Soviet D30 Howitzer + Ural 370D

[RangerNeil]

Time for another project....
First up is the Soviet D30 howitzer - a potted (but still rather long) history of which reads thus:
"The 122-mm howitzer D-30 (Soviet ID is 2A18) is a Soviet howitzer that first entered service in 1960. It is a robust piece that focuses on the essential features of a towed field gun suitable for all conditions. The D-30 has a maximum range of 15.4 kilometers, or over 21 km using rocket-assisted projectile ammunition.

Distinctive features of the D-30 include its low mobile mounting and above-barrel recoil system. The three-legged mobile mount is unusual for field artillery, with stabilizers that are clamped together for towing and deployed when in action. A large tow linkage is fixed to the muzzle; in transport the barrel serves as a trail.

Compared to the M-30, the new howitzer had a significantly longer 35 calibre gun barrel, just short of being a gun-howitzer by Soviet definition. Like other guns of the period, it had a high efficiency muzzle brake; this improved muzzle velocity by 175 m/s to a total of 650 m/s for HE, and raised maximum range by 3,500 m beyond the similar M-30. Maximum range was 2 km better than the 76 mm M1942 at 15.3 km. Weight increased by 650 kg over the M-30, to 3,150 kg; the D-30 is over twice the weight of the 76mm M1942. Accuracy improved, with mean error at about 10 km dropping from 35 m with the M-30 to just 21 m.

Effective stabilisation length is a fundamental aspect of a gun mount, and legs 120° apart need to be longer than those with a smaller angle. The D-30's design minimises this problem in several ways. Trunnions are close to the ground, as a result of placing the recoil system and cradle above the barrel. The trunnions are also at the very rear of the breech; this maximises the recoil space when firing at higher elevation angles. Their rearward position also pushes the recoiling element forward on the mount, maximizing relative rearward span of the stabilizers and so stability during recoil. Additionally there is a very efficient muzzle brake, which absorbs about half the recoil. There is no mechanism to reduce recoil length as the angle of elevation increases.

Some of the design decisions have a price. The muzzle brake produces about twice the overpressure in the area around the gun that is acceptable to Western armies, and is the reason it is often seen being fired with a long lanyard, which reduces rate of fire. Furthermore, the maximum elevation angle is restricted to 18° (early versions) or 22° (later versions) when the breech is over a trail leg. This is enforced by a mechanical cam that prevents the piece firing for about 60% of the total top traverse, and limits range to about 12 km, with full maximum range only possible in the central arc of about 48° between each pair of legs. The extreme rearward location of the trunnions means the elevating mass is unbalanced, requiring a strong balancing mechanism to enable manual elevation. To do this, the D-30 uses compression balancing gears.

A central jack is powered by hand-operated hydraulics. This jack is lowered while the wheels are raised to permit two of the stabiliser legs to be swung 120° rearwards. The mounting is then lowered and the ends of the legs spiked to the ground. This mounting provides for quick traversing to fire in any direction.

The pair of large tires are suspended on a single trailing arm; maximum towing speed is 60 km/h on the road. As was normal in Soviet designs, the tyres were filled with foam. Initially, the D-30 had no brakes and no seat for the layer—non-essential luxuries.

A sliding block breech was adopted instead of the M-30's pre-1914 screw pattern, giving a slight increase in the rate of fire. It is a semi-automatic vertical sliding block breech, with a tied jaw; the block moves down to open and opens automatically ejecting the empty cartridge case as the recuperator forces the gun tube back into battery after a round is fired. The design is closely related to those of breeches on other Soviet post–World War II guns and howitzers.

The non-reciprocating sights are standard Soviet pattern, designed for one-man laying. Included are a direct fire anti-tank telescope, a panoramic periscopic indirect-fire sight (dial sight) in a reciprocating mounting, an angle of sight scale, and a range drum for each charge engraved with the range (distance) scale. The elevation leveling bubble is mounted on the dial sight mount. The range drum enables the standard Soviet technique of semi-direct fire when the piece is laid visually on the target and the range set on the range drum.

