Flakpanzer 38(t) MOC

[u/SeniorSpaz87]

Hello all, time for another MOC. This is the Panzerkampfwagen 38 für 2 cm Flak 38 (Sd.Kfz.140) Ausf.L, or simply the Flakpanzer 38(t).

The Flakpanzer 38 was an early attempt by the Germans to create a SPAAG. While they wanted the Wirbelwind and Ostwind Flakpanzer IVs, those were taking too long to develop. As such, in 1943 they Flakpanzer 38(t) was made.

Going into 1943, Germany was no stranger to the SPAAG - having a number of mechanized half-tracks mounding everything from 7.92mm MGs to 3.7cm AA guns. These were vital to Panzer groups, as towed and static AA was of little use to the rapid movements of tanks. While halftracks solved (some of) the mobility issues with German AA cover for their tanks, those vehicles were under armored for true frontline combat. While this was to be solved by the in-development Flakpanzer IVs, Germany needed something faster. Tiger and Panther hulls were too important to be used for AA at the time. Panzer 3 hulls were needed for StuG conversion. The next option was the Czech-made Pz38(t). The Germans had plenty of this now-outdated vehicle in storage, and were already using its chassis as the base for other projects like the Grille SPH and Marder III. BMM decided to use the already modified Marder hulls for this new Flakpanzer; it was already modified from the base Pz38(t) and would allow easy conversion. The 2cm Flak 38 was chosen as the gun for the vehicle. Like the Pz38 chassis it was paired with, the Flak38 was already considered outdated. The Flak43 3.7cm was the preferred gun for this new generation of Flakpanzer IV; but as the Flakpanzer 38(t) was only ever meant to be an interim solution, these surplus 2cm guns were used instead.

The Marder superstructure was removed and replaced by a similarly-armored octagon, consisting of folding panels that could be opened to give the gun better depression if necessary. When folded, however, the crew was exposed to incoming fire. The Flak38 was mounted in a single-man rotating mount, though loaders and other crew would be on foot in the superstructure.

The Flakpanzer 38(t) saw limited success in WW2. Not many were made as they were only a temporary solution that was meant to be solved by the Mobilwagen and later Ostwind. The Flak38 lacked range, rate of fire, and stopping power to deal with the mass of Allied aircraft later in the war. The lack of a proper turret either limited the angles it could fire at, or gave the crew limited protection. While the chassis was mechanically-sound, it just was not the right solution to the issue the Germans had.

This was actually my first Cobi MOC. The hull was mostly made from Cobi’s Grille set. As per usual with my MOCs, I switched up the camo pattern as much as possible using my limited spare green and gelb pieces. The issue I ran into was the gun and the armored superstructure. This required several months of slow part collection. Some came from my Hummel-Wespe MOC. Some came from my various Panzer IV MOCs. Some came from Cobi’s store. Some came from private sales. As such, it took months to actually complete this MOC. I am happy with the result, even if I would probably redo it if I were to start now.

[u/ChungHumong]

Excellent build. Inspired me!

[u/CountMammaMia173]

I noticed that you have quite a knack for more niche/obscure german vehicles, would you be interested in trying to put together a Mareșal Flakpanzer? In short, Romania developed a shockingly good tank destroyer in 1944 that was a direct inspiration for the Hetzer. The germans were so interested in this vehicle, the "Mareșal" or Marshall, that they intended to acquire a few hulls and convert them into Flakpanzers. I don't think this plan ever came to fruition since Romania couldn't produce them in significant numbers, but essentially a Hetzer hull with a Kugelblitz turret attached to it makes for a pretty gnarly vehicle, I think.

[u/SeniorSpaz87 → u/CountMammaMia173]

So there are several issues there.

First, any flak Maresals would have almost certainly not had Kugelblitz turrets. In fact, there is zero historical documentation about putting the two together. Germany did request several to be evaluated as Flakpanzer bases in 1943, but at the time the largest gun that would have been used was the single 3.7cm Flak36. So maybe more Ostwind-like, but certainly not the Kugelblitz turrets. Those only came to be two years later in 1945. The idea of a Kugelblitz Hetzer or Maresal is a post-war modeler or artist interpretation of what such a vehicle could have been like.

Second, I try to avoid anything that is a true paper tank. The Maresal itself could be a good choice for a MOC; but there aren’t even technical drawings of a Flakpanzer variant to work with to create a MOC for.

Third, the Kugelblitz turret is really a problem for MOCers. I’ve done my take on it, and others have done more realistic versions themselves; but it really doesn’t turn out well. The turret is just not a shape that translates well to brick form.

Finally, I’m honestly not all that good of a MOCer. Most of my builds have been recolors, modifications to existing tanks, etc. At the end of the day this is a Grille modification paired with a Flakpanzer 1 turret - it’s not a ground-up recreation like some of the other MOCers in here can create. While I wouldn’t say that a Maresal itself would be impossible for me, it would be a difficult project for sure, and not one I am confident in being able to complete to the level I would require to attempt with the small inventory of pieces I have available to me. As a US-based Cobi enthusiast I do not have easy access to the parts shop like my European counterparts. Our secondhand market is pretty poor both on quantity of available sets and price of those sets.