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75mm L/18 Semovente M40
RB Model Set 35B103
1:35th Scale

Review by Terry Ashley

ItaleriTamiya
The set:

This replacement barrel from RB Model is designed for either the Italeri or Tamiya kits of the Semovente da 75/18 M40 self propelled gun.

As with all RB Model sets there are no instructions or fancy packaging, just the parts in a zip lock plastic bag and a simple B&W label which is not really a problem with this barrel as assembly is very straightforward. The RB Model website has colour assembly photos of the barrels if need be.

The set has the aluminium barrel tube and a two part brass flash suppressor with the many holes pre-drilled. These require quite a bit of clean up as there is considerable brass residue (flash) inside the holes. Also some of the holes are not perfectly round and you may want to re-drill some of the more out of shape holes.

Brass and aluminium barrel parts
RB Model

After cleaning up the flash suppressor holes the separate end cap can be added and it's best to solder this as the join seam has to be completely eliminated with the flash suppressor then fitted into the hollowed out end of the barrel tube to give the distinctive step of the 75mm barrel.

Fitting the assembled barrel to either the Italeri or Tamiya kit is basically the same as both kits have the gun/barrel in two halves with the basic flash suppressor included. Firstly glue the two kit gun halves together as this makes it easier when you cut off the barrel at the front of the gun housing as per the images below.

Cutting off the barrel leaves a large hole at the front of the gun housing into which the large locating pin on the aluminium barrel fits into. This is not the snuggest of fits on either kit but once you glue the barrel to the front of the housing it results in a tight fit.

The rest of the respective kit is assembled as per the kit instructions without the need for any other alterations fitting the replacement barrel.

Assembled barrel/gun and close up of flash suppressor
RB Model
Overall view of the assembled barrel and kit gun
RB Model
Overall view of the assembled barrel and kit gun
RB Model

Conclusion:

This is another nicely done barrel set from RB Model for the distinctive 75mm L/18 Semovente barrel/flash suppressor. The only drawback is the amount of cleanup needed on the flash suppressor holes both for the amount of excess brass residue on the inside and that some of the holes are not perfectly round.

Despite these issues the barrel offers a marked improvement in detail and appearance over the very basic plastic kit flash suppressors and is worth the effort.

Highly recommended

Thanks to Leo at LionMarc Model Designs who now carry the full range of RB Models barrels for the review set.



Page created May 31, 2009