Soviet 122 mm howitzers used different ammunition to 122 mm guns, although there was some compatibility. In the case of ammunition for the D-30, the standard 122 mm howitzer shell weight of 21.8 kg was retained, with a metal cartridge case holding variable propelling charges. Cartridge and shell are loaded separately; this means that the shells have to be hand-rammed by a man to the right of the breech with a ramming rod. The D-30 could fire the older M-30 ammunition; however, new shells were also introduced, eventually including a rocket-assisted projectile with a range of 21.9 km. The M-30's range of propelling charges, comprising base and eight increments, was replaced by a new set comprising base and four increments; single base propellant was retained. A more effective High Explosive (HE) shell was developed, as well as smoke, illumination and chemical filled projectiles.

In keeping with Soviet doctrine, the anti-tank role is important; there is a HEAT shell capable of penetrating 460 mm of steel armour plate.

The maximum rate of fire of the D-30 is 6–8 rounds per minute, and about 75 rounds per hour. There is disagreement as to whether this maximum rate of fire is achievable for indirect fire. Based on reloading speeds of similar guns using separate charges, solo re-laying, and given a stable emplacement, semi-automatic breech and no long lanyard, (examples are the 25-pdr. and 105mm L118), and assuming concurrent lay adjustment during reloads, then it probably is when in the hands of a competent detachment. However, 5-6 rounds per minute may be more realistic with a poorly trained gun crew.

The D-30 is noted for simplicity of maintenance by its users; reputedly there are no special tools, all jobs can be done with a wrench and large hammer. "

Now the kit.


This is one of Trumpeters offerings and represents the early version of the D30. It gives the option of building the gun in either transport or combat configuration - I will be hoing for the latter one. The paint schemes are either the standard 4BO Green or tthe sand colour used by the 40th Army in Afghanistan.

The box contains 5 sprues - 2 x A, 1x B, 1 x C and 1 x D, a pack containing the trail legs, a pack of tyres, , a small pack of PE, decals, instructions and painting guide.


For so small part count the instruction book at first look formidable but a carefull.scan shows that its two books in one - one for transport mode, one for combat mode.


















The build
I started the build whilst waiting for the Silk coating on the Battle to dry. First steps of the buil were the legs that support the gun when deployed. Each leg is built seperately and assigned a letter - A, B & C. Marking a good start leg A had one of the PE pieces that needed the ends folded around a round object so I was jolding the piece in a pair of pliars whilst bending the end over a drill.. Got one end done, had just turned it over - then I dropped the piece.... Scoured floor but there is no sign of it. Floor is laminate and brass usually sticks out like a sore thumb so where the hell its gone is a mystery.
Anyways the day ended with the three legs assembled as seperate entities then all assembled into the central hub.

[digger303]

Yae nice to see some artillery getting some love.

[DRUMS01]

This is my kind of build string... and thanks for the historical information. The detail on the kit looks pretty nice, how is the fit?

Are you going to add the artillery crew to the build?

I'll be watching.....

[RangerNeil]

Yae nice to see some artillery getting some love.

Closest I'll ever get to owning the real thing (and believe me - I have tried HARD)....

This is my kind of build string... and thanks for the historical information. The detail on the kit looks pretty nice, how is the fit?

Are you going to add the artillery crew to the build?

I'll be watching.....

So far the fit is pretty good. I was tempted to go for the metal barrel.aftermarket add-on but the kit one looks pretty accurate. Might do it yet though. What I have found is the instructions tend to show parts oriented wrongly. There were two small horn-shaped parts that go on the mounting plate for the trails. Instructions show them pointing up - they should point backwards as you find the hardway whe turning the page and finding there is a top plate to go on. I read through the instructions and STILL managed to miss that little gem!
The plan is to add the gun crew + sand bags in a diorama.

Also tempted to get another and build it in the transport mode....

