Saturday, April 22

Small scale Smerch & a bit more Panzer fiction from Hobbyboss in May...

A fictional addition to a Tiger & a 72nd scale Smerch are Hobbyboss' May releases. We look at the sprues, colours, & decals in our preview...

 from Hobbyboss in May...

Russian 9A52-2 Smerch-M multiple rocket launcher of RSZO 9k58 Smerch MRLS
Model: 82940
1/72nd scale
The 9A52-2 Smerch-M is a Soviet heavy multiple rocket launcher. The system is designed to defeat personnel, armoured, and soft-skinned targets in concentration areas, artillery batteries, command posts and ammunition depots. It was created in the early 1980s and entered service in the Soviet Army in 1989. When first observed by the West in 1983, it received the code MRL 280mm M1983. It is expected to be superseded by the 9A52-4 Tornado.

The colour schemes presented in this kit
The decals in the box
The 9A52-2 launcher with all supporting equipment, including the 9T234-2 Transloader, and the 1K123 Vivary Fire Control System, is referred to as the complex 9K58. The first export customer for the 9A52 (12-round) system was Kuwait, with 27 systems delivered, with the United Arab Emirates being the second customer. China has also purchased this system from Russia. The weapon's accuracy is also claimed to have been improved.

The parts & sprues of the kit
Masks are provided for the transparent parts
Model Length: 183.6mm / Width: 43.4mm  
Total of 7 sprues, frame, cab and tires
The kit consists of over 100 parts 
-Newly tooled parts in accurate detail
-Rubber tires


Pz.Kpfw.VI Sd.Kfz.182 Tiger II (Henschel 105mm)
Model:85529
1/35th scale
The colour scheme presented in this kit
The decals in the box
The parts & sprues of the kit
Three frets of photo-etch are included to replicate the thinner parts of the vehicle.
Model Length: 322.9mm / Width: 107.3mm  
Total of 25 sprues, upper hull, lower hull and turret
The kit consists of over 880 parts
Multi-slide moulded lower hull , turret
Individual tracks & clear parts for periscopes
These new kits are (or should soon be) available soon from Hobbyboss' Distributors Worldwide...