The 85 mm air defense gun M1939 (52-K) (Russian:85-мм зенитная пушка обр. 1939 г. (52-К)) was an 85-mm Soviet air defense gun, developed under guidance of leading Soviet designers M. N. Loginov and G. D. Dorokhin. This gun was successfully used throughout the Great Patriotic War against level bombers and other high- and medium-altitude targets. In emergencies they were utilized as powerful anti-tank weapons. The barrel of 52-K was the base for the family of 85-mm Soviet tank guns. Crews of 85-mm AD guns shot down 4,047 Axis aircraft. The mean quantity of 85-mm ammunition required to shoot down one enemy plane was 598 rounds. After the war some 52-Ks were refitted for peaceful purposes as anti-avalanche guns in a mountainous terrain.

Virtually every country behind the Iron Curtain received this gun after World War II for their air defense. 

Ace has done a nice job on this one. The molding for the pieces is actually quite good with nice detailing and a lack of any visible molding glitches. There are four flash-free sprues, with one major sprue provided twice. Not surprisingly, most of the parts are what are needed to build up the gun mount. One can build this either in the travel mode, or set up for action. The major difference being the deployment of the side mounts. Another option is to have the early suspension which has leaf springs vice coil shocks. One also can pose the gun either elevated or flat. There doesn't seem to be any intermediate position available. To make this a late version, this boxing includes a new section of sprue that includes two shields and the cross brace (shown at right). Otherwise, it is identical to the earlier kit. I have to assume that one would not use the 'early' version trailer suspension on this one.

Instructions are pretty basic, but more than adequate to build the kit. There are several small subassembly steps that are then shown being incorporated into the two major construction  steps. The drawings are actually quite good and clearly show where everything fits. No color guide is provided either in the instructions or on the box. However, there are several descriptions in the painting and markings guide. Either overall Khaki-Green, a white-washed version, or one captured by the Germans and painted Panzer Grey. One can also use the box art to help in this area as well. No decals are provided or needed.

Another neat 1/72 kit and if you are an artillery fan, then this is one you seriously should consider adding to your collection.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/85_mm_air_defense_gun_M1939_(52-K)

November 2009

Thanks to www.scale-model-kits.com for the review kit. Get yours today at a discount.

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