Sunday, May 1

Preview: Trumpeter's new BIG kits of June are with us in sprues, colours & marking choices...

We always want to wait for Trumpeter to show their sprues before we post their new kit releases, Now, two large releases in scale & importance for June are with us in plastic, colours, CADS, decals & boxart. See the two complex kits in our preview...

Preview: Trumpeter's new BIG kits of June are with us in sprues, colours & marking choices...

RS-12M INTERCONTINENTAL BALLISTIC MISSILE RT-2PM TOPOL
Model: #01082
1/35th scale
Price: $ 208 USD from Hobbylink Japan
The Topol-M has an improved missile, that is similar to that of the previous Topol. The main difference from the previous missile is the way it overcomes enemy air defence and missile defence systems. This missile maneuvers during the flight. Also, it carries both active and passive decoys. It is estimated that this missile has a 60-65% chance to penetrate defences.
The road-mobile Topol-M TEL is based on the Belarusian MZKT-79221 (previously known as MAZ-7922) 16x16 heavy high mobility chassis. This chassis was specially designed for this intercontinental missile. It is similar in design to the MAZ-7917 which was used as a TEL for the Topol missile but has eight axles instead of seven. The first three and last three axles are steered. So this vehicle is very maneuverable for its size. Also, it has good cross-country mobility. The TEL vehicle is operated by a crew of three. The Topol-M mobile launcher has autonomy on roads of 500 km. It allows the vehicle to operate undetected in an area equivalent to a small European country.

The colour profiles included in this kit
The decal sheet included in the kit 
Road mobile intercontinental ballistic missiles are harder to detect and hit. It has a high probability of survival during the first strike, once the country has been attacked. Once on high alert, the Topol can leave its base and operate in remote forest areas to increase its survivability.

Masks are included for the transparent parts of this kit.
The clear parts
The RS-12M intercontinental ballistic missile and launch system developed by Russia now gets a completely new-mould model kit from Trumpeter! The engine, suspension unit and complicated drive system are all accurately reproduced. The kit can be assembled in the standby state or during transportation. Basic photo-etched parts and decals are included; the tires are made of rubber.

The sprues of this kit
Full drive train assembly complete with engine transmission, differential housing & suspension units.
Photo-etched parts included & Copper cable included
The main tires are hollow rubber with a very good tread pattern included as well as sidewall details consisting of raised section ribs.
Total of 26 sprues and tires
 Length: 638.2mm / Width: 115.5mm  
Total Parts 1100+


GERMAN ARMY SD.KFZ.173 JAGDPANTHER INITIAL PRODUCTION TYPE
Model: #00934
1/16th scale
Price: $ 249 USD from Hobbylink Japan
The Sd.Kfz 173 "Jagdpanther", is a tank destroyer built by Nazi Germany during World War II based on the chassis of the Panther tank. It entered service in 1944 during the later stages of the war on the Eastern and Western Fronts. 
The Jagdpanther combined the 8.8 cm Pak 43 cannon, similar to the main gun of the Tiger II, and the hull and suspension of the Panther chassis. Especially in the early production phase, it suffered from the generally poor state of German ordnance production, maintenance and training in the latter part of the war, which resulted in small production numbers, shortage of spare parts and poor crew readiness.

A colour instruction guide showing the full interior of the kit and which colours to apply  to which of the extensive parts inside
The colour profiles included in this kit
The decal sheets included in the kit 
Decals for the stencils and instrument panels of the inside of the tank
This model kit of the early German tank destroyer known as the Jagdpanther is an all-new mould. The hull is slide-moulded for accuracy and ease of construction, and it can be assembled as a full-interior model. Basic photo-etched parts and decals are included. The kit is BIG, 61.1cm long, 21.2cm wide when completed.

The sprues of this kit - 
A clear upper hill means you can show off the interior or make a half/ half kit if you like...
Separate track links and copper cable for tow cables are included
Photo-etch for sideskirts, engine grilles, ammunition and other smaller parts are included.
The rest of the kit's (many many) sprues.
The gun barrel appears to be in two parts, a shame but careful construction is the key with this tank in this scale and detail.
The clear parts are for the cupola periscopes
88mm ammo is of course included...