The Browning M2, or Ma Deuce as the Americans call it, really needs no introduction. Designed in 1918 by John Browning, it entered Service in 1921, and is still in use today. The M2 has, with different barrels, been used in the air as both fixed armament in the wings of the Mustang, and on flexible mounts as defensive weapons in B-17 and b-24's, on armour either as a coaxial or an independent support weapon, as an infantry support weapon mounted on a tripod, as a sniper rifle when fitted with a scope site, as an anti aircraft weapon mounted as a quad on the back of a half track, or up to six in a turret for AA duties on ships.
The Kit
The kit contains parts to produce 2 weapons, complete with ammo boxes or belted ammo, with a choice of barrels, ammo box styles and mounts.
The basic weapon is made of 6 parts, the cocking handle is a very delicate separate part, the ammo feed cover can be mounted in either the open or shut positions. A choice of three barrel styles is included, one with the quick release handle, two without. Not being able to translate Japanese I'm not sure what the differences between the barrels is, but I think the longer of the barrels is the heavy duty barrel. The barrel is slide moulded, with the end hollowed out.
There is a complete lack of any flash on any of the parts, and any ejection pin marks are in places that are unseen when the weapon is complete.
Two different styles of ammo box are included, one of WWII style and one modern. Also included is a length of belted ammo, which will require careful removal from the sprue. The WWII ammo box is made from 5 parts, the modern one from 3.
In line with the two styles of ammo box, there are matching WWII and Modern mounts, each made of 7 parts.
conclusion
Overall the detail of this kit is superb, I bought it to use instead of a resin M2 from an old conversion kit.
The only downside to the kit is the instructions being in Japanese, however the colour callouts are in English, and specify Tamiya paints.
The cost of the Kit from Hobby Lobby was 600yen, delivery 900yen – converts to about 15 quid all up, and it's worth it for what I wanted two of them for.
SUMMARY
Highs: Excellent detail and molding quality.Lows: Lack of English translation on instructions.Verdict: Recommended.
The longer barrel is the "spare" barrel. It is the proper size if you're showing the barrel separate from the gun. The 2 shorter barrels, 1 with handle and 1 without are for actually assembling the completed weapon.
Just built this in TASCA's M4A1 late. Very nicely detailed .50. I haven't used any of the brass kits out there, but the simplicity of styrene and the detail on this makes me hesitent to go the route of brass.
Indeed, the longer one is the fully exposed spare as seen on the racks at the rear of Sherman turrets, on M36 turret counterweights, etc. However, if mounted externally I suspect it ought to have some kind of canvas cover? The exposed barrel is fine for internal mounting or maintenance scenes. Many AFVs carried at least one spare as they had to be changed frequently in heavy use to avoid overheating.
Thie spare is a vast improvement over the one in the ancient Tamiya weapons set...
Tom
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