The Browning M2HB is a heavy machine gun that has been in service with its various variants since 1933. Master offers a WWII version at 1/35, mounted on an M3 tripod and includes an ammunition box with belt.
It comes packaged in a clear plastic blister pack containing:
- Three 3D printed trays
- A turned metal barrel
- A small decal sheet with markings for the ammunition box
- An instruction sheet
The 3D printed trays have protective poles around them and are also wrapped in foam. The barrel and decals come in sealed bags.
The resin used for printing is slightly flexible, which helps to make it less brittle and easier to release and manipulate the parts. The print quality is excellent, with very crisp and well defined detail, as well as many extremely fine parts. No print banding is visible except on the inside of the ammo box, but as it will be either closed or filled with ammunition, it will not be noticeable. On the other hand the inside of the receiver and its cover are detailed so it could be left open.
The barrel is also finely turned. The 3D parts come with alternatives to use or not to use the flash hider, two models with and without barrel change handle, and two models of cooling jacket. Spare parts are also included for some of the more delicate or easily lost parts such as the flash hider or the ammunition box handle. The part breakdown is well thought out, with just enough parts to provide good detail but without complicating assembly.
To release the 3D parts you can cut the main supports with pliers, single-edged pliers work very well, and then use a sharp blade for the smallest points. Although the type of resin makes the operation easy, it must be done with care. The ammunition belt is particularly delicate because of the small size of the rings that join the bullets and the large number of supports on the base.
Assembly is simple by following the instructions. I recommend using a slow drying glue that allows the parts to fit perfectly, making sure that the barrel is straight as well as the machine gun itself on the tripod.
Conclusion
A very detailed model of the Bowning M2HB using 3D printing together with a turned metal barrel. The print quality is excellent, the parts can be released without much effort and when it comes to assembly different options are offered.