Hobby Boss DPRK Pukguksong-2 (84544) 1:35 Hobby Boss via Creative Models Ltd

[Julien]

DPRK Pukguksong-2 (84544)

1:35 Hobby Boss via Creative Models Ltd

 

 

Unsurprisingly there is not much information out there about this Missile system. The Pukguksong-2 (NK-15 western designation) is a North Korean Ballistic missile. It has been classed as a Medium Range or Intermediate range ICBM as little is know about its real range; this is estimated between 1200 kms and 3000 kms. So far there have only been two test flights both on a deliberate low trajectory. Unlike previous North Korean missiles the Pukguksong-2 is a solid fueled missile. Transport is through a new local design fully tracked Transport Erector Launcher. The missile is cold ejected from an enclosed transport canister using compressed gas. Footage seen shows the missile to have slipper blocks inside the tube similar to the US Minuteman system. The missile is said to be Nuclear capable. 

 

 

The Kit

Hobby boss have have thrown a curved ball with this release, who knows where they got the info from! The kit arrives on 9 main sprues, a lower hull, two upper hull parts, a clear sprue, 12 sprues of track parts, a small sheet of PE, A sheets of masks (not shown) and a small decal sheet. Construction starts with the vehicle cab, The drivers controls go in along with two seats and the cab fire extinguishers. Next up all the suspension arms and transmission housings are fitted to the lower hull There are 8 arms per side. Once these are on the idler fixings and return rollers are added. The wheels can then be built up along with the drive sprockets and idler wheels.  Next We turn to the tracks This make take a while as they are individual links, 121 per side each with its own track pad. There is no jig or guide and the links must be glued together. Once the tracks are on the addition of a rear plate completes the lower hull.

 

 

 

 

 

Now we move to the top hull. The main part is one moulding to which is added various hatches, doors grab handles, aerial mounts, and the headlight protectors. The large top deck is next. At the rear of this are fitted the mud guards and two stabilising legs. Flipping it over the two rams for the erector are added along with some plates which protect them. Engine hatches then go on, and PE engine grills are also fitted. Some auxiliary seating goes on the sides of the top plate and then me main top hull moulding can go on. 

 

 

 

Next up we turn out attention to the missile tube and its erector. The main tube is in two halves, at the front a single part nose cane goes on. The rear of the tube is more involved with a total of 6 rings forming the base. A few other fixings then go to the tube. Two large boxes are added to the side along with a couple of large cable runs, two pipes attach these to the vehicle.  The erector is then assembled. There are two large base parts to which the erection rams attach, and then its pined to the rear of the vehicle. The instructions say to to glue these parts, however there is not enough travel on these parts to have the missile in the upright position, though it could be done with some work and additional parts. Two supports are added to the front of the main hull. The lower hull, upper hull and missile tube can now be joined. 

 

 

 

 

 

Markings

A small decal sheet gives markings for two different camo vehicles. No other information is given. 

 

 

 

Conclusion

This is a great kit from Hobby Boss of a little seen vehicle, the kit is first rate and builds up easily into a good looking vehicle.  Highly recommended.

 

 

Review sample courtesy of