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BM-31-12 Katyusha (SU144) (Direct Only)

BM-31-12 Katyusha (SU144) BM-31-12 Katyusha (SU144) (Direct Only)
includes one BM-31-12 Katyusha Rocket Launcher with Optional Loading Crew.

Following on from the success of the BM-13-16 Katyusha during the close of 1941, the need for a larger rocket quickly became apparent. The response to this demand was the BM-31-12. Following the standard Soviet naming convention, BM stood for ground vehicle; 31 for the rocket type/model used and the 12 for the number of rails or tubes.

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The rocket was developed from an earlier design, the M30. However, the request for a longer-range weapon led to the design of the M31 which had a maximum range of 4325 metres compared to the 2800 metres of the M30. This payload was delivered from a metal framework mounted on the chassis of a Studebaker US6 truck.

Each rocket was armed with a 28.9kg warhead and when combined on mass, the BM-31-12 proved extremely effective during the closing stages of the war in particular during the fierce street fighting during the Battle of Berlin.
BM-31-12 Katyusha (SU144)
Assembling The BM-31-12 Katyusha
Step 1. Begin by attaching the rocket pod grill to the front of the rocket pod. Step 2. Next, attach the Y-shaped support bracket to underside of the rocket pod.
Heavy Rocket Mortar Battery (SBX32) Heavy Rocket Mortar Battery (SBX32) Heavy Rocket Mortar Battery (SBX32)
Below: The Y-shaped support bracket attaches to the underside of the rocket pod via the plug and notches shown in the examples below. Step 3. With the Y-shaped support bracket in place, its time to add the U-shaped support bracket.
Heavy Rocket Mortar Battery (SBX32) Heavy Rocket Mortar Battery (SBX32) Heavy Rocket Mortar Battery (SBX32)
Below: The U-shaped support bracket attaches the bottom rocket pod via notches shown in the examples below and then mates with the Y-shaped support bracket. Step 4. Next, attach the fully-assembled rocket pod to the deck of the one-piece resin truck.
Heavy Rocket Mortar Battery (SBX32) Heavy Rocket Mortar Battery (SBX32) Heavy Rocket Mortar Battery (SBX32)
Below: The examples of the locations where the rocket pod attaches to the deck of the one-piece resin truck. Below: With the rocket pod in place; the BM-31-12 Katyusha is now fully-assembled and ready for crew to be added.
Heavy Rocket Mortar Battery (SBX32) Heavy Rocket Mortar Battery (SBX32) Heavy Rocket Mortar Battery (SBX32)
Adding Crew Figures
Step 1. Attach an NCO figure to each of the one-piece resin bases. Step 2. Next, add the crew figures carrying the rockets. The rocket bearing figures are designed to work together as seen in the examples below.
Heavy Rocket Mortar Battery (SBX32) Heavy Rocket Mortar Battery (SBX32) Heavy Rocket Mortar Battery (SBX32)
Below: The Kneeling rocket bearing figures and how they work together. Below: The crew figures positions around the BM-31-12 Katyusha.
Heavy Rocket Mortar Battery (SBX32) Heavy Rocket Mortar Battery (SBX32) Heavy Rocket Mortar Battery (SBX32)
Step 3. Any holes in the bases that still filling can be filled with the scenic plugs provided in the box set. Below: An example of the scenic plugs in use.
Heavy Rocket Mortar Battery (SBX32) Heavy Rocket Mortar Battery (SBX32)


Last Updated On Tuesday, February 14, 2023