Trumpeter 1/35 Soviet ML-20 152mm Howitzer Mod.1937 (Standard) Kit First Look
by Dave Manter
| Date of Review | January 2013 | Manufacturer | Trumpeter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Soviet ML-20 152mm Howitzer Mod.1937 (Standard) | Scale | 1/35 |
| Kit Number | 2323 | Primary Media | Styrene, photo-etch |
| Pros | Great subject, great details, can be built in firing or traveling position | Cons | Nothing noted |
| Skill Level | Experienced | MSRP (USD) | $51.95 |
First Look
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The 152mm howitzer-gun M1937 (ML-20) was a Soviet gun-howitzer. The gun was developed by the design bureau of the plant no. 172, headed by F. F. Petrov, as a deep upgrade of the 152mm gun M1910/34, in turn based on the 152mm siege gun M1910, a pre World War I design by Schneider. It was in production from 1937 to 1946. The ML-20 saw action in World War II, mainly as a corps/army level artillery piece of the Soviet Army. Post World War II, the ML-20 saw combat in numerous conflicts during the mid to late twentieth century.
The Trumpeter kit of the Soviet ML-20 152mm Howitzer Mod1937 consists of 245 plastic parts on 10 sprues, 41 photo etch detail parts, 6 rubber tires and a metal gun barrel.
All of the plastic parts are molded to Trumpeters usual high standards. The detail is amazing and the flash is non-existent. Seam lines are very fine and will be easy to remove.
The gun can be built in either the firing position or in a traveling position. The main trailing arms are movable after assembly. The main gun barrel can either be made from plastic or from the supplied metal barrel. The muzzle brake is plastic. The carriage and the breech are highly detailed as is the rest of the kit. The armored covers on the front of the gun shield are supplied in photo etch only. No bending from is supplied so some careful folding around the plastic part will be necessary.
This one looks to be yet another winner from Trumpeter!
My sincere thanks to Squadron Mail Order for this review sample!