Tamiya 35233 - 1:35 German Flakpanzer IV Wirbelwind

Plastic model kit of the Flakpanzer IV Wirbelwind anti-aircraft tank in 1:35 scale

Tamiya 35233 depicts the Flakpanzer IV 'Wirbelwind' – a German anti-aircraft tank built on the Pz.Kpfw.IV chassis. In place of the standard turret, an open-topped, angular turret with a quadruple 2 cm Flakvierling 38 gun was fitted, able to put up dense fire against low-flying aircraft as well as ground targets. The model faithfully captures the vehicle's characteristic shape.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with hull, turret and running-gear parts
• Quadruple 2 cm Flakvierling 38 gun and an open-topped, angular turret
• Reproduced road wheels and tracks
• Decal sheet and illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Item number: 35233
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: approx. 169 mm
• Skill level: intermediate

Note: glue, paints and modelling tools are not included. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

As a Tamiya-tooled kit it features good parts fit. It is worth painting the open turret and gun position before final assembly to keep access to the detail. Emphasise the final result with a wash, dry-brushing and weathering.

Tools you'll need:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Brushes of various sizes and modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Panel-line wash to emphasise detail, plus dry-brushing
• Pigments and paints for weathering effects (mud, dust, rust)

About the vehicle – Flakpanzer IV Wirbelwind:

As Allied air superiority grew, the German armoured forces needed mobile anti-aircraft defence able to keep up with the tank columns. The Wirbelwind was created by mounting a quadruple 2 cm gun on the Pz.Kpfw.IV chassis. These vehicles entered service in 1944.

Original vehicle specifications:

• Length: approx. 5.9 m
• Width: approx. 2.9 m
• Height: approx. 2.8 m
• Combat weight: approx. 22 t
• Powerplant: Maybach HL120 petrol engine (V12), approx. 300 hp
• Max speed: approx. 38 km/h
• Armament: quadruple 2 cm Flakvierling 38 gun; machine gun
• Crew: 5
• Feature: open-topped, angular turret with a quadruple 2 cm gun

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 in Shizuoka, regarded as the heart of Japan's model-making industry. It launched its first injection-moulded plastic kit in 1960 and soon set a global benchmark for quality thanks to precise tooling and excellent parts fit. The 1:35 Military Miniature series is one of the most highly regarded military model lines in the world. Beyond plastic kits in many scales, the company offers a full range of accessories: paints, glues, tools and brushes. Tamiya operates in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable brands in the hobby.