[ForeverPlasticKits]

Nice strat but ... where is the truck??!!

[RangerNeil]

Nice strat but ... where is the truck??!!

Patience grasshopper!!! All will be revealed in its due time....
For today you must be content with progress on the D30.

We have most of the carriage done, the barrel and muzzle breaks and the start of the breech. I have to say Sprue C has been an issue with very light flash around the edges of the parts - which are most of the smallest ones in the kit... I have VERY sore fingertips from cleaning parts tonight!!
But here are the photos of todays work.....
Good news is having lost the Battles landing light lens I found the missing PE part from last nigh.

[digger303]

Fast progress and is the 2 piece barrel not fitting well ? I can see some filler or sanding dust.

[RangerNeil]

Fast progress and is the 2 piece barrel not fitting well ? I can see some filler or sanding dust.

Its not bad - the seams were noticeable though hence the sanding. I think it was mainly due to the minute amounts of flash affecting the C sprue. I've assembled the barrel as if to complete the build - but - I also ordered a metal upgrade one!! Just to be sure.

[ForeverPlasticKits]

Not an easy build but the result and the quality are very good!

[digger303]

Fast progress and is the 2 piece barrel not fitting well ? I can see some filler or sanding dust.

Its not bad - the seams were noticeable though hence the sanding. I think it was mainly due to the minute amounts of flash affecting the C sprue. I've assembled the barrel as if to complete the build - but - I also ordered a metal upgrade one!! Just to be sure.

I looked up scalemates and that RB barrel set looks spectacular.
Lovely build.

[RangerNeil]

OK - I've gone as far as I can as regards assembly for the moment with the early version of the D30. This one is assembled in the Firing mode and is now awaiting delivery of a metal barrel - which is coming from Australia I think!! Its either the barrel or the gun crew, I can't remember what's coming from where now other than the Sandbags are from Amazon......
I might prime the assemblys as they stand but there are still a few parts that need to go on once the barrel arrives. Anyhow - this is tonights progress - shield and breech/barrel are all dry fit at the moment, wheels are ready for primer & paint....








Next step is to start from square one again assembling the late model in the towed position ready to go on the back of the Ural.

[ForeverPlasticKits]

A simple and efficient gun, i like it!

[RangerNeil]

Bit of a hitch in the scheme of things - I've been expecting the metal barrel kit to arrive and there was no sign of it. So I checked the site I ordered from - and found I hadn't completed the order.... Doh...... So its now actually ordered and, Postal Unions permitting, should be here in a few days.I

Which meant I sat down at the bench today - looked at the stack of PE to be done on the BTR, cringed and went to plan B. I cracked on with the Ural 375 and second D30. This should please those impatient to see the Ural.....
So - first sight of the Ural - first the instruction booklet:


















Paint Guide, Photo-Etch & Decals




Sprues




















Construction started with the chassis first - being Russian its fairly basic.


Next step was the engine and gearbox - this took serious time, not least because of the bane of my modelling life - PE. Both fan belts to be precise.... Also note the fact the engine and gearbox are not physically connected like a normal set-up but are linked via a prop-shaft. Most unusual.


Last work on the Ural for today was the take-off for the 6-Wheel drive.


Then before "Dinners up" got screamed from downstairs I also made a start on the late model D30. All 3 trails are assemble in the towed position.


More tomorrow......

[digger303]

What was your method for getting the chassis rails straight,square and flat on the Ural ( my god sounds like something you would get in a sachet ) ?

[RangerNeil]

What was your method for getting the chassis rails straight,square and flat on the Ural ( my god sounds like something you would get in a sachet ) ?

Clamped to a plank of wood. To be fair to the kit though, the various brackets that help make the chassis up all help to keep it aligned and square.

[Josebagasteiz]

The cannon is very cool, I look forward to seeing the finished truck which on paper looks great.

