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Hi guys, I experienced a short relapse into armour modelling. This is the 1/72 kit from Revell which is a fine little kit with a very high level of details and good fit. I always try to base my model as close as possible on photos of the real thing. Therefore, I had to make some additions in the form of storage at the rear of the vehicle, a rolled tarp and a kind of exhaust cover on the left, a towing cable on the right and the antenna with the flag (aluminium foil). I had the impression that the paint scheme suggested in the kit's instructions does not match the real thing, so made my own interpretations based on photos. The new(ish) German desert colours (Umtarnfarben) are a confusing subject, however, and even the Boxer carried several versions in Afghanistan. Finally I also build a small base for the Boxer. Some work-in-progress pics of the model and the base can be found at the end of this post. Any comments welcome. Like on the real thing, the cabin is actually removeable. Nevertheless, I glued it in place. Small modifications visible here: jerry can at the rear and a kind of rolled tarp as exhaust cover on the front left. Weathered tires and a photo of the real thing (non-weathered). Base made from foam board... ... and covered with toilet paper and thinned white glue. Later a mixture of wood putty, sand and pigments was added. In the middle of the base is an area which is still even with no gravel added so that the Boxer can sit even without any of the eight wheels floating in the air. With paint and (sparse) vegetation.

Hi again everyone Sorry, but it's been quite a while since I last posted any projects on here but I've been waiting for another model kit that would be suitable for adding lights that was within my budget and scope. Well, after yet another birthday (November) and Christmas (my favourite times for receiving cash) I have since purchased an airbrush kit and spray booth so please be kind when viewing these pictures as I have such a lot more to learn. After spending over 45 years of hand painting I finally bit the bullet and came into the 21st Century. I must admit I should have done it so much earlier but, alas, I'm a very slow learner Anyway, I shall be catching up with all the latest projects on here until my next project (the Revell Iveco Stralis with lights) needs finishing, looking forward to seeing more of the excellent builds that appear on here in between. So enjoy (hopefully) these samples of my first airbrushed kit and I look forward to any views, good or bad, and cannot wait to look at the posts I have missed. I hope to improve the picture quality when I get the chance. The link to more pictures (including some of the actual build) and a video can be found HERE

