Alliance Modelworks provide news of an exciting new 1:35 scale conversion kit for German Armour fans.

The 8.8 cm FlaK 37 (Sf) auf Fgst Zgkw 18t conversion requires both Tamiya's FAMO kit (35239) and Dragon's 8.8cm Flak37 (6287). The Flak36 kit will fit, but as no photographic sample of the vehicle with that weapon had been found, the Type-18 barrel should be used.

The conversion kit utilizes parts included in Tamiya's kit, with the full interior presented for the driver's cabin. Doors can be constructed to be movable, however this is not recommended as using the photo etched hinges provided in the set would result in alteration in the appearances untrue to photo references. Since A Fu5 or Fu2 radio was used on these vehicles an antenna base is provided in this set for the exterior.

There are 2 fold-up raisers, one on the cabin back door, and one in front of the ammo container. These are to prevent hot spent shells from hitting gunners' feet. These two raisers are provided in resin with photo etched hinges and are movable.

The truck bed rests on resin frames, ladders and the stabilizers are also provided in resin. Ladders are movable of course combined with etched hinges. The stabilizers can be constructed for firing position or retracted, and are not movable.

On the real vehicle, the sidings aren't mesh. The vertical and horizontal bars are separate (vertical ones round, and flat horizontal pieces). Alliance Modelworks siding is designed to replicate this appearance. Each side is made of 4 pieces, one is a bracket, and the other 3 lay on top of each other inside this bracket. There are special fold line designs so the long edges of the bracket remain flat after folding.

The hinges are of the "plug in plastic rod and melt both ends" type of construction to ensure durability. AM Works found that total time spent constructing the bed was ~ 2 hours in testing, and a little quicker if soldering.

The ammo box holds the correct amount, and would take Dragon's plastic and brass ammo. However Tamiya's turned 88 ammo are out of scale and will not fit.

On this prototype, you only see 1 layer of ammo box door. There are actually 2 layers, inner doors are omitted when building this example. Inner door with cushions to protect the primers of the stored rounds, that will be featured in the product, and also movable just like the outside doors. There are two wheel stoppers also included in the set, that are not presented in the photos.

All the handles are provided in resin, other than that, the engine cover is made of etched and can be constructed open or closed. The front shield is 0.4mm brass which is ~14mm in scale, should be closed to the real thickness. There are some last minute alterations to its shape and dimensions. The shield will be a little taller in the actual product. The lamp mounts are provided in both resin and etch. Resin ones were used on the photo example.

Gun shield (and mounting) are not constructed in the example. According to AM Works the bed is designed to accommodate the shield, which is 70mm when it's closed. (the bed is 73mm not including the sidewalls). In other words, the shield must be closed for the sidewalls to retract. AM Works will provide photo etched chains in the set. Modelers can also use real chain, and cut to length using the etched as reference.

The entire bed will be approx. 1mm lower in the real production and the back wall will be a little wider and taller. According to AM Works with these final alterations, this is the most accurate Famo 88 conversion on the market and should offer the best fit and details. This set will retail for $150. and can be pre-ordered from their website till July 20th for $125. It will be shipped once the pre-order period has passed.

For full details please visit http://www.am-works.com