Best regards

[RangerNeil]

Second D30 is nearing completion now. Another evening should see it complete and ready to paint. One thing I have found is the moulds for this late pattern gun are NOT as good as the ones for the early one. There is a lot of flash on the parts and at least two parts - the two halves of the breech cover have a pair of nasty ejector marks as can seen in the phos below.











,

[digger303]

Loads of small parts and fiddly bits.

[RangerNeil]

Loads of small parts and fiddly bits.

Lots and lots of small and fiddly parts Digger - there are two minute PE part of the muzzle break that are so small it was a case of jabbing them with the tip of a toothpick and using blind faith to position them...

Anyways - the towed gun is ready almost ready for paint. Just got the shield braces to add and the shield itself.
No sign of the metal barrel yet so the firing gun remains in limbo.








And the Ural build continues slowly. Tonight was spent painting the chassis - wasn't sire what colour so resorted to Google hence the gloss black. Tomorrow it gets a go-over with the airbrush to loose the patchy finish the brush left. Likewise the engine is painted, colours matching images of 375D engines on the web, for as much of it is currently assembled together with the gearbox and PTO.

[KalebB]

Love to see some good ole Soviet artillery and trucks getting some spotlight.

I can believe you when you say that PE on the engine was frustrating as it just looks maddening from here

Great job so far bud

[digger303]

Does the late version d-30 have a different muzzle brake ? I noticed that in some wiki stock pic's they do.

[RangerNeil]

Does the late version d-30 have a different muzzle brake ? I noticed that in some wiki stock pic's they do.

Yes - late version has the tow eye, which is an integral part of the muzzle bake fixed permanently in the towed position. On the early version its hinged and locks back under the barrel in the firing position or locks forwards for transit.

[digger303]

Does the late version d-30 have a different muzzle brake ? I noticed that in some wiki stock pic's they do.

Yes - late version has the tow eye, which is an integral part of the muzzle bake fixed permanently in the towed position. On the early version its hinged and locks back under the barrel in the firing position or locks forwards for transit.

Wouldn't do much for accuracy using the barrel as a tow bar not to mention what it would do to the trunnions imo.

[digger303]

Just came across this from Hobby Link and as your constructing a Ural and part way through it I thought lets side track him.....
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065018829811

[RangerNeil]

OK - towed D30 is in primer, no sign of the barrel for the firing one yet so tonight I cracked on with the Ural. By the time I finished the chassis was about 90% complete. Just got some control rods on the the rear axles to add and the steering gear at the front plus an air tank opposite the fuel tank - oh and the wheels which are 4BO green instead of gloss black... . Then the fun starts with the cab and load bed....

[KalebB]

Drive train and suspension bits going together nicely

[digger303]

Cranking through it and I can see it should build up into a nice a arty tractor
Slapping a crane on it doesn't appeal ...damn I thought I could sway you

[RangerNeil]

Thanks guys Might do a crane if we ever have an engineering build Digger.

The metal barrel kit for the firing D30 arrived today. It looks a nice job - but there are no instructions with it to tell what goes where and as you can see from the photo there are a lot of parts. I'm guessing the brass rings make up the rear of the barrel under the recuperators so hopefully by laying it against the plastic barrel I can work out what goes where. The brass rings on the muzzle brake though - I have no idea. And the tow hitch on the kit brake is sandwiched between the two halves of the brake, the brackets being moulded onto the brake halves. So thats another issue to.solve.......

[digger303]

Excellent looking barrel set. A shame about the lost instructions, but they are available via scalemates
https://www.scalemates.com/products/img ... ctions.pdf

[RangerNeil]

Aaaaand - cue drum roll - we have a metal barrel assembled!!

Fit of the kit parts was good. Fit of the kit to the Trumpeter host - not so good though. The brass PE pads that join the barrel to the recuperators do not line up fully with the pad bases of the kit parts. I've got it the best I could - may need to do a bit of tinkering once its all dried and set.


