MT-LB (East Germany)

The MT-LB is a Soviet multi-purpose amphibious armoured tracked vehicle which entered production in the early 1970s. Cheap and easy to build, the MT-LB is crewed by a driver and a commander/gunner sitting in a front compartment and can carry 11 infantry or 2,000 kg of cargo in its rear compartment. 6,500 kg can also be towed. Lightly armoured against small arms and shell splinters and armed with a 7.62 mm machine gun in a small turret, the MT-LB is available in a great number of specialised versions.The East German army was equipped with 721 MT-LB license produced in Bulgaria. They were especially used as artillery tractor for the MT-12 anti-tank gun.

The model is the fantastic 3D print from Red Tank Miniature. A really great model that give finally a decent 1/72 scale representation of this ubiquitous vehicle. It is only the first part of my project as I intend to scratchbuild a MT-12 antitank gun on the base of the S&S Models very simplified one. More in 2022. (made 2021)

T-72M1 (East Germany)

Entered in production in 1971, the Soviet T-72 main battle tank was destined to replace the T-54/55 series as the main workhorse of Soviet (alongside the more sophisticated T-64 and T-80) and Warsaw Pact  tank forces. The T-72M1 is an export version with additional armour thickness similar to the T-72A our. 1979g also fitted with smoke grenade dischargers. On a total of 549 T-72 received by the East-German Army (NVA) between 1978 and 1989, 136 were of the M1 model.

Example of the laziness of the wargamer (in any case mine laziness 😎), the models are diecasts from Altaya, not very accurate or detailed but, a little arranged and painted in late NVA camouflage, they still have a good "aggressiveness" on the gaming table 😏 (made 2020)

BRDM-2UM (East Germany)

The BRDM-2UM is a command version of the BRDM-2 Soviet reconnaissance vehicle (BRDM-2). The vehicle is without turret but carries a 1kW generator and extra radio sets. On either side of the upper hull it also had a big antenna base. The East German designation for it is SPW-40P2UM, of which 106 exemplars were in service with the NVA in 1986.

The kit is the old ACE, always a little challenge but with a good final result. Crew is from RH Models. (made 2021)

T-55A + KMT-5 mine clearing device (East Germany)

The T-54/55 tanks are the most produced tank in history with an estimated productions numbers between 86,000 and 100,000. Having debuted in 1958, many T-55s are still in service today. During its very long service life, the T-55 has of course been upgraded may times (see the T-55AM2 here). Mechanically simple and robust, having a good mobility and easy to operate, the T-55 was also very cramped underarmed and under amored  facing its counterparts in the 80's. Nevertheless the T-55A were still the main battle tank of the East German Army in 1989.

First introduced in the 1960s the KMT-5 is a Soviet tank mounted mechanical mine clearing device designed to disable anti-tank mines by plowing up or mechanically breaking them from the lines in front of the tank tracks. It can be mounted to T-54/55, T-62 and T-64.

The models are the HobbyMaster, just needing some repainting and small additions to go to the tabletop. The KMT-5 come from the Trumpeter kit and to give more flexibility in its wargaming use it based separately. (made 2016)