Russia continues the long Soviet tradition of mounting rocket systems on trucks with the BM-21 “Grad” (Hail). The most recent version, represented by Zvezda’s kit, put a 122mm multiple launch rocket system on the Ural 4320 truck and can deliver 40 BM-21-1 rockets quickly, then rapidly redeploy to avoid counter-battery fire.
Zvezda updated its Ural 4320 kit to produce the BM-21. The 488 crisply molded styrene parts include clear marker, head, and taillights. Numerous ejector-pin marks mar the parts, but they are in places that are accessible and easy to fill. The seven rubber tires feature decent tread and sidewall detail.
The directions are clearly printed with uncomplicated exploded views and detail colors are called out along the way. A small sheet with color profiles for three vehicles is included, but only single side views are provided for the two vehicles with multicolored camouflage. Tamiya paints are referenced in the callouts.
The decals include the markings for the three subjects, along with an extra set of license plates and stars. They are mildly out of register most notably on the parade vehicle.
Overall, fit is excellent and the only filler I used was where I got overly aggressive while cleaning up parts.
Before starting construction, study the directions and make a plan as to how you want to paint your model to determine the right order for subassemblies.
Construction started with the complete engine — the only thing to add would be wiring. I had to open the hole in the back of the lower belts (K4) to be able to fit it to the front of the engine (B23).
To align the multipart frame, I cleaned up all of the cross members and side rails, then glued them all at one time. When attaching the front bumper to the frame, glue the upper section (A6) first, then attach the bottom (A32); I tried it the other way and it did not fit.
The rubber tires have mold seams that should be removed but in doing so, I damaged them and decided to leave well enough alone.
I left the rear leaf springs unglued hoping that they would self level when the truck was finished. But they ended up uneven when I attached other parts and the rear wheels don’t touch the ground quite right. I recommend gluing them in place.
To make painting the black frame easier, I left all of the parts to be green separate. These included the base for the launcher (C57) and supports (C4, C53, and C54), which I attached to the rear bed (C50).
Pay attention when assembling the cab as the kit includes parts from Zvezda’s Ural cargo truck that look similar but are different. This includes the rear of the cab, grille, and front of the cab with the windscreen. The fit of the cab parts was so good that I left off the rear of the cab and seats so I could paint the interior. No decals are included for the gauges. The doors and hood can be posed opened or closed with springs included to hold the hood open.
I glued the fenders and grille to the front of the cab to make painting easier, but when I went to attach the cab to the frame it would not clear the engine. So I removed the tabs that hold the fenders to the frame. Instead, glue these parts to the cab after it has been glued to the frame.
Reflective stickers are included for the wing mirrors, but they are a bit too big; a fresh blade will remove the excess.
The launcher went together without trouble. However, it can only be assembled in one position, slightly raised. The color profile shows the parade version with covers on the tubes’ front ends and decals of bright red Russian stars are provided. But the kit tubes are open, so you’ll have to punch out some suitable sized styrene discs to use them.
I replicated the vehicle on the box, using the extra license plate on the decal sheet. After painting it with Tamiya, Vallejo, AK Interactive Real Color, and Ammo by Mig Jimenez colors, I applied the decals. The clear film disappeared under a layer of clear flat.
Zvezda’s BM-21 proved a real joy and it’s one of the best fitting models I have ever built. That and the lack of photo-etched metal parts make it a great choice for less-experience modelers. I spent 43 hours on it, much of that doing detail painting. The internet has a plethora of pictures showing these vehicles in myriad camouflage schemes, many with minimal or no markings, so there is no end to the finishes that can be applied. The quality of this kit makes me want to build Zvezda’s cargo version of the Ural 4320.
Note: A version of this review appeared in the November 2019 issue.