Actually, no. The boxtop does, but inside is the same indi-link triangle pad T157 tracks.
Not really. The only new parts are the APU, A/C unit, handle around the top hatch, GPS antenna, and gun mount. The rest is the same plastic as in the original kit.
$140 and up on fleabay……
Here is my rendition. DML M270 kit #3523 from the 1992. It was one I started and had languished to be finished for at least 10 years. I decided to do some 3D designing to update and improve it to get it across the finish line (suspension was really upsetting me).
I built the kit in travel mode, no pods. I added the above described details that I designed for the kit and added T-161 track which is either in use or close to being in use on M207A1’s and will be standard on the new M270A2’s.
I painted it for use in Ukraine, with a cheshire cat smile and eyes as seen on at least one resupply truck. (artistic license).
The kit can be built to a high standard and look good without requiring a major rebuild.
FWIW
I remember building Dragon’s MRLS when it first released in 1992. It was a fun exciting kit to build because it was so different from a typical tank kit. I’d pay $10 for the kit today out of nostalgia and I generally don’t like Dragon due to their suck-taclular instructions etc.
Overall, the MRLS went together pretty well these exceptions.
I had issues with the tracks and failed to get a good fit. I recall cutting a link in half to join tracks under the last road wheel.
There was something I didn’t like about the suspension. I don’t remember if the idler was adjustable. If the idler isn’t adjustable that was my gripe. I’d check the instructions before buying if possible.
I had some fit issues with the launcher box and loading it. Clamps and filling needed. My parts clean up skills were good in those days but not meticulous. With meticulous clean up it will probably fit better than mine did.
YMMV but I’d happily pay $23 to revisit the kit out of nostalgia.
HTH
$103 at Scalehobbyist; $95 at Squadron . . .
KL
Im working with C$ here so………
Here is mine, original kit. I could not get the pods to fit either. After much fiddling and creative language I decided to just show them outside like on the box art.
Rick
If all of that is still loose on the base, then IMHO it would be better to reposition the MLRS and the pods so they are under the cranes lengthwise — the whole point of the cranes being, of course, that they will lift full pods up and into the launcher. Hard to do that if they’re perpendicular to the cranes 
I hate to fix anything to the base unless I have to. I change my mind too much . Here is everything rearranged.
Cheers
Rick
Very nicely done Jacques. You guys are making me want to get one of these - and a HIMARS for that matter- after seeing these builds. Excellent!
Happy guy here! Found a Trumpie MLRS for under US$70 with free shipping.
I’ll sell the Dragon kit onto my LHS.
Thanks to everyone for your comments and advice.
What a site we have,here baby!
It’s exceedingly difficult to make things that fit together in 1:1 fit together in the same way at a reduced scale when the materials are different; when structural elements must be non-scale thicknesses to account for molding technology; and when nearly everything has a taper to it to allow demolding. I’m sure DML’s idea was that the people who wanted fully detailed pods wanted to display them outside of the launcher, so they made the pod and launcher exteriors to scale with any compromises shifted to the “hole” dimensions.
My guess is that you can’t fit a true-to-scale MLRS rocket into a launch tube either . . .
KL
For anyone who wants to check that:
This is a page from this sales brochure:
… which I got straight from FMC by writing a letter to them saying I intended to build a model of a Bradley (The envelope I got back included other booklets on the Bradley as well as on some M113 variants.) Yes, that was more than a few years ago …
I used to have some pretty good measurements from Lockheed Martin Missile Division. Probably still squirreled away someplace.
If you ever find your info on the M39 LPC I’d appreciate getting a copy.
KL
I’m just about to start their Flak 36 and I have to say, the instructions look inpenetrable…
Its my first Dragon kit and i’m thinking should have started with something less complicated.
