Preview: A Pershing launcher & Gun truck in further detail from I Love Kit in January 2023

I Love Kit's two releases in January feature a mobile launcher for the mighty Pershing 2 and new images of the M1278A1 Heavy Gun Carrier Modification With M153 CROWS test kit built up. We look at the art, sprue shots, colours, marking choices in our preview...

Preview: A Pershing launcher & Gun truck in further detail from I Love Kit in January 2023

M1001 W/M790 Erector Lanucher Trailer

Model: 63527

1/35th scale

Price: $138 USD from hobbylink Japan

In the early 80's, 365 hp chassis 27.365VFAE (8x8) was developed for the U.S. forces in Western Europe. This chassis became a base for the tank trucks and recovery vehicles with standardized indices M1001 and M1002. Flatbed 10-ton trucks M1014 and tractors M1013 with hydro crane were used for installation of Patriot missile system and transportation of ballistic missiles Pershing-2.

Markings included in this kit

The decals in the kit.

This model kit from I Love Kit includes a cab that's integrally molded with a slide mold; drivetrain details such as the engine, transmission and suspension are carefully reproduced. Soft resin tires and photo-etched parts are also included, as is a Pershing 2 missile.

Masks are provided for the transparent parts.

Model Length: 447.2mm /  Width: 87.6mm   

Total Parts: 960+

Total of 26 sprues, cab and tires

-Detailed multi-directional slide-molded cab.

-Full drive train assembly complete with engine transmission, differential  housing and suspension units.

-The main tires are hollow rubber with very good tread pattern included as well as sidewall detail.

Photo-etch parts are present, but kept to a minimum

Clear parts and rubber stoppers for moveable wheels

M1278A1 Heavy Gun Carrier Modification With M153 CROWS

Model: #63537

1/35th scale

Price: $66 USD from hobbylink Japan

The JLTV or Joint Light Tactical Vehicle was a new US military programme, initiated to partially replace the fleet of ageing HMMWV utility vehicles. The new vehicle is intended for the US Army, Marine Corps and Special Forces.

Markings included in this kit

M1278 is a heavy guns carrier. It is a baseline, 4-door general-purpose version of the JLTV family. It has a shielded M2 heavy machine gun station on the roof. Alternatively, it can be fitted with various remotely controlled weapon stations, armed with the M2 12.7 mm heavy machine gun, or even lightweight 30 mm chain gun.

The decals in the kit.

M1279 is an utility version. It is a 2-door pickup with a cargo area at the rear. It can carry various supplies and cargo. M1281 is a close combat weapons carrier. The cab is integrally slide-molded, and the details such as the engine and suspension are carefully reproduced; soft resin tires and photo-etched parts are included.

The sprues of the kit

Clear parts for the windows and lights are included

Masks for the windows are included

The small photo etched fret for fine details is here

Vinyl tyres come with the kit

The test shot was built up and painted by the in-house staff to a pretty decent level. These kits would be great to add your own details and stowage.

You can find out more about I Love Kit models on their Website