The final brass collar that is supposed to seat into the trumpeter breech wouldn't fir at all. Luckily I've got one of those rotary craft tools so 10 minutes careful work with a rasp fitted to that opened the plastic breeech enough for it to be pressed in.
Other than this the assembly was easy enough although Digger was right about fitting parts B and c to the muzzle brake. The first part B was almost in place when it pinged out of the tweezers never to be seen again. Luckily the manufacturers expected this and provided a spare B and C.

The finished barrel assembly looks like this:

[KalebB]

Good thing that they gave spares of those parts. They just knew they love to zip away into the great unknown

[digger303]

The barrel fit is a bit weird. I wouldn't expect it to be so massively different.
I'm sure you will find the solution.....Code for I dunno your on your own

[RangerNeil]

A few more hours on the Ural today - still working on the chassis. Didn't help that, in BTR thought processes, I painted the wheels 4BO Green. Then, whilst looking at photos of fuel and air tanks, I noticed the wheels in the photos were Black!! So it was repaint time....
Then I found the manufacturers faux-pas with the instructions.....


These are the instructions for assembling the inner front wheel. Parts A26 and A27 were put on as shown - then when it came time to assemble the steering linkages it became obvious that these two parts are actually reversed. So a rather panicky time was spent trying to free them off and swap them over. Luckily the operation was successful.
So as of tonight the front axle is complete and just needs touching up with paint. Next job is completing the rear axle. Although positioned, and the propsafts are in, the springs aren't stuck yet as there is a degree of movement to.make sure all 6 wheels are going to touch the ground!

[KalebB]

Good thing you manage to get them apart after noticing that hiccup in the instructions

[RangerNeil]

The Ural chassis is virtually done!!




I'd forgotten how big Urals are - looking at the BTR-60 in the background the BTR starts looking small in comparison. Going to be interesting to see it when the cab goes together.
All thats left now is the exhaust, currently in paint. And two rear bumperettes that need to be formed from PE strips. I am NOT looking forwards to that little exercise in sanity testing!!!


The exhaust is - odd. The engine is a V8 but, thus far I see nothing that links the two manifolds to the down-pipe coming out of the silencer..... Nothing earth shatteringly critical but off given the level of detail Trumpeter have shown thus far.

[KalebB]

They do make a BTR look comparatively small don't they looking good so far!

Best of luck on the PE bumper bits, hopefully they don't push you over the edge

[RangerNeil]

Back on the guns today. The chassis of the Ural is set aside, both until the primer on the body panels has dried and I can summon the PE mojo to try forming those bumperettes.

So - both guns have the shieids on now, barrels on both are positioned - the firing gun needs the hydraulic ram fitted still but otherwise both are ready for paint tomorrow.




Firing gun likely will be sand coloured as per the 40th Army in Afghanistan.
Towed gun will be 4BO Green as per GSFG - so will the Ural. As and when the gun crew and drivers arrive they will be done in the colours of the Obr-69 dress regulations - Khaki brown uniforms and coloured pelitsi & pogoni. In this case the Black of artillery troops.

An odd thing with the guns - both come with a decal that looks like data plates - but neither set of instructions covers decal placement.....

[cor]

Those guns look great.

[digger303]

Done a great job building these guns.
What happened to the metal barrel. Was there nothing to be done except put it aside ? Could the muzzle brake be used ?

[RangerNeil]

Done a great job building these guns.
What happened to the metal barrel. Was there nothing to be done except put it aside ? Could the muzzle brake be used ?

The metal barrel is on the one in the firing position Digger. Hence the bottle of paint supporting it!!

[digger303]

Done a great job building these guns.
What happened to the metal barrel. Was there nothing to be done except put it aside ? Could the muzzle brake be used ?

The metal barrel is on the one in the firing position Digger. Hence the bottle of paint supporting it!!

Sorry I couldn't tell with that pic and you sounded like it couldn't be used in that previous post. What did you do it get it to fit ?

