WIP BMP-1 KSh

I have finally finished building my BMP-1 KSh. The kits is the very fine but quite expensive Ogurets Projekt one with some conversion work to show the telescopic antenna erected. It was new and challenging for me but I am very happy with the result 😁. The crew is a converted Germania Figuren. Thanks to Tomáš from HrdlaRadarModel for all the inspiration and motivation 👍 

Once the model is painted, a full article will follow in the future.

BMP-1 (USSR)

The amphibious tracked infantry fighting vehicle BMP-1 was the first mass-produced infantry fighting vehicle of the Soviet Union. From 1966, more than 20,000 BMP-1 and derivatives were built in the USSR alone, BMP-1 being also produced under licence by Czechoslovakia, Romania and India. Alongside the T-64 and T-80 tanks and the wheeled BTR, the BMP-1 really epitomises the heart of Soviet units in Germany. Revolutionary for its time, the BMP-1 was conceived for a nuclear and chemical war environment in which it never fought, allowing the infantry to operate from the relative safety of its armoured, radiation-shielded interior. It was armed with a 73mm gun and an Sagger anti-tank missile launcher on the gun mantled. In addition to a crew of three, the BMP-1 can also transport 8 infantrymen.

The kits are from S-Model. They are nice and easy to build and a perfect base to some improvement and  conversion works. Unfortunately, my example below date from a time when quick wargaming production was the watchword and they could certainly have benefited from a few simple improvements. I will certainly do more BMP-1 in the future and I will then be able to give them my full attention 😎 (made 2014)

FV 620 Alvis Stalwart (UK)

The FV 620 Alvis Stalwart is a 6x6 high mobility amphibious truck. The Stalwart served with the British Army from 1964 until 1993, with 125 Mk1 version and 946 Mk2 being delivered.

Let's mention the great book by Tankograd Publishing on the Stalwart which is packed with fantastic pictures.

The model come from S&S and is a basic wargaming one, but with some additions it look quite good. (made 2018)

 

New arrivals

Lots of new things since my last "new arrivals" in June (!).

Firstly 3 packs of very nice 3D printed figures by Germania figuren.

Some NVA AFV/Tank crew and motor rifle troops. It was my first buy by Germania figuren and a test to see how they look and if they are compatible with my 20mm wargaming figures. Test passed ! They will come handy in my futures NVA projects.

Next, a very nice book by the Belgian Mirage 5 Pilots Association (MPA). The Mirage 5 attack aircraft was an important asset of the Belgian Air Force in the 70/80's and the MPA does a great job in keeping the memory of this wonderful aircraft. It's last book "Pictorial story of the 106 Mirages M5 B of the Belgian Air Force" is literally packed whit fantastic photos. The book can be obtained by ordering via Pictorialstorybook@gmail.com.

During my family holidays in Germany last August, I bought 2 hard to find old kits:

The MT-LB by Siga Model (futur ACE)

and the Topas-2AP by ACE

Since back from my holidays, I also bought

The Revell early M109 (with the short barrel)

2 very nice BM-1K conversion kits for S-Model BMP-1 from SP Designs, a one man Ukrainian company first 1/72 scale conversion as they normally do 1/35. Unfortunately, with the new EU import taxe rules and the shameful profit our postal service derives from it, it will be my last Ukrainian purchase.

and finally, quite unreasonably given the height of my "to do" stack, the all new S-300 from Hobbyboss

BMD-1 & BMD-1P (USSR)

Entering service from 1969 with the Soviet Army's airborne divisions, the BMD-1 is an airborne amphibious infantry fighting vehicle. Conceived to be secured on pallet and parachute-dropped from cargo planes, the BMD-1 is lighter and smaller than is mechanised units equivalent the BMP-1. The crew consist of a driver, a gunner, a commander and a bow machine gunner, the latter two normally dismounting with the three soldiers seated behind the turret. Very agile but cramped and poorly armoured, the BMD-1, like the BMP-1, is armed with a 73mm gun and an AT-3 Sagger missile launcher on the gun mantled. It also have a 7.62 coaxial machine gun and two more in each corner of the bow. Starting from 1977 a modernised version, the BMD-1P, replaced the AT-3 Sagger missile launcher by a new pintle-mounted launcher for AT-4 or AT-5 antitank missiles.

The kits are from ACE, the BMD-1P being a self-made conversion. As always with ACE, the kits are quite a challenge to build but very satisfactory at the end. (made 2014)