The M1939 85mm Anti-Aircraft gun (52-K) was an excellent weapon and the standard Soviet anti-aircraft gun of the war once production was in full swing. Like the comparable German 88mm, it could also be used in an anti-tank role, so it is no surprise to see one modelled here as part of the extensive Zvezda Art-of-Tactic game system. The model in this kit is highly detailed and to our eye looks very good. This is a kit with many very small parts, and at times a bit fiddly, but the result is a nice sophisticated model which we found very satisfying to make. Our only comment on this is that it has no shield, which was sometimes attached, particularly if used in the anti-tank role.

Our primary concern of course is the figures, of which there are a representative four included. As can be seen they are made up of a seated gunner, two men feeding ammunition and an observer. All the poses are very good and natural, partly helped by being delivered in several parts. The quality of sculpting and production is high, as we would expect from Zvezda, and as usual assembly is possible without need for glue, although glue adheres very well to this hard plastic. The box speaks of two versions, by which it means you have the choice of either the stand-along gun as photographed above (in which case the crew do not have any bases), or the complete game piece of gun and crew all on one base as shown here. Another terrific model and a few more figures for those looking to populate their Red Army as it fights the Great Patriotic War once more.