[RangerNeil]

Done a great job building these guns.
What happened to the metal barrel. Was there nothing to be done except put it aside ? Could the muzzle brake be used ?

The metal barrel is on the one in the firing position Digger. Hence the bottle of paint supporting it!!

Sorry I couldn't tell with that pic and you sounded like it couldn't be used in that previous post. What did you do it get it to fit ?

I will be using superglue to hold the trunions - that should do it. Same for the support ram.. I still need to deal with the visible part of the misalignment of the union between recuperators and barrel.

On a different note - been looking for Miniart #35068 - Soviet 122mm ammunition/crates. Apparently its been discontinued so I added an ebay search. Got a notification from eBay today a seller in the US has one - asking $23.99 - which - whilst expensive (the kit was only £8.50 in the UK) was not too bad. The $80 shipping charge was though.....

[KalebB]

80 dollars shipping

That hurt my pocket book just looking at it

[ForeverPlasticKits]

Good, the paint will arrive soon!

Shipping prices from USA are totally out of understanding, i can't buy something and pay 3 or 4 time the price of it!

[RangerNeil]

80 dollars shipping

That hurt my pocket book just looking at it

Gave me a near-heart attack!! How on earth can anyone justify that amount for bunging it in the postal system?

Good, the paint will arrive soon!

Shipping prices from USA are totally out of understanding, i can't buy something and pay 3 or 4 time the price of it!

Hey - when did you become a mind-reader??
I had order some more Vallejo Russian Green today - should be here by the 21st. And this is why:






Unfortunately I thinned the paint a bit too much and got a few spots of nasty finish that will need rubbing back when the fresh paint gets here
Got the same problem with the Ural cab - its dry fitted right now. The inside back wall of the cab has patches of the same horrible finish as parts of the trailed D30.

[digger303]

Hussar Productions, Skif and Jaguar used to do a set as well.

http://www.jaguarmodels.com/

They might not be available either now I'm not sure.

Miniart do a another kit with assorted sizes including 122m ....35261, but you'd probably have to buy 2 or 3 sets.
RB DO A 122mm metal set, but it's for the d-25

Hah success I found a 2 sets in Germany......
https://nntmodell.com/en/Ground-Force/S ... ition.html
https://www.modellinoshop.it/en/kit-mil ... llino.html

[Tomcat64]

Just caught up on all of this & great to see some artillery pieces for something a bit different

They've come together really nicely & the metal barrel looks superb even if the fit was a little... challenging?

Looking forward to seeing the Ural take shape now - I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by the one Trumpy kit I've tackled even with their strategically placed ejector marks!

BTW one of your pics from the 17th isn't showing now so you might want to check the link (unless it's just me )

[ForeverPlasticKits]

On the pictures your mistake with the paint aren't really visible and the gun is beautiful.

(as i'm not a mind reader i can't see the spots on your paint! )

[RangerNeil]

Hussar Productions, Skif and Jaguar used to do a set as well.

http://www.jaguarmodels.com/

They might not be available either now I'm not sure.

Miniart do a another kit with assorted sizes including 122m ....35261, but you'd probably have to buy 2 or 3 sets.
RB DO A 122mm metal set, but it's for the d-25

Hah success I found a 2 sets in Germany......
https://nntmodell.com/en/Ground-Force/S ... ition.html
https://www.modellinoshop.it/en/kit-mil ... llino.html

Cheers Digger - unfortunately both of those suppliers say "out of stock" in the fine print....
Got to admit thats one of my biggest bug-bears with online shopping - going to sites, seeing stuff listed and then finding they don't actually have them!! I will keep on hunting.....
The D30 is different to most Soviet era artillery in that it uses bagged charges, rather than metal cased 1 piece shells.

Just caught up on all of this & great to see some artillery pieces for something a bit different

They've come together really nicely & the metal barrel looks superb even if the fit was a little... challenging?

Looking forward to seeing the Ural take shape now - I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by the one Trumpy kit I've tackled even with their strategically placed ejector marks!

