Sunday, January 5

ForeArt launch into the new year & 35th scale with their new M142 HIMARS

Launching into 35th scale, ForeArt presents their M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) kit in CAD, test kit, & sprue payout form. We look at what we know about this kit in our preview...
ForeArt launch into the new year & 35th scale with their new M142 HIMARS

M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS),
From ForeArt
Kit No. 5001/5002
Plastic & photo-etch kit.
Expected Feb 2025
From 1/72nd scale Schnelboots to 1/72nd scale modern military vehicles, to 2025, when we see the first 1/35th scale kits from ForeArt with this, the launch of the M142 HIMARS kit. A welcome addition for modellers who loved their kits in a smaller scale.

An example of the laouded kit in 72nd scale of the M142 HIMARS in Us service released last year from ForeArt.

The Subject:
HIMARS is the most technically advanced, affordable, and sustainable artillery solution, providing cutting-edge technology on an indigenous platform. Maximum commonality with the M270A1 launch system and MLRS interoperability. Simplifies coalition operations, training, logistics, and coordination. The HIMARS carries a six-pack of GMLRS rockets or one TACMS missile and is designed to launch the entire MLRS family of munitions.
Offering Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) firepower on a wheeled chassis, the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) is the newest member of the MLRS launcher family.
HIMARS carries a single six-pack of rockets or one ATACMS missile on the Army's Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) 5-ton truck, and can launch the entire MLRS family of munitions. It was successfully combat-tested in Operation Iraqi Freedom. HIMARS is C-130 transportable and can be deployed into areas previously inaccessible to heavier launchers. It also incorporates the self-loading, autonomous features that have made MLRS the premier rocket artillery system in the world. Under contract to the U.S. Army, Lockheed Martin has delivered more than 400 HIMARS launchers to the Army, Marine Corps, and international customers.
In May 2005, the 3rd Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, XVIII Airborne Corps Artillery became the first unit equipped with HIMARS. Since then, the Army has fielded eleven additional battalions, in both active and National Guard units. The Army plans to field an additional six battalions. Additionally, the Marines have fielded more than 38 launchers.
HIMARS has expanded its global presence and has begun to serve the international market, including such countries as Jordan, Australia, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and Ukraine.

The Kit:
We CADS of the kit in development, with details of two loadouts, with one with the GMLRS & the other with the ATACMS missiles.

The two loadouts shown below...
Below we have the CAD of the sprue layout. A fair few sprues for one truck!
The assembled kit in CAD form, showing both missile types and the interior.
The cab can be posed in an up position for an engine maintenance scene (there is also a full engine) if you like.
The full interior is captured in this kit with lots of detail. Both doors and the gunner's hatch atop the cab can be posed opened or closed.
The kit has already been made up in test form by modeller "Human Lee," with his posts on Facebook showing more of this kit in construction.

Showing the truck's engine and chassis...
The stock wheels in the kit are vynil These resin replacements will be sold separately.
..and the full engine. It just tneeds some ignition harness and wiring
The full painted and weathered kit is shown on his Facebook page also. ForeArt has said that there will be colour choices from the Ukrainian Armed Forces, US Army, and US Marines.

This kit is expected in February 2025. You can see more about ForArt's kits on the ForeArt facebook page