M65 Atomic Annie Gun, Heavy, Motorized, 280 mm

Dragon has certainly been making an impact with its Black Label series of innovative kit subjects. The latest one will be a surprise to many - a 1/72 scale kit of the M65 Atomic Cannon, commonly referred to as "Atomic Annie". This US-manufactured 280mm-caliber artillery piece was developed in the 1950s for the express purpose of delivering a 15-kiloton nuclear device. The M65s design used the German K5 railroad gun as a starting point; it was first fielded in 1953 and it appeared in both Europe and the Korean Peninsula. The cannon required two specially designed tractor trucks for mobility, and the 83.3-ton combination could surprisingly achieve speeds of about 55km/h. The M65 cannon could be prepared for firing in 15 minutes, and the weapons range was about 32km. At least 20 systems were produced, although the development of rocket- and missile-based nuclear artillery quickly made the M65 obsolete. Nevertheless, this prestige American weapon remained in service until 1963.

Dragons 1/72 scale kit of the M65 is brand new, which is understandable given that its the first modern-day kit of this weapon system. The set includes the cannon as well as the two tractor units, with modelers given the flexibility of depicting it in either transport or firing mode. The gun barrel can be displayed at different firing angles depending on the model-makers choice, and the weapons mechanisms are fully detailed. This particular small scale is very suitable for Atomic Annie because, even in 1/72 size, its still a whole 350mm long! Details are accurately replicated on the cannon and the associated truck units. Many will be astonished that Black Label has produced such a stunning subject, but thats what the series is all about! Black Label is here pleasantly surprising model fans of the Cold War era.