Schwerer Zugkraftwagen 18 t with 8.8cm Flak

Famo Flak 88

This is the offering from Trumpeter. Those who previously wanted to build this model had to buy the Famo, the FLAK 88 and a conversion kit separately.  Three conversion are/were available, the Lanmo Model (https://www.hobbyeasy.com/en/data/mpvjbooa0nlcf9ayd4um.html), YanModel (https://www.hlj.com/1-35-scale-german-18t-famo-sd-kfz-9-and-88mm-flak-37-super-pe-set-for-tamiya-and-dragon-yanpe35100) and Alliance Model Works (https://www.amazon.co.jp/Alliance-Model-Works-3-45%E3%82%A4%E3%83%B3%E3%83%81-LW35055/dp/B004QTXQ2K). The conversion from the Lanmo Model was obviously not popular here on Armorama (https://armorama.com/news/lanmo-model-famo-flak-conversion). Neither Trumpeter nor the conversion kit are accurate as there is no walk around photos of the vehicle. However, this is  obviously from the few photos that can be found in books and on the net. The armoured cabin is over-scaled so it was cut down around the openings. The pe mesh for the side plates were exchanged for nylon mesh and the chains  holding the plates were added. The locking bars for the doors on the ammo stowage box was scratch built as well as the gun travelling lock at the back of the vehicle. The two ribs at the back are not present on any photos, so it was probably added so it should look good. These were cut off and sanded down. The conversion from Lanmo Model is well detailed but it is not possible to say if they have access to better references or if it is guesswork. Anyway, the gun travel lock is not correctly depicted although the details it is not possible to elucidate from the photos. The Lanmo Model conversion has a couple of small hatches containing toolboxes at the rear, which is probably right. They also have a gun travelling lock on top of the cab, but it is not possible to see if this is correct. An antenna on the side of the cabin shows that the vehicle is equipped with a radio, which is not included. One from the spare box was added although it is hardly visible with the doors closed.

On the FLAK part S35 I upside down. If installed as according to Trumpeter, the gunner must kneel down and read the digits upside down. Cutting off the small cube on part R37 makes it easier to fit. In the instruction, Trumpeter has omitted the seat on the left side of the gun. Probably because it is harder to install with supporters for the gun shield in place. Otherwise, there is no reason not to put it in place. The plates on the gun shield covering the opening for the gunner is also missing but is easy to replicate with plastic card. Copper wire was used as cables for the instruments. The model was painted with Tamiya colours and weathered with AK products.