Z (50) MT-LB with MT-12 Rapira gun (Russia)

The fiftieth vehicle 😮 When I started this project in May 2022, I did not suspect that it would take me so far. Over time, and with the incredible number of fascinating vehicles used in this conflict, it has become a kind of obsession. 50 vehicles made in 2 and a half years, it's a very good result for me and more so because my skill has much increased during this time (in my eyes at least 😉). But my stack of waiting to be build models and ideas for new one keep accumulating.

For this 50th issue, an MT-LB, an omnipresent vehicle in this conflict that no longer need to be presented, but which, being no longer produced and the daily attrition making its way, is definitively endangered. Here we find it in a "Tankenstein" version, armed with the terrible MT-12 Rapira anti-tank gun of 100mm. Primary towed anti-tank gun of the Soviet army from 1970s, the Rapira was pulled from storage by the Russian army and sent to the front in March 2023. Some of them have been improvised on MT-LB. Given the frightening recoil of this gun, one can wonder about the field use effective duration of this improvised "DIY". Anyway, the "Mad Max" look of the whole assembly is not to displease me 😎

The MT-LB is from Red Tank Miniature and the MT-12 is from Stan Models. The figures are modified Alex Miniature one.

Z (49) TOS-1A (Russia)

The TOS-1A is an improved version of the TOS-1 Soviet developed multiple rocket launcher mounted on a T-72/T-90 tank chassis and capable of using thermobaric warheads. The system was tested in combat during the Soviet-Afghan War in 1988-89. The TOS-1A latest version introduced in 2020 has an extended range of 10 kilometres and a better ballistic computer. It is fitted with a rotating launch system for 24 unguided thermobaric rockets that can all be launched within 6 to 12 seconds.

The 3D printed model is from Zeus Model and is very fine. I just added some detailing on the rear of the launch tubes, some crates and light battle damage.