The 88 mm gun (eighty-eight) is a German anti-aircraft and anti-tank artillery gun from World War II. They were widely used throughout the war, and could be found on almost every battlefield. Developments of the original models led to a wide variety of guns that could be identified as "an 88".

The name applies to a series of anti-aircraft guns officially called the 8,8 cm FlaK 18, 36 or 37. FlaK is a German contraction of either Fl(ugzeug)a(bwehr)-K(anone) or Fl(ug)a(bwehr)-K(anone) (hence the capital K, nowadays one word) meaning anti-aircraft gun, the original purpose of the eighty-eight. In informal German use, the guns were universally known as the Acht-acht (8-8), a contraction of Acht-komma-acht Zentimeter (German: 8.8 cm).The name could also describe newer and more powerful models, the FlaK 41 and 43, although these were different weapons. In general terms the gun was less capable in the anti-aircraft role than the British QF 3.7 inch AA gun or United States 90 mm gun models. Unlike those weapons, however, the 88 was built in very large numbers, and in the anti-tank role it was mounted on a versatile base from which it could be fired without unlimbering.

Over 100 parts, moulded in a light sand colour. Nice mouldings and detail. Box artwork is very good, depicting a dusty desert scene from Rommel's North African campaign. Included are a driver and three seated gun crew, handy alone as spares.

I  couldn't find any decals in the box or any mention of any on the paint guide, so I'm assuming there aren't  any .

Building is broken down into 11 sections, starting with the half track chassis and running gear. Suspension, exhausts and underside detail is pretty good, I don't think you'd want or need any more on this scale. All goes together well,  and with the addition of the vinyl tracks  gives you a purposeful looking base on which to place the body. I tend to roll the tracks into a circle then place them in a peg for a few hours, this gives them a more friendly shape to work with I then superglue the tracks together, and put them in place with the idler inserted in one end. Again I use superglue to recreate track sag, by gluing the  track to the  wheels.

 The body is ok, the only fit problem being the front end section. This needs careful positioning and a little filler, as there will be a few gaps here and there. On the seats I filed a few warn edges for wear and tear. Whilst there is no additional “spares” or hood down version, this kit will lend itself to the converter and could easily  be  enhanced.

The 88 covers four sections, wheels, base, gun and final assemblage of all parts. Care is needed on the gun sides which hold the barrel in  place, this area is a little fiddly to get right to allow gun elevation without being loose. I ended up squeezing mine together a little, then slotting the gun in.

Box recommendation is overall Humbrol 63 Buff, only other colour being black for the wheels. I chose to do a sand red/brown scheme I found in a Afrika Corps book. I used a old Revell sand colour, and insignia red for the camouflage. I gave it a light wash of black, then used orange crushed and wetted pastels for the recesses. For the canopy I used a light aircraft grey and various light coloured pastels.

Lots of detail and  good fun. Both parts are good enough in there own rights, so this is really a double kit. There are also lots of options for display, gun on tow, stabilisers up/down, wheels off/on etc...For detailing and more versions the options seem good. Even while writing this I'm thinking of a Eastern front whitewashed version for my next project !!