Ostwind (GE170)

Ostwind (GE170) includes one Flakpanzer IV/3.7cm FlaK Ostwind Self-propelled Anti-aircraft gun. By 1944, the Luftwaffe no longer had command of the air. For the Panzer Divisions this meant an increase in vulnerability to enemy aircraft circling the air space above the battlefield.  To combat this increased risk, a greater reliance was placed on self-propelled anti-aircraft guns. Check out the Ostwind in the online store here...

Devil's Charge The Germans had been in retreat since the Allied breakout from Normandy, finally settling into defensive lines on their frontier as Autumn turned into Winter. In early December 1944 it seemed, to the Americans facing them in the Ardennes forests of Belgium and Luxembourg, unlikely that the Germans would attack. Learn more about Devil's Charge here...

While the single 2cm FlaK38 of the Flakpanzer 38(t) offered some protection; by the latter stages of the war it was clear that weapons of higher calibre were needed if the remnants of the once formidable Panzer Divisions were to turn the tide of war back in Germany’s favour. The chassis of the Panzer IV would prove the ideal platform for these heavier weapons systems. The Möbelwagen (Furniture Van) offered an increase in firepower with the 3.7cm FlaK43 but its fold-down superstructure offered limited protection for its crew. To resolve this problem, an armoured turret was developed and used on the Wirbelwind (Whirlwind). This variant mounted a 2cm Flakvierling 38 and could rotate 360 degrees and offered the crew 16mm of armour protection.

The Ostwind in Flames Of War

Armour     Name Mobility Front Side Top Equipment and Notes Weapon Range ROF Anti-tank Firepower   Ostwind (3.7cm) Standard Tank 3 1 0 Hull MG. 3.7cm FlaK43 gun 24"/60cm 4 6 4+ Anti-aircraft.

While the rate of fire of the Wirbelwind was impressive, the firepower of the Möbelwagen’s 3.7cm FlaK43 gun could not be ignored. Therefore it was logical that a marriage of these two designs would result in the ideal weapon. This union resulted in the Ostwind (East Wind). Mounting the 3.7cm FlaK43 gun in an armoured turret, the Panzer Divisions could finally bring effective anti-aircraft fire on those pesky Jabos. Designed by Evan Allen Painted by Blake Coster

Keep the Ostwind close to Panzer Platoons to keep enemy aircraft from inflicting unwanted casualties.

While primary an Anti-aircraft weapon, the 3.7cm FlaK43 gun of the Ostwind can be devastating against lightly armoured vehicles.

The Contents of the Ostwind Blister Pack

Contact the customer service team at customerservice@battlefront.co.nz if you have any issues with any of the components.

Description of Components

a. 1x Right-hand side track. b. 1x Left-hand side track. c. 1x Resin Ostwind turret & hull. d. 2x Road wheel sprues. e. 1x Rear Mudguard sprue.

f. 1x 3.7cm FlaK43 gun g. 1x Jack. h. 1x Hull MG. i. 1x Crew head sprue. j. 1x 3.7cm FlaK43 ammo clip.

Assembling the Ostwind

Step 1. Begin assembly with the tracks. Evan has designed a new set of reversible road wheels for the Panzer IV series. On one side is the rubber-tyred road wheel and on the reverse side, the steel-rimmed road wheel. The Ostwind uses the regular road wheels of the Panzer IV. Note: That the two front road wheels on each track is missing.			Step 2. Attach the mudguards to the rear of each track.

Step 3. With the track assembled, its time to attach the tracks to the hull of the Ostwind. Note: Each track has a lugs on the back that corresponds with the recesses in the hull to aid in correct orientation.
Below: The lug on the left-hand side track and the corresponding recess in the resin hull.	Below: The lug on the right-hand side track and the corresponding recess in the resin hull.	Below: Attaching the tracks.

Step 4. Attach the hull MG.	Step 5. Next, attach the jack to the top of the right-hand side track.	Step 6. Time to move onto the 3.7cm FlaK43 gun. Begin by attaching the ammo clip.

Step 7. Next, secure the gun at the desired angle of elevation.	Step 8. Finally, attach a head from the head sprue to each crew member.	Step 9. With the heads of each crew member in place, the Ostwind is ready to be painted.