Meng Model 72014 - 1:72 Chinese PLZ05 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer

1:72 scale plastic model kit of the Chinese PLZ05 155 mm self-propelled howitzer

Meng 72014 is an assembly kit reproducing the Chinese PLZ05 155 mm self-propelled howitzer – a modern artillery system on a tracked chassis, designed to deliver precise fire at long range. The vehicle's characteristic features are its 52-calibre barrel and an autoloader providing a high rate of fire.

The model uses a modular design that simplifies and speeds up assembly while retaining detail. The engine cooling grilles and the texture of the gun's recoil dust cover are precisely reproduced. The crew hatch can be posed open or closed, and the barrel elevated to a chosen position. The model can be displayed alongside other Chinese Meng vehicles in the same scale.

What's in the box:

• Plastic parts (modular design)
• Link-and-length tracks
• Crew hatch posable open or closed
• Elevatable barrel (posable in different positions)
• Waterslide decal sheet for 3 paint schemes
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Kit specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Catalogue number: 72014
• Manufacturer: Meng Model
• Assembled length: approx. 152 mm
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate

Note: The kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

The modular design makes assembly quick and approachable, and the link-and-length tracks are designed for convenient assembly. In the small scale it is worth working precisely on the smaller parts and using modelling tweezers. Modern Chinese vehicles typically wear camouflage in shades of green, brown and sand, sometimes in a digital pattern; details and recesses can be emphasised with a wash, and the whole finished with a matt varnish.

Tools you will need:

• Modelling side cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for smoothing sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement
• Precision modelling tweezers
• Brushes of various sizes or an airbrush
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• A wash to bring out the details

About the vehicle – PLZ05:

The PLZ05 is a modern Chinese 155 mm self-propelled howitzer, developed by Norinco and brought into service in the first decade of the 21st century. It is one of the main barrel-artillery systems of the People's Liberation Army, designed to provide fire support at long range.

The vehicle is fitted with a 52-calibre barrel and an autoloader, giving it a high rate of fire and, with advanced ammunition, a range exceeding 50 km. A digital fire-control system and good mobility on its tracked chassis allow "shoot-and-scoot" tactics that make counter-battery fire difficult for the enemy. The PLZ05 has appeared many times at Chinese military parades as a showcase of modern artillery capability.

Original vehicle specifications (PLZ05):

• Type: self-propelled howitzer on a tracked chassis
• Calibre: 155 mm, 52-calibre barrel length
• Loading system: autoloader
• Range: over 50 km (with advanced ammunition)
• Equipment: digital fire-control system
• Crew: approx. 5
• Manufacturer: Norinco
• Service: from the first decade of the 21st century

About the manufacturer – Meng Model:

Meng Model is a Chinese model company founded in 2011 that quickly gained a strong market position thanks to modern tooling, good parts fit and a bold choice of subjects. The brand offers a wide range of models – from armoured vehicles and artillery, through aircraft, to motorcycles and a series of stylised cartoon models. In 1:72 scale Meng is developing a range of military vehicles with a modular design, conceived for quick and enjoyable assembly while retaining detail. Meng models are aimed at beginners and experienced modellers and collectors alike.