I need to clear some space on my shelves, so I have to part with some of my collection. Modelcollect is a relative newcomer to the model world but has established a fabulous reputation for innovation and quality. They initially produced some small scale finished models and later branched out into kits and larger scales. Luckily for us, they have also produced some unique subjects never available before. This massive kit falls into that category. After the German battleship Gneisenau was taken out of action, her three triple 11” gun turrets were put to use ashore. Turret Caesar (aft turret) was installed as a coastal artillery site in Norway and Modelcollect has replicated it in 1/72 scale to allow you to see all the details of these massive guns.

I found about a dozen eBay listings for this kit (mostly from distant overseas sellers), but as a Top Rated Plus US Seller, I have it in stock and I can reliably ship this kit very quickly. Here is what I have learned about this state-of-the-art kit:

The Modelcollect website has a fabulous page for this kit that shows the impressive box art and the complete 8-page instruction set, along with about a dozen CAD renderings of a completed kit. From other sources, I have found the following information about their kit:

·        Comes with a huge turret pedestal as the diorama base.

·        The parts composition is simple and easy to assemble.

·        Each 28cm cannon can move up and down independently.

·        The entire turret can be swiveled on the pedestal.

Scalemates.com shows that this 2021 release is based on the new tool from 2018. They show the box art and give us a link to download the complete 14-page full color instruction sheets from the parent Austratt Fort Coastal Artillery kit (#UA72148) which seems to include a pair of 12.8cm Flak 40 Zwilling guns that this kit doesn’t have.

I could not find any reviews of the new version (#UA72344), but there were some reviews of the parent kit (#UA72148) from 2018. We can safely assume the quality of both kits is very similar.

YouTube has a nice Unboxing Video of the original Austratt Fort Coastal Artillery kit (UA72148) by i-modelist.ru that goes for five minutes. You get a great view of the parts coming out of the box and a good idea of the scale compared to the dude’s hands. Many of the smaller sprues will not be included in this kit (UA72344) since the Flak Zwillings are not part of this release. The narration is all in Russian, so you are on your own there.

Al Magnus did a critical Build Review of the original Austratt Fort Coastal Artillery kit (UA72148) on the onthewaymodels.com site. He had many issues with accuracy and had the photos to back it up. Evidently, this is not an ultra-accurate model of the actual gun site, which still exists as a museum. He has many tips on how to correct the deficiencies, if you so choose. On the positive side, there are a few color photos taken at the site to let you know what the real thing looks like.

This kit is in a large, sturdy box about 13” x 9.5” x 5”, with a great image of Caesar turret firing a ‘broadside’. As you can see from the pictures, the package is pristine and still sealed with tape strips (these were never shrink wrapped from the factory), so I consider it factory sealed and absolutely gift-ready.

This item contains one complete injection molded plastic model kit, with large plastic parts, including a turret pedestal, along with a full color instruction booklet. It requires cement and paint to complete as shown. I use eBay Managed Payments, but I no longer ship internationally. Auction winner pays winning bid and for a limited time, this large item is offered with $10 Flat Rate Shipping in the US!

No reserve and a low starting bid. Check out my other great auctions and listings for combined shipping. Good luck!

Those familiar with my listings can tell that I really enjoy these products and the modeling hobby. I like to provide more than just the bare facts about the items, trying to lead you into discovering more about the subjects and optimizing your builds (if that is your goal). I started out picking up models that I was interested in, with the eye toward building them when I had time. Always a bargain-hunter, I accumulated many more than I can build, so I found myself in a Collector status (sounds nicer than a hoarder).

As I am sure you have noticed, my items are almost always sealed and in mint condition (I call them Gift-Ready), since I only open them when I am ready to build them. Now I enjoy making these products available to my fellow modelers; both Builders and Collectors. For the Builders, there are probably better (at least cheaper) ways to add to your project lists than buying from me, but you know you are getting top quality. For Collectors, my goal is to save you a few bucks over the competition for the same item in factory sealed and collectible (or resellable) condition.