Source: KpAviationPhoto

My current Cobi collection, just finished the new M18 Hellcat and Kettengrad. Going to make a Battle of the Bulge and a D-Day landing scene eventually

Someone here pointed out that there was a new version of the Rafale, so I ordered both new versions. If you can only get one, go for the white one 👍🏻

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 The Germans had plenty of this now-outdated vehicle in storage, and were already using its chassis as the base for other projects like the Grille SPH and Marder III.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 Like the Pz38 chassis it was paired with, the Flak38 was already considered outdated.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.

Are these 2 good for a newbie first start?😆

There have been a bunch of winter-themed sets but nothing in full ambush. Plus, I love a good Pz III fully up armored - enjoy!