BTW one of your pics from the 17th isn't showing now so you might want to check the link (unless it's just me )

Just checked and both pics are showing on the 17th. Probably teaching Granny to extract nutriment from ovoid objects but - maybe try hitting refresh??

ForeverPlasticKits
Sergeant Major
Sergeant Major
Re: Soviet D30 Howitzer + Ural 370D
Unread post Mon Dec 19, 2022 2:01 pm

On the pictures your mistake with the paint aren't really visible and the gun is beautiful.

(as i'm not a mind reader i can't see the spots on your paint! )
Top)

Thanks for the kind words It was bugging me though so an hours work today with wet 'n dry has solved the issue.

On to todays progress. The firing gun has had the carriage and trails coated in Soviet Warm Sand. I started on the barrel - then remembered I hadn't finished fixing the mis-alignment of the recuperator mounts. This is now done too.



Whilst that was drying I cracked on with the Ural. Cab is progressing nicely - BUT - Trumpeter have dropped an almighty clanger!! The instrument panel provided in the kit is NOT that of a Ural 375D. Its actually from a Ural 4230, the succesor to the 375. Looking up photos on the web its obvious, but not a game stopper as with a driver in the cab you won't see much of it. On a dry run the cab fits together very well - I think its essential the doors are placed in during assembly though as this will keep things aligned. Oddly for Trumpeter they don't provide much in the way of positive location for the cab pieces. They are nearly all butt joints....
The spare wheel carrier is assembled and part painted. Yet again the bane of my life - PE parts - were involved that had to be bent in a curve to suit the spare wheel itself. Had a brain wave - put the spare together and then bent the strips over the top of the tyre - it worked!! Also made a start on the load bed. Going to fun working out a way of doing the timber.....






I did find one snag today though. The radiator has set leaning slightly forwards so the front panel is unable to meet the inner wings so I need to find a way of rectifying this.

[KalebB]

Hussar Productions, Skif and Jaguar used to do a set as well.

http://www.jaguarmodels.com/

They might not be available either now I'm not sure.

Miniart do a another kit with assorted sizes including 122m ....35261, but you'd probably have to buy 2 or 3 sets.
RB DO A 122mm metal set, but it's for the d-25

Hah success I found a 2 sets in Germany......
https://nntmodell.com/en/Ground-Force/S ... ition.html
https://www.modellinoshop.it/en/kit-mil ... munition-k

On to todays progress. The firing gun has had the carriage and trails coated in Soviet Warm Sand. I started on the barrel - then remembered I hadn't finished fixing the mis-alignment of the recuperator mounts. This is now done too.



Whilst that was drying I cracked on with the Ural. Cab is progressing nicely - BUT - Trumpeter have dropped an almighty clanger!! The instrument panel provided in the kit is NOT that of a Ural 375D. Its actually from a Ural 4230, the succesor to the 375. Looking up photos on the web its obvious, but not a game stopper as with a driver in the cab you won't see much of it. On a dry run the cab fits together very well - I think its essential the doors are placed in during assembly though as this will keep things aligned. Oddly for Trumpeter they don't provide much in the way of positive location for the cab pieces. They are nearly all butt joints....
The spare wheel carrier is assembled and part painted. Yet again the bane of my life - PE parts - were involved that had to be bent in a curve to suit the spare wheel itself. Had a brain wave - put the spare together and then bent the strips over the top of the tyre - it worked!! Also made a start on the load bed. Going to fun working out a way of doing the timber.....






I did find one snag today though. The radiator has set leaning slightly forwards so the front panel is unable to meet the inner wings so I need to find a way of rectifying this.

.

When was this kit tooled? Trumpeter has been pretty good in my experience so them using/re-using the 4230 instrument panel instead of the correct one is a bit saddening. Maybe a cost saving issue but surely it can't cost that much to tool a new mold for a panel.

Anywho great job so far Neil hope you can find some ammunition for the gun that doesn't break your bank like that shipping