Two new kits from Hobbyboss this month - a multiple rocket launcher and a lock of from China that was actually very good? We have box art, sprues, marking, decals and everything else inside the boxes of these kits in our new item preview.
Hobbyboss' new releases for November...
German 7-ton multiple rocket launcher
Model: #85521
1/35th scale
The LARS-2 (Leichtes Artillerie Raketen System) is an upgraded variant of the original LARS multiple launch rocket system. Between 1980 and 1983 all 209 original LARS systems were upgraded to the LARS-2 standard. This multiple launch rocket system played an important role with the German Army's artillery forces. In 1998 the last LARS-2 was phased out from active service in favour to the US M270 MLRS. The launcher has two packs with a total of 36 tubes for 110 mm rockets. The LARS-2 fired improved rockets, fitted with newly developed warheads. Additionally, cluster and smoke warheads were developed for the LARS-2. The cluster warhead had five AT-2 anti-tank mines or anti-personnel submunitions. These rockets had a maximum range of 19 to 25 km.
The markings in the kit.
The kit decals with tree different number plates included.
The LARS-2 was fitted with improved FIELD GUARD fire control system. Rockets could be fired from the driver's seat or remotely from the vehicle. The vehicle was fitted with a 7.62 mm machine gun for self-protection and limited air defence capability. The original LARS used chassis of the Magirus-Jupiter. The upgraded LARS-2 launchers were mounted on the MAN KAT 1 6x6 high mobility truck chassis. This vehicle is powered by a diesel engine, developing 320 horsepower. The LARS-2 was reloaded manually. It took about 15-20 minutes. Reload rockets were carried by and escorting high mobility truck.
The sprues of the kit.
Model Length: 236.7mm Width: 71.8mm
Total number of parts: 480+
Total number of 11 sprues, cab and tires
Photo-etched parts: 3 pcs
> Detailed multi-directional slide-moulded cab
> Full drive train assembly complete with engine transmission, differential housing & suspension.
> The main tires are hollow rubber with a very good tread pattern
> Wheel hubs are in great detail
Chinese Type 59-1 Medium Tank
For years, the Type 59 was the backbone of the Chinese Army. Not only it was the biggest PLA tank production so far, spanning until 1985 with nearly ten thousand models and many variants, but also the very basis of several other MBTs, like the light Type 62, the Type 69 and Type 79. This was the last Chinese tank built with some Soviet assistance, before the diplomatic relationships were severed. Internally it was called WZ-120. Obviously, the Type 59 was a faithful Type 54A replica, internally and externally, with some modifications, however. It was simplified in design, without the characteristic IR searchlight and main gun stabilization system. The hull was welded with some 99 mm of armour thickness on the flat front slope, and 100 mm for the front turret armour, which had the characteristic decrease in thickness from the base to the top, according to ballistic penetration calculations. The turret floor was non-rotating. The driver, loader, commander and gunner positions were unchanged.
The markings included in this kit
The main armament was the 100 mm Type 59 tank gun, a copy of the original D-10TG with its characteristic muzzle fume extractor, with 34 rounds in store, mainly into the hull. Secondary armament comprised a coaxial Type 59T 7.62 mm machine gun, a bow MG manned by the driver from inside the central glacis (3500 rounds in-store), and the anti-aircraft heavy machine gun Type 54 12.7 mm over the loader's hatch, apparently also a copy of the DShKM, with 200 rounds in store. The engine was the Model 12150L V-12 liquid-cooled diesel, giving 520 hp @ 2000 rpm. The overall weight was also equivalent to the T-54A and road range was about 600 kilometres, with the rear external fuel tanks.
The decals included in this kit
Type 59-I
This type introduced the new Type 69-II 100 mm rifled gun, assisted by a laser rangefinder, and hydraulic servo-system and a primitive fire-control system. The engine compartment received an automatic fire suppression system, and rubber track skirt were added. Protection was also improved and apparently led to several sub-variants. Derivatives of this type includes the light Type 62 and the medium Type 69/79. The Type 73 is a turret-less derived version used as an ARV, and armed with a single 12.7 mm heavy MG.
Total number of 16 sprues, lower hull, upper hull and turret
Model Length: 257.3mm Width: 93.4mm
The kit consists of over 520 parts
Clear parts and copper cable are included
multi-slide moulded lower hull, turret
individual tracks included
photo-etched parts are included
These new kits are (or should soon be) available from Hobbyboss' Distributors Worldwide...
