Tactical Ballistic Missile Launcher
By Gil Gonsoulin
Although Dragon Models M752 Tactical Ballistic Missile Launcher kit is called a ‘Smart Kit’, I came up with a few other names for it with all the problems it has. I built it in the ‘launch’ mode, and during the building process it was almost launched into the trash can more than once.
To start with there are many problems with the instructions: parts numbered wrong, placements incorrect, and some parts are included in the kit that don’t on the Lance. In building the missile, the plans call for placing four parts ‘I-86’ on the missile. However the ‘I’ sprue stops at #84. So where are you supposed to find ‘I’- 86?
Another problems is that the headlight lenses are grey instead of clear. Parts shown on the box art as tool boxes are actually boxes that hold the missiles fins. In addition to being labeled wrong they are too small for the kits fins. Also if you follow the instructions, the launcher won’t elevate or traverse as stated on the box art.
To make the kit corrections you’ll need to add a brace and attachment bracket for the missile cradle. Also you need to make some straps out of lead foil. The ones supplied in the kit are photoetched and are too big. Replace the grey lenses with clear plastic ones. The grab handles need to be replaced with one made of brass wire. And this kit gives you wooden seats! Why would you put wooden seats in the bed of a missile launched?
I painted the kit with Model Master and Tamiya paints and weathered using Windsor/ Newton oils.
Photos by Jeff Junker