8.5cm Flak18 – RARE FIND
Recreated from an unusual 8.5 cm Flak reference drawing, this German heavy anti-aircraft gun is an intriguing alternative to the more familiar 8.8 cm Flak 18. Its uncommon designation and distinctive source material earn it the RARE FIND badge, making this model especially appealing to collectors of unusual Wehrmacht artillery subjects and historically inspired display pieces.
Historical Role
German heavy Flak guns were designed to engage high-flying aircraft using powerful, high-velocity ammunition. Weapons of this general class were normally operated from prepared firing positions or deployed with mobile formations, where their traverse and elevation allowed wide coverage of the sky. Heavy Flak designs could also provide direct-fire support against fortified positions and armoured targets when battlefield circumstances required it. Because the 8.5 cm reference is unusual, this model is best understood as a careful representation of the supplied period-style drawing rather than the standard, extensively documented 8.8 cm Flak 18.
Distinctive Appearance
The model captures the characteristic silhouette associated with early German heavy anti-aircraft artillery: a long, slender barrel, prominent breech assembly, elevated mounting and broad cruciform firing platform. Stabilising outriggers, angular mechanical components and the open gun position create a highly detailed profile that remains recognisable in both firing-position scenes and artillery displays.
Modelling Uses
An excellent centrepiece for World War II dioramas, model railways, wargaming displays and specialist collectors. It can be placed in a prepared Flak emplacement, beside ammunition and crew figures, within a rail-side defence scene, or as part of a Wehrmacht artillery collection. The unusual 8.5 cm source makes it particularly suitable for displays exploring lesser-known reference material and uncommon German equipment.
Fun Fact
The famous German abbreviation “Flak” comes from Flugabwehrkanone, meaning anti-aircraft gun. Although the 8.8 cm calibre became iconic, this model stands out because its source specifically identifies an unusual 8.5 cm Flak reference.
Available Scales
1:87, 1:76, 1:72, 1:48 and 1:35.
Finish Options
Cleaned Resin Grey, Grey Primed - Ready for Painting, and Historical Base Colour.
Very small details may vary slightly depending on the scale selected.
