Bronco Models 1/35 Soviet 76.2mm M1936 (F22) Divisional Gun Kit First Look

By Michael Benolkin

First Look

The M1936 divisional gun was an artillery piece that was produced in 1936 for the Soviet Army. Designed for fire support at the army division, it could fire a 7.1 kg shell out to over 14 kilometers. This artillery piece was not put into high-rate production given the peacetime status and less than 3,000 examples were built before production was shifted over to the M1939.

When the Germans invaded the Soviet Union, the M1936 was still in service with many armies that were hastily mobilized to stop the German advance. As a result, a number of these field artillery pieces were captured and put into service with the Germans, Romanians and Finnish armies.

Bronco Models has released a new-tool kit of this unique Soviet field gun. If you're a cannon-cocker or interested in modeling artillery, this is an excellent time to be a modeler as Bronco has now entered the gun fray with this beauty. Molded in tan styrene, this kit is presented on five parts trees plus a single fret of photo-etched parts.

The kit provides a rather intricately detailed model of the M1936 which includes the ability to move the carriage out to firing position and back into transport position. The gun barrel will move back and forth in the recoil mechanism and can be elevated or stowed.

Even though this is will be a small model, Bronco didn't skimp on the detailing as there are lots of small details that represent the various locks and controls for the weapon and its carriage. The kit also includes ammunition and wooden crates for stowage (in plastic of course).

Markings are provided for a typical field piece with serial numbers and stenciling for the gun, ammunition, and crates.

Bronco Models continues to turn out some impressive models and this one is no exception. These kits are definitely an AMS modeler's delight.

This kit is highly recommended!

My sincere thanks to Stevens International for this review sample!