Tamiya 1/35 German 88mm Gun Flak 36/37 – one of the most famous guns of WWII, brought to life in a classic kit that still holds up brilliantly on the bench.
Tamiya 1/35 German 88mm Gun Flak 36/37 – one of the most famous guns of WWII, brought to life in a classic kit that still holds up brilliantly on the bench.
The German 88 needs little introduction for most history and modelling fans. Developed initially as an anti-aircraft gun, it became feared as a devastating anti-tank and general-purpose weapon across multiple fronts in World War II. As a modelling subject, it gives you a great mix of engineering, crew, and equipment to tell a story on a base or in a diorama. To add even more realism and interest, detail your scene with additional accessories such as fuel and water containers, storage drums, and general gear scattered around the gun position.
Tamiya’s 1/35 kit of the Flak 36/37 captures that look perfectly, with the big cruciform mount, optional poses, and crew all ready for paint and weathering. It’s a great way to add some centrepiece artillery to your collection, even if you’re usually more into armour or aircraft. For those looking to enhance their build, consider adding aftermarket parts from well-known brands. Small details like jerry cans, barrels, and buckets placed around the position can help ground the gun in a believable, lived-in environment.
👉 Take a closer look or grab the kit here (affiliate link):
Scratch-building additional elements, such as ammunition cases or spent shell casings, can add unique character to your model. Super-detailing ideas, like adding wiring or cabling to the figures, can bring your scenes to life, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind. You can also enhance the base with pre-moulded accessories, such as 1/35 scale jerry cans, barrels, and buckets, to create a more convincing firing position or supply area.
👉 Jerry cans & barrels set (affiliate link):
👉 Diorama Scenery Materials (affiliate link):
🔧 Build tips
• Take special care to align the cruciform mount correctly, as it forms the foundation of the gun’s stability.
• When assembling the figures, pay attention to the poses so they look realistic and cohesive with the scene.
• The included nine figures and Zündapp KS750 motorcycle make it easy to build a complete little scene straight from the box.
Why this Flak 36/37 kit is worth adding to your bench
• Iconic subject – Instantly recognisable WWII artillery piece with loads of historical context for dioramas and display.
• Classic Tamiya engineering – Generally trouble-free fit and sensible parts breakdown, ideal if you want an enjoyable build rather than a fight.
• Built-in vignette – Comes with nine crew figures plus a Zündapp KS750, so you can stage a full firing position or roadside scene without extra sets.
• Weathering playground – Big gun shield, mount, and base give you plenty of surface area for chipping, dust, mud, and subtle shading.
• Great value – A lot of plastic and detail for the price, especially if you’re looking to expand a 1/35 WWII collection.
👉 Take a closer look or grab the kit here (affiliate link):
Build notes
• Scale: 1/35
• Subject: German 88mm Gun Flak 36/37 with crew and Zündapp KS750
• Skill level: Intermediate – ideal if you're comfortable with small parts and basic figure painting.
Beginners who are completely new to modeling might find this kit challenging and may want to start with a simpler kit to build their confidence.
Some of the trickier parts include the precise alignment of the complex gun assembly and the detailed painting needed for the crew figures. To overcome alignment issues, make sure each piece is dry-fitted first, and use slow-setting glue to allow adjustments. For painting, take your time with the uniforms by layering thin coats to build up color and adding washes for deeper shading. When painting faces and hands, start with a base color that matches the skin tone, then add subtle highlights on the forehead, nose, and jawline to create depth. Use a thin wash to bring out the details, such as wrinkles and character lines, for a more lifelike finish. Painters will enjoy the intricate uniforms and realistic poses of the nine figures, while builders will appreciate the careful attention to small details throughout the construction.
For North Africa settings, use lighter colors and less pronounced insignia to reflect desert wear and fading. The Eastern Front might feature darker tones with muddier, well-worn effects, while the Western Front could have more regulated uniform details but still show signs of wear. Adding these variations will help achieve historical accuracy for your chosen theater.
👉 Check the Tamiya Acrylic Paints (affiliate link):
Perfect for:
• North Africa, Eastern Front, or Western Front dioramas
• Artillery collections
• Weathering practice on equipment and crew
For historically accurate scenes, you might reference books such as The 88mm Flak in Action by Robert F. Brown. Websites such as Tank Encyclopedia also offer detailed overviews of artillery use in WWII, which can be great for context and inspiration. It is also crucial to avoid common modelling mistakes. Ensure accuracy in paint schemes and markings, such as using the correct colours for different WWII theatres or battle fronts. Pay attention to the details on crew uniforms, like rank insignia and equipment, to enhance authenticity in your build.
If you’ve built this Flak 36/37 (or have it in the stash), drop a comment and share your build photos or WIP shots. Tips on favourite paint mixes, camo styles, or diorama bases for the 88 are always welcome. We’d love to hear about any challenges you faced during the build or unique modifications you made to enhance the project.
For those starting out, good paint options include:
• Tamiya XF-63 German Grey for the main gun body
• Tamiya XF-60 Dark Yellow for a typical North Africa scheme
• Late-war tricolour camo with XF-67 NATO Green and XF-68 NATO Brown for a standout finish.
Image credit: Tamiya / Hobbies UK
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