Tamiya 1/35 88mm Flak 36/37 - Kit Review

Reviewing Tamiya Model's classic, 1/35th scale, 88mm Flak 36/37.
Originally released in 1972, as Kit No. MM117, this review covers the current Re-Boxed kit, No. 35017, released in 1988, which is one of Tamiya's continuous, ongoing, issues since then.
This nicely detailed kit, includes both Japanese and English instructions, with a 3 page history of the 88, A Painting and Marking Guide for a variety of colour schemes, Zundapp motorcycle, 9 figures with standard infantry accessories, (8 gun crew, plus 1 motorcycle rider), optional parts for either the Flak 36 version, or Flak 37 version, Transport Bogies with metal screw attachment, allowing for either Transport or Firing mode display.
As well as a fully moveable/poseable 88mm gun, the kit also includes such 88mm gun accessories, as Fired, or Un-Fired shells, and Wicker shell containers, as well a Decal set that includes; Helmet decals Divisional and Tactical markings, Afrika Korps insignia, and gun barrel Kill Marks.
Despite some small parts, the easy to understand instructions make this kit a suitable weekend build, for any modeller with average and above skills.

[@hanschristophercharles6981]

This has always been a great kit. Even after 49 years ( 49 years!!😲😬) it still holds its own, except of course the figures, which should have been upgraded YEARS ago.

[@PetesKits]

Tamiya's 88 is one of those kits that just "works" but, yes, the crew, is very dated. Tamiya released a DAK Luftwaffe Artillery Crew kit #35343 in 2015, which was also included with their 88 back in 2006 #35283, and they look better, but they are just Afrika Korps, (maybe Italy too), so like you, would love to see a "European" update for the crew too.

[@alvinmarcus5780]

Yeah, gonna have to pick this one up. 👍😊 A one piece barrel would be a nice upgrade..

[@aldavissghost9724]

Great review. An interesting use for the 88 is a conversion with a t -34. I’ve only seen one reference photo of it. It makes a cool but very tall kit. Again another nice review.

[@PetesKits]

Thanks mate. Yes, I've seen that photo recently, too. Fake, I'm afraid. A Japanese modelling mag did a "what if" article, and it all got lost in translation. Check it out on The Online Tank Museum website. Search for " Fake Tanks ". They've got a great article on it. Still, great diorama subject.... Cheers, and again, thanks for the comment!

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

Oh yea, that's a great ol' kit Pete that you can do soooo much with! Nice review/unboxing. 👍😉

[@PetesKits]

Thanks mate. The old '88 has lots of potential still in her. Cheers!

[@alvinmarcus5780]

I'm just thankful that us Old Timers were tough enough to handle a Hot Screwdriver 🪛 😂

[@martinoconnor4314]

I've just put this together and I am in the process of painting, the seam lines were a nightmare, every single part needs clean up and after its put together needs more clean up to get the parts you've missed and there are a lot of parts. Also the helmet decals are a bit over scale but aftermarket decals are available if needed. For the price it is a bargain kit considering the amount of pieces and the end result but to make a half decent job is going to take a fair bit of work.

[@PetesKits]

Yes, unfortunately this kit has been around for a long time and the moulds are showing their age. Originally released in 1972, and basically, been in production since. But, as you say, for the price, you do get a reasonable kit, with quite a few extras (crew, motorcycle, ammo containers, etc) thrown in, that a lot of the newer Flak/Anti-Tank gun kits, don't include. The good thing is that there are lot of After Market bits to suit this classic Tamiya kit (at a price of course). Cheers!

[@ken12345616]

I have this in my stash. I also have a "German 8 ton Semi track 20mm Flakvierling Sd.kfz 7/1. My question is, "is that a suitable vehicle to tow the 88mm gun?". I realise the limitation of not having enough seating for the gun crew in the vehicle. I'd be glad to have your input. Thanks.

[@PetesKits]

Hi mate. Well, the 8 ton WAS, the standard towing vehicle for the 88, and the 20mm Flakvierling, would have certainly done, at some point, low level AA protection for an 88 Flak Battery, so I can easily see them being paired for towing the gun elsewhere, if the normal 8 ton was not available. There is certainly enough room on the back of the Flakvierling for the 88 crew to fit, and probably even the 88's ammo could be piled on there too. It might be a bit cramped for both crews but, hey, I can't see it NOT happening at some stage, especially during the major retreats on the Eastern Front. Anything goes when the pressures on. Sounds highly plausible to me1 I'd go with it! Would certainly make for a very interesting diorama setting! Cheers!

[@WheelChair-yy1ji]

how long is this models barrel? thanks

[@PetesKits]

Hi, including the breech mechanism, total length 140mm, but, from the barrel end to where it meets the breech block, 122mm. Cheers!

[@bluelight3183]

Great review once again mate! That's the Flak I'll be using for my Battle of Cassino diorama ;) Same reference, but the colors on the box art cover of the one I ordered seem different. I know Tamiya also has the same Flak for the DAK (kit 35283), and a set of just the crew alone, also DAK Luftwaffe, kit 35343. How tall is this Flak, mate? I see you already supplied the lenght to another commentor, and I believe I have the rest of the measures somewhere, but can't find how tall the whole thig is (it's important in my case as for building the ruins I'll have to know the entire size of the "beast" first :) . Cheers!

[@PetesKits]

Hi mate. The 88 is around 75mm (3") in height with the wheels on, and 60mm (2 1/2") without. Even though she's an old kit, Tamiya's 88 still holds up really well. That's why I have 2 in my collection. Cheers!

[@bluelight3183]

@@PetesKits Thanks a lot for the info. Yes, looks like it still sells pretty well after all these years ;) Not 100% sure, but maybe it's the only 88mm on a 1/35 scale on the market. Cheers!

[@PetesKits]

@@bluelight3183 No worries mate. Think Dragon makes one, and AFV Club a Flak 18, but value for money, the Tamiya 88 beats them easy. Cheers!

[@bluelight3183]

@@PetesKits Right! Just checked, and both these are much more expensive than the old Tamiya one. Notice that (and I don't know why, as it seems to be the same cannon) the DAK version (kit 35283 from Tamiya) is also far more expensive than this 35017 version! Cheers mate!

[@PetesKits]

@@bluelight3183 Being cheap is one of the reason the old 88 is still popular, and still in production. The newer DAK 88 has some updated parts but mainly the DAK figures, I guess, is why it's more expensive. One reason why I like Tamiya. They have their cheap "Bread and Butter" lines of older kits still in production, like the 7.5cm and 37mm Paks. Great for beginners, easy to build, with heaps of Mod potential, especially for dioramas. :)