Z (61) BMP-1P (Russia)

The venerable BMP-1, here the P version appeared in 1979, is still soldiering in Ukraine in some number essentially as an "assault truck" with all sort of improvised additional protections of dubious utility. In this case a heavy machine-gun had also been mounted on top of the main gun.

The kit is the S-Model one with lot of scratchbuilding. Small concession compared to the photos taken from a video that served as my guide, I considerably reduced the protective net so as not to obscure the model and its details too much.

BMP-1P (USSR)

Replacing the ubiquitous BMP-1 AFV (here) in the production line starting in 1979, the modernised BMP-1P is equipped with a launcher for the Konkurs ATGM (AT-5 Spandrel) (also capable of firing the Fagot ATGM - AT-4 Spigot) on a special pintle mountain top of the turret. These replaced the Malyutka ATGM giving an increase in penetration (to 670 mm) and range (4,000 m), the old loading hatch on the turret being welded shut and the mounting bracket on the gun removed. While the new missile was more reliable, longer ranged and more powerful, the gunner had to stand in his open hatch to fire it, exposing himself to hostile fire. The BMP-1P is also equipped with 6 smoke grenade launchers at the rear of the turret.

The vehicle is a personal conversion on the base of the S-Model kit with a figure from RHModels. (made 2017)