Z (18) 2S34 Chosta (Russia)

The 2S34 Chosta is a Russian modernisation of the Soviet-era and still ubiquitous 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled gun (see here). The 2S34 keep the same low-profile, dimensions and running gear than the 2S1. The main changes are the installation of a more potent 120mm 2A80 rifled gun/mortar (replacing the 122mm 2A31) with a semi-automatic loading system coupled with a new Fire Control System giving improved accuracy, better rate-of-fire and the possibility to use guided munition types. Two banks of smoke-grenades dischargers have also been added to the turret sides.

The 3D printed kit is from Red Tank Miniature and is as usual very fine. I only made a few improvements (at the level of the engine grilles and the exhausts in particular) and loaded the vehicles with a whole impedimenta, in particular thanks to the magnificent accessories and weapons from Scale23.

Z (17) T-72B3 obr.2016 (Russia)

The T-72B3 is a Russian upgrade of the large but ageing T-72B fleet. A low-cost alternative to newer tanks, the refurbished and upgraded T-72B3 were fitted with new engine, new gunner sight, new fire control system and built-in Kontakt-5 explosive reactive armor. The first T-72B3 were delivered to the Russian Army in 2013. A new version in 2016 has an added add-on explosive reactive armor package which covers the rear part of the turret and is also fitted with cage armor which covers the rear part of the hull and turret.

The model is a 3D print by Zeus Model from China. It is very finally and correctly made with lot of details but had a misprinted box on the turret side (the reason for the camo net I made) and an incomplete AA machine gun. I just deformed the cage armor because they seem to suffer quickly in an operational environment and added a crew member inside the semi open gunner hatch.