RA014 KATYUSHA ROCKET LAUNCHER BY KING & COUNTRY
Overview
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Introduction
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History of the Katyusha in World War II
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Collector Notes
This review examines the RA014 “Katyusha Rocket Launcher” set by King & Country. Released in May 2005 as part of the “Fall of Berlin – Red Army” collection, this 1:30 scale diorama depicts a BM‑13 Katyusha multiple rocket launcher mounting a fixed firing position. The set includes one Red Army soldier, a Berlin road sign, and evocative scene elements, all cast in lead/tin alloy and polystone. Retired in February 2007, the model remains a poignant snapshot of Red Army firepower and victory at the close of World War II.
Historical Background
The BM‑13 Katyusha multiple rocket launcher emerged as a signature Soviet weapon on the Eastern Front during World War II, first deployed in combat in July 1941. Mounted typically on trucks such as the ZIS‑6 and later Studebaker US6 chassis, Katyusha batteries delivered devastating saturation fire. In just 7–10 seconds, a four‑launcher battery could unleash a barrage equivalent to 72 conventional artillery pieces across a 400,000 m² area; the blast and distinctive howling sound earned it the German nickname “Stalinorgel” (Stalin’s Organ) (rubiconmodelsusa.com). German troops feared its psychological and physical effects, as the rocket salvo would arrive suddenly with terrifying speed and noise.
Katyusha units featured heavily in Soviet offensives including Kursk (July 1943) and the final push toward Berlin in 1945. The weapon’s ability to rapidly relocate after firing reduced vulnerability to counter‑battery fire, enhancing battlefield survivability (rubiconmodelsusa.com). The RA014 model’s inclusion of a Berlin road sign and a jubilant Red Army soldier, complete with brandy and accordion, evokes the final Soviet drive to the Reich’s capital in April–May 1945.
Collector Notes
Collectors seeking RA014 should note that it was released in May 2005 and retired in February 2007. The set comprises a fixed‑firing Katyusha vehicle, one figure, and one accessory (Berlin sign) rendered in lead/tin alloy with polystone details at 1:30 scale (lastdodo.com). Packaging typically featured the “Fall of Berlin – Red Army” branding. In secondary markets, NM‑MT boxed examples command prices around USD 99 as per Sager’s listing (sagerssoldiers.com). Condition considerations include potential paint wear on vehicle rails and polystone components, especially fine detail prone to chipping. Common variants are limited; most sets are factory‑painted with consistent posture. Identification relies on SKU RA014 and label.
Buyers should inspect the Berlin road sign and the soldier’s rifle and accordion for intact condition. Overall, values vary between USD 80–120 depending on packaging and preservation.
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