I’ve been doing some research for my next project and I’m considering building an IDF multiple launch rocket system.

Is Dragon’s MLRS any good? If I’m building a IDF version should I use Dragon’s “NATO version” of the MLRS?

Thanks,
Noah

Depends if you want to show the rocket pods themselves. The US version has the pods, but if you just want to show the launcher box closed up, the NATO version will do. Most if not all Israeli MLRS have the so called 'bigfoot' tracks, available from Friul or AFV Club. The Friul ones come with nice drive sprockets. The Israeli MLRS have a large stowage box on the top of the box, and two smaller ones on the cab roof.
Some earlier ones here: http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/vehicles/self_propelled_artillery/mlrs/MLRS.html
And you'll have to do some searching in the threads, but there are some good current Israeli MLRS pics on the Israeli Armour Group site: http://idf-armour-group.org/groupforum/index.php?showtopic=266&st=800 . Might need to join as a member to see the pics, can't remember.
As for the kit itelf, I seem to recall the fit of the cab is a little tricky, but it's the only game in town.

Jim

Here is a question to add whats the difference between the US and the NATO version I have a NATO Version of the MLRS and I didn't see any difference.. might build one day as the US..

In the kit form, the only difference is that the US version has the full M26 rocket pods and hoist mechanisms and the NATO version just has blanks to cover the open ends of the LLM where the pods go. The decals are obviously different as well. The DML kits a really nice. I am working on one now for a customer. I have built about 10 over the years and have always been pleased with them.

On the actual vehicles, the NATO versions are slightly different. British ones have Brit smoke launchers and a few other minor additions. The German ones have track shrouds and German smoke launchers fitted.

I was trying to remember another kit I wanted Dragon to do the Premium treatment on a while back and that was it! The MLRS deserves and upgrade to go along with the new M1's and Stryker to get a resurgance upgraded US vehicles. I forgot all about it as I hadn't seen in the hobby store in a couple years and was interested the last time I saw it. So the kit is pretty decent? If you built 10 already I may have to add one to the stash for a rainy day. That would make for a good Cyber Hobby subject. Got any photos Gino?

I don't have any pics of the ones I have built for customers. Here is one I did for myself a while ago (about 10 years ago, damn I'm getting old!! Sorry for the bad pics, 1st generation digicam.).


The current customer's build will be in firing position. Being artillery and having been assigned to MLRS and Cannon Bns in the past, I have built a bunch of MLRS, Paladins, FIST-Vs, and B-FISTs for others, and a few for myself.

That is a pretty cool looking setup, I'd love to build one of those up.

Jim,

Thanks for the links – plenty of outstanding IDF reference pictures which I greatly appreciate.

Noah

Gino –

Thanks for your response. With a background in artillery and having built ten of them, I’m betting you’re the MLRS expert around here

Anyway, could you tell me if I should order any aftermarket additions (AVF tracks, PE, etc) or is Dragon’s MLRS just as nice out of the box?

Thanks,
Noah

It depends on when you want to depict. Straight OOB it builds into an early to mid-'90s MLRS with triangle block track. For a newer version, US MLRS, there are some additions; such as HALON boxes on either side of the cab, a rail for the TC on top, and the newer square block track. The IDF version has some IDF specific items to add too. I'm not sure when they changed the track, but I'm assuming it was about the same time as the US, in the late '90s.

For the new square block track, I prefer the AFV Club version. The drive sprocket in the Fruil set is not needed for it, the kit ones are really nice and accurate.

Voyager has a couple pretty complete PE and resin update sets for it. Eduard does a couple too. I prefer to scratch any needed additions or updates though. The interior is pretty complete and doesn't need much to make it nice as well.

Good luck.

The kit is decent OOB, but if you wanna spruce it up, Fruil makes better detailed sprockets, and Eduard makes 3-4 etch sets.

I forgot Royal Model also make a detail set:
http://81.174.55.212/royalmodel/catalogo/023.jpg

Jim