Archer Artillery System FH77BW L52 with ScaleX Sagged Wheels

Hobby Boss, 1/35 scale

Reviewed by Zack Sex

HobbyBoss 1:35 Archer Artillery System FH77BW L52 Item No. 84579

with ScaleX Sagged Wheels Item No. WM-35041W

The Swedish-designed and manufactured Archer FH77BWL52 can be described without exaggeration as the next step in self-propelled artillery. If something about the driver’s cab looks familiar, that’s because it is—it’s essentially based on the Volvo A30D all-terrain articulated hauler, the sort of vehicle more commonly seen on large construction sites and in open-cut mines.

Development of Sweden’s next-generation SPG began in 1995, with Bofors mating the Volvo A30D chassis to the FH77 155 mm howitzer. The chassis was lengthened and the cab up-armoured, with the driver and gun crew housed together in a protected front module. In travel mode, the gun is lowered into a two-part protective cradle that encloses the barrel, shielding it from debris and the elements. To the rear sits the fully automated loading system, capable of carrying 21 projectiles and 126 modular charges. Ammunition options range from standard rounds with a reach of around 35 km to rocket-assisted projectiles extending out to 50 km.

Operational flexibility is a key strength. The Archer can be airlifted by a Boeing C-17 Globemaster III or Airbus A400M Atlas, and in action it can deploy its rear spade, acquire a target, fire, and return to travel mode in around 70 seconds. Currently in service with Sweden, the United Kingdom and Ukraine, it has proven highly effective in combat, earning strong praise from Ukrainian crews experienced with a wide range of Western and Eastern SPGs.

It’s no surprise, then, that HobbyBoss has tackled this ultra-modern subject. The kit itself assembles in a straightforward manner but is somewhat basic in places. The driver’s cab, for example, lacks internal detail—something easily verified with even a brief search of reference material. More problematic are areas left open and exposed, particularly on the underside of the automated ammunition feed unit when the gun is elevated. Similarly, the pivoting arms for the gun are hollow when posed in the firing position. Given the size and price of the kit, these omissions are disappointing and would have been simple enough to address.

Turning to the ScaleX sagged wheels, these are a jewel. The set of six large, weighty tyres is beautifully rendered, with crisp detail typical of high-quality 3D printing. The subtle bulging effect is convincingly done and well supported by reference photos.

In summary, HobbyBoss’s Archer is a welcome but imperfect release. At around €115, it is not inexpensive, and some additional detailing—particularly in the cab and rear assemblies—will be required.

However, as the only kit of this subject currently available, it remains an attractive option for SPG enthusiasts. The ScaleX sagged wheels, on the other hand, are highly recommended and make a noticeable improvement straight out of the box.

Highly Recommended

Zack Sex

Kit purchased by the reviewer