IBG Models Autocannone 3Ro 90/53 Build in 1/72 Scale

IBG has released their Italian 3Ro truck in at least five different configurations and seven boxings since 2021. They also have a line of crew figures available as aftermarket items. Italeri also kits this gun in their easy assembly range with crew figures included. It is an odd and interesting subject which I found hard to resist when Brandon at the Squadron Shop put it on sale.

Lots and lots of small parts. The kit built up into small sub-assemblies using many small parts, several of these have parts added from a small PE fret as well. IBG puts a lot of detail into the kit this way but the vast majority of it will be hidden or only visible if you turn the model over. Fortunately, these parts are all crisply molded with no flash or this would be a nightmare.

Details of the stabilizing feet and wheels. The breakdown of the kit allows the modeler to choose the option of having the vehicle in the firing or traveling configuration, the difference is the breakdown of the stabilizing arms and folding of the gun platform. The result is interesting and the model’s appearance is completely different depending on which you choose.

I generally followed the instructions but skipped around in the sequence to parallel build sub-assemblies. The engine is the product of the first three construction steps – 18 parts in total and completely invisible on the finished model unless you were to leave off the side panels on the hood or turn the model over.

This is the frame. The main structure is 13 pieces and then you add to that, nine more steps. I replaced the PE parts called out in this portion of the build with Evergreen as I really don’t like PE when it is meant to support anything, however small.

The 90/53 gun is also complex but here the fiddly details make sense – the gun is highly visible and is a focal point on the finished model. Very fragile but justified in its complexity.

The platform has an insect-like feel to it due to the six stabilizing legs. The sides of the platform and the legs are assembled completely differently for the traveling configuration and the feet are stowed behind the cab – it must have been quite the job for the crew. The white squares are Evergreen where PE was meant to go.

The underside of the platform. I replaced the PE mudguards and their braces with plastic sheet. There’s a trend here somewhere.

The four major sub-assemblies ready for paint, these were each treated as individual models and were put together after most of the painting was finished. I replaced the grab irons and fender position indicators with wire stock rather than break them off during finishing.

Paint was a 50-50 mix of Mr. Color 119 RLM 79 Sand Yellow and white. I painted the straight bottle color first and then hit the center of the panels with thin mixes of the lightened shade.

Here is the model glossed up after decaling. I left the gun off until the very end of the build to make weathering easier.

I washed the model with a thin black wash to bring out the details. I then stippled on black, dark brown, and natural metal layers, blending them in with thinner in places to get a worn effect. The model then received a coat of flat with a drop of light tan “dust” in the mix. I do like the way the model turned out, but it is terribly over-engineered and it can be very tricky getting everything in the proper place. I would have preferred a simplified frame and engine at the very least, and there is an over-reliance on PE where there doesn’t have to be. An interesting subject but not a kit for beginners.

More finished photos here: https://inchhighguy.wordpress.com/2026/01/27/ibg-models-autocannone-3ro-90-53-in-1-72-scale/