1:72 M752, US ballistic SSM MGM-52 Lance on self-propelled launcher

Armory 1:72 M752 - a self-propelled launcher with the MGM-52 Lance missile

A kit from the Ukrainian brand Armory in 1:72 scale. It captures the American M752 self-propelled launcher with the MGM-52 Lance tactical ballistic missile. It is a new mold; according to the manufacturer the package holds injection-molded plastic sprues, a photo-etched fret and decals.

The real subject

The MGM-52 Lance was an American tactical surface-to-surface ballistic missile on liquid propellant, introduced into service in 1972. It replaced older and far more cumbersome systems and gave the artillery a weapon that could be moved quickly and fired from a single rail launcher. The carrier became the tracked M752 launcher built on the chassis of the M113 family, the armored personnel carrier from which it took its running gear and its drivetrain. The launcher was raised hydraulically. The Lance remained in service until 1992, when MLRS rocket artillery systems took over its role.

Building and painting tips

• Finish and paint the running gear and the inside of the hull while the hull is open.
• Bend the photo-etched parts over the edge of a ruler and glue them with cyanoacrylate glue, not with cement for plastic.
• Spray the missile separately and seat it on the launcher only at the end, so that you do not damage its edges.
• Use washes and pigments on the tracks and the underside of the hull; mud and dust effects do the most on equipment.
• Lay the decals onto a gloss base and polish them over once they have dried.

Who the model is for

• For builders of American Cold War equipment in 1:72 scale.
• For modelers with experience of photo-etched parts: this is not a kit for a first attempt.
• For collectors of missile and artillery systems.

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.