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LKW 7t MIL GL Truck LARS2 Hobbyboss 1:35 (85521) In the 1960s the Bundeswher was looking to replace its fleet of vehicles which stemmed from the birth of the modern German Army. They wanted a fleet of 2, 3 & 4 axle vehicles in the 4 to 10 tonne payload range which had to be amphibious. As it was a large task it was suggested that bidding companies form a common development company for a unified project. This was set up under the leadership of MAN and included Klockner-Humboldt-Deutz, Bussins, Krup, and Henschel. The specification agreed was for a cross country capable, amphibious, all wheel drive, run flat tyres, steel cab, NBC protection, and a multifuel engine. In 1975 the German Army & MAN signed the contract to produce 4x4, 6x6 and 8x8 vehicles. They are powered by a V8 Deutz diesel engine and are mainly flatbed or covered type trucks. The distinctive cab with the cut away corners stems from the need for the vehicles to be rail transported on standard flat cars. Earlier trucks had fixed cabs but later ones tilting ones which made engine maintenance much easier. All vehicles feature a mount for a MG3 machine gun (basically an MG42!). Germany had deployed the Light Artillery Rocket System since 1969, The 110mm rockets were mounted on a multi-barrelled launcher. Originally on a Magirus chassis they were later put on the MAN chassis when the German Army Standardised to them. The system was an area weapon employing Fragmentation or smoke projectiles, as well as this it could deliver anti-tank mines. Maximum range was 14km with a minimum range of 6.6km. The 36 tubes could all be fired in 18 seconds, The system was phased out in 1998 to be replaced by the M270 system. The Kit The kit arrives on 10 sprues, a clear sprue, with cab and launcher as separate parts. There are also 4 boxes of various sizes and 7 rubber tyres, a nice inclusion is masks for the windows. Construction starts with the chassis. First of all the suspension units & axles are built up, this is followed by the transfer case. The main chassis rails are joined by the cross members and the transfer case is added. Supports for the suspension units are added in and then the axles themselves follow. Prop shafts join the transfer box to the front axle and first rear axle, another joins the first rear axle to the second. Next up the exhaust system goes in. Shock absorbers are added for each axles and torque dampers as well link to the chassis. Lastly for the chassis the wheels and tyres go on. Work then moves to the cab. The dash board is built up with some of the drivers foot controls added underneath it. The base plate of the cab has the gear controls and a few other parts added then the dash is fitted. Once this is in the drivers seat and steering wheel are added along with the bench seat for the passengers. This is then the lower part of the cab complete. Moving onto the upper part the windows added along with a couple of internal parts and the main rear bulkhead. The upper cab can then be attached to the floor. The spare wheel and carrier are completed and attached to the cab, followed by the main doors being completed and added. The right side equipment locker is also built up and added. On the outside of the cab the front bumper is added along with the roof hatch, mirrors, wipers and parts for the engine hatch. The completed cab can then be added to the chassis. At the rear of the chassis two hydraulic stabiliser legs are built up and added on. Work now moves to the rear launcher platform. The main base has is underside parts added and then it fits directly on to the chassis. Once this is on the equipment box that fits in front of the launcher. The main box goes onto the floor pate, under this is added an equipment locker to the right and a jerrican rack to the left. A boarding ladder rack is also included for this area. To the very rear of the vehicle an access platform complete with PE tread plate is built up and added. A boarding ladder then attached to this. Once all the platforms are on its time to move to the launcher itself. The circular base is built up and a small generator unit also get assembled and added for the base. The main launcher assembly now goes together and the extended tubes are added to the front of the launcher. The end caps can be either in the open or closed position. An operator station is then built up and added in between the tubes, this seems to offer manual traverse and elevation if its needed in the event of a power failure. The completed launcher can then be added to the rear of the vehicle. Decals Theses are minimal as the vehicles did not carry many markings. Conclusion It is great to see a modern if now out of service German vehicle being made available, this gives many diorama possibilities as well as a great stand alone model. The kit is nicely complex and should build up to be a great looking kit. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of