versions that would serve well into the 1970s.

The Kit

Here is an interesting kit from Ace. This is a 1/72 scale production of the 52K 85mm Soviet Heavy AA Gun. The kit is molded in light gray styrene and presented on four parts treess.

Construction of the kit starts with the carriages which attach to either end of the gun platform for road transportation. While the kit can be assembled without the carriages, the kit clearly is clearly laid out to be displayed in its transport configuration.

There are several assembly options shown in the kit:

• Stabilization arms out or stowed
• Carriages installed or not
• Gun elevated or not (two positions)
• Gun lock in place or stowed
• Gun is traversable (when not locked)

Conclusions

This looks like a nice little kit that will provide another distinctive artillery piece on your shelf in 1/72 scale. the detailing is nice and the price is right.

Check out the low retail price from HobbyTerra.com! If you've purchased Ace kits in the past, you know that some of the US importers place a hefty mark-up on the price. HobbyTerra.com has excellent service to North America and abroad and they offer these same kits at far more reasonable prices.

This kit is definitely recommended!

My sincere thanks to HobbyTerra.com for this review sample!