Z (15) BMP-2M Berezhok (Russia)

The BMP-2M is a refurbished and upgraded version of the ubiquitous BMP-2 IFV. It is equipped with the Berezhok turret, a new engine, an automatic transmission and an improved suspension. The Berezhok two-man turret retain the 30 mm automatic cannon and coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun of the BMP-2, but with the addition of a 30 mm grenade launcher and 4 Kornet-E anti-tank guided missiles launchers. The turret has also a modern fire control system with thermal imaging, tracking system and panoramic sight for the commander. The quantity of the plethoric park of BMP-2 which was upgraded towards this new version is not known, but several specimens appeared on the ground during the engagements in Ukraine and the conversion of new specimens continues currently in Russian factories.

The model is from the Chinese Best Resins 3D print company and is of very high quality. I added some details and reinforced the wheels/tracks system and I'm very happy with the result.

Z (14) T-72B1 (Russia)

Already briefly discussed here, the super well-known T-72 undoubtedly represents, for everyone, more than any other tank the armored troops of the former Soviet Union and by extension of Russia and its allies. About 25,000 T-72 tanks have been built, and refurbishment has enabled many to remain in service for decades and until now in various countries. Indeed the T-72, rugged and "simple", has been exported in more than 40 countries and seen action in numerous conflicts. Introduced in 1985, the T-72B version had a new main gun, stabiliser, sights and fire control and also some additional armour and an improved engine. The B1 version saw it fitted with Kontakt-1 ERA bricks to the hull and turret. A lot of them have been seen in action with the Russian forces in Ukraine.

Oddly for such an ubiquitous tank, it is my first kit built from it. This is the ModelCollect kit labelled T-72B1 with ERA. Globally a very good kit with scope for personal improvements and a more "field" rendering. Looking at the photos from Ukraine, the scope of possible variations seems infinite... just what I like 😎