Spalah offers a 3D-printed M777A2 howitzer kit in 1:35 scales, with the reference number SP27535.
The box measures 26x16x5cm, and features an attractive illustration on the lid. Inside, a top-opening box contains the parts, assembly instruction booklet, two sheets with paint scheme and decal positioning guide, decals, and an A4-sized poster featuring the same illustration as the box art but without the text.
All of this is well protected by two layers of foam. Most of the parts come in the printing tray, with a cage around to prevent them from knocking against one another. A few larger ones are already free from supports. These loose parts and some of the trays come in individual zip-lock bags.
Overall, the first impression is excellent: a well-designed box with a beautiful illustration, well protected parts, and a free poster. The instructions deserve a special mention, Spalah offers a professionally designed, full-colour A5 size booklet with a historical introduction, a parts catalogue, and very clear instructions using different colours for the parts being fitted, as well as specific close-ups for greater clarity.
The print quality of the model is very good, with sharp and very fine details, straight edges and no flaws. However, on some parts, printing bands are visible on one of their sides. In the case of the sides of the howitzer’s body, this is quite noticeable. Although sanding is possible, in my experience it is much easier and equally effective to scrap them with a hobby knife. Furthermore, each part is held by a large number of supports, which are not particularly thin. As the contact points sometimes remain in visible areas, they need to be removed carefully to avoid leaving marks.
What worked best for me was cutting the supports using a wire cutter at the base until the part came away from the print tray, and then gradually free the part with a sharp modelling knife. It’s a job that takes time, care and patience, but it’s better than breaking a detail or having to fill in marks. With the wheels, however, the system is different, with a myriad of extremely thin supports. These come away much more easily and without leaving marks. I guess it’s a technical issue, but if all the parts came with these supports like the wheels, cleaning them up would be much easier.
The model consists of approximately 50 parts, with some spares are included in case they get damaged during assembly, and a few alternatives depending on your choice. The fit is quite good, though not perfect as there are a few small gaps. All tiny details and cables are moulded in medium sized parts, therefore, assembly presents no greater difficulty than following the instructions, which are laid out in a logical order.
The kit has been designed to be built either in transport or firing position, and in the latter case, you can also choose the angle of the gun barrel. And you can show the breech open or closed. The rear spades can be left movable to allow for better adjustment if the model is to be placed on terrain in a diorama.
The method for adjusting the sleeves to the size required, depending on barrel angle, is very well explained and presents no problems. Also for the same reason some parts need to be adjusted relative to others before gluing ; all of this is equally well explained. I think the hoses for the trailer R36R and R36L have been swapped, but perhaps I’ve simply got them mixed up. In any case a simple dry fit allows you to see where they go.
It is important to be careful when manipulating the model for adding parts. There are many fragile details that can be broken.
The painting instructions come separately on two double-sided A4 colour sheets, one for NATO Green and the other for Sand, with references for Ammo, Tamiya and Mister Hobby paints, and they are equally clear.
Here are some general views of the kit once fully assembled.
And now some in detail. It is worth to see all the cables, hoses and the rest of delicate details.
Conclusion
An M777A2 kit with excellent detail and sharpness. Removing the supports from the parts takes a bit of effort, but apart from that, it’s very pleasant to assemble with a reasonable number of parts And the result is truly spectacular.