The D-30, or 122-mm howitzer D-30 (GRAU index 2A18), is a Soviet howitzer that first entered service in the 1960s. 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 RAP ammunition.

With its striking three-leg mounting the D-30 can be rapidly traversed through 360 degrees. Although no longer manufactured in FSU nations the D-30 is still manufactured internationally and is in service in more than 60 countries' armed forces.

The barrel assembly of the 2A18 gun is used by the 2S1 self-propelled howitzer. There are also Egyptian, Chinese, and Syrian self-propelled variants and conversions. The Syrian conversion utilizes the hull of a T-34 tank.

THE KIT

Tan plastic on this one and the detailing is very good, as one expects from Trumpeter. When building the kit, one will need to decide whether to build it in the combat or the transportation mode. The D-30 is somewhat unique in that when in the transportation mode, the trails are folded under the long barrel and the tow bar is actually attached to the muzzle brake of the gun. As you might think, quite a bit of space is provided for building the trails as well as the mount and the gun.

There are optional parts for the two different modes of display. I did not see much in the way of 'do not cement' notes in the instructions so this leads me to believe that you have no ability to alter azimuth or elevation on the finished kit. The kit does come with nicely molded rubber tires and there is a small photo etch fret for a few bits and pieces on the gun and mount. The kit also includes a very small decal sheet, but I saw no indication of where this is to be used.

Instructions are well done and provide clear indications of what goes where and when to attack the photo etch bits. There are also small detail drawings to help with parts location in case something does not seem clear. The gun can be painted in either a standard Russian green or in a tan shade.

CONCLUSIONS

I had no idea that this was such a widely used artillery piece so those who want to do more research on it will be able to find some interesting camouflage schemes I am sure. As it was used for the basis of a number of interesting SPGs, I would bet that we will see parts of this kit again in the future. No collection of Soviet/Russian military equipment is complete without this one. It has a high detail level and will make for a superb model.

Thanks to Squadron Products for the preview kit. Get yours today at your local shop or on-line retailer.

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and fairly quickly, please contact the editor or see other details in the Note toContributors.

KIT #:	02328
PRICE:	$28.99 SRP
DECALS:	Yes
REVIEWER:	Scott Van Aken
NOTES:	New tool kit