GTK Boxer sgSankfz (Ambulance) Revell 1:35 The Boxer is a German-Dutch multirole Armoured Fighting Vehicle. It is being produced by the ARTEC GmbH Group (Armoured vehicle Technology). ARTEC is based in Munich and is owned by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, and Rheinmetall in Germany and Rheinmetall Nederland in Holland. The name GTK stands for Geppanzertes Transport Kraftfahzeug which translates to Armoured transport vehicle. The Boxer is a modular concept AFV where the chassis stays the same and different modules are able to be loaded on the back. Different know configurations are Armoured Personnel Carrier, Infantry Fighting Vehicle, 120mm mortar carrier, Armoured Command Post, Armoured Ambulance, and Logistics Vehicle. It has also been proposed for development into a wheeled artillery system based on the PzH 2000 Gun System, and a anti aircraft system incorporating both missiles and a MANTIS gun system. The design is based on standardisation across all platforms, with the ability to be maintained easily and efficiently. It has also been designed from the outset to fit into the A400M aircraft. Protection for the crew is designed around traditional hard steel and modular armour (ceramic mix) which is bolted on. This will allow future developments in armour to be incorporated. The vehicle has been designed to offer top cover from those system designed to penetrate the traditional thinner armour on top of AFVS. Inside the crew sit on suspended seats which offer enhanced mine protection. The vehicle will be fitted with anti thermal, radar and acoustic technology. An additional feature of these APCs is that the driver has a rear mounted camera to enable fast withdrawal if needed. The German Army plan to acquire 600 units with the Netherlands 400. The only export order so far has been to Lithuania with 100 on order. The medical vehicles systems are provided by Krauss-Maffei Wegmannmedical. Medical personnel can reach their destination within the shortest possible time,and they can begin to take care of the wounded immediately. Within seconds, the interior of the vehicle can be rearranged to treat either 7 slightly injured or 3 severely injured casualties. Many other configurations are possible too, even a complete medical operation room if needed. The medical care on board is ensured through the most modern equipment, and intensive care of a critically injured patient can quickly. The additional roof height (headroom of 1.85m) gives a protected space of 17.5 cubic meters within which the medical teams can work. The Kit The kit represents the Ambulance version of the APC following the 2011 release of the Infantry carrier. The kit arrives on seven sprues of green plastic, and one clear sprue. Five of the sprues being used for the base vehicle and two for the Ambulance Vehicle body. Hopefully this means more variants to come from Revell. As this was a new tool last year and this boxing is a re-issue the parts are still crisp and no flash is evident. Unlike the smaller scale vehicles the 1:35 ones come with rubber tyres. Construction starts with the main body of the APC. The two inside plates are added to the outside underside part along with the front lower plate and the bulkhead contain the access door from the front to rear compartments. The inside floor to the main compartment is then added. The drivers compartment is then assembled and added to the front of the main hull. This compartment has a full interior including the seat, steering wheel and other vehicle controls. Construction then moves on to the suspension and wheels. Suspension parts are added to all 8 locations on the hull along with the axles to mount the wheels. As expected with a large wheeled APC the suspension is quite intricate and Revell have reproduced this very well. The kit contains suspension arms, the springs, and all linkages. Even though the front 4 wheels steer you can not move any of them in the kit. Once all of these components are in place the outside main body panels can be added. The front bumper with its lights can then be added. Next the top plating for the driver area is added. The drivers vision system can be mounted in the open or closed position with full glazing provided for either option. Various item such as mirrors are added at this time though I suspect most modellers will leave these until the end. To finish the main hull off two rear plates are added. Three part hubs are made up for each of the eight rubber wheels, these can then be added at this stage if wanted. Now that the main body is complete construction moves to the modular ambulance module. A lower moulded one piece part is the base to which the ends are added along with the double angles side plates. The roof is then added. No interior for this module is provided. Smoke dischargers are made up and added to the roof of the vehicle. The main roof features both rotating orange beacons for road use, and blue beacons for the Ambulance role. It should be noted that Revell supply a length of wire taped to the instruction booklet for use with the vehicle antenna mounts. Decals The decal sheet is very small with minimal national markings, striped warning panels, and Red Crosses. Everything is in register and there should be no problems with the decals. There are two different options supplied. A Germany based vehicle with a Green/Brown/Black camo. A vehicle deployed to Afghanistan with a dessert camo. Conclusion This looks a great model. Revell have put a lot of thought into how the kit will go together. It is good to see a mainstream manufacturer bringing us modern armoured vehicles of the ambulance variety. Highly recommended. Revell model kits are available from all good toy and model retailers. For further information visit

GTK Boxer FüFz A1 Revell 1:72 The Boxer is a German-Dutch multirole Armoured Fighting Vehicle. It is being produced by the ARTEC GmbH Group (Armoured vehicle Technology). ARTEC is based in Munich and is owned by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, and Rheinmetall in Germany and Rheinmetall Nederland in Holland. The name GTK stands for Geppanzertes Transport Kraftfahzeug which translates to Armoured transport vehicle. The Boxer is a modular concept AFV where the chassis stays the same and different modules are able to be loaded on the back. Different know configurations are Armoured Personnel Carrier, Infantry Fighting Vehicle, 120mm mortar carrier, Armoured Command Post, Armoured Ambulance, and Logistics Vehicle. It has also been proposed for development into a wheeled artillery system based on the PzH 2000 Gun System, and a anti aircraft system incorporating both missiles and a MANTIS gun system. The design is based on standardisation across all platforms, with the ability to be maintained easily and efficiently. It has also been designed from the outset to fit into the A400M aircraft. Protection for the crew is designed around traditional hard steel and modular armour (ceramic mix) which is bolted on. This will allow future developments in armour to be incorporated. The vehicle has been designed to offer top cover from those system designed to penetrate the traditional thinner armour on top of AFVS. Inside the crew sit on suspended seats which offer enhanced mine protection. The vehicle will be fitted with anti thermal, radar and acoustic technology. An additional feature of these APCs is that the driver has a rear mounted camera to enable fast withdrawal if needed. The German Army plan to acquire 600 units with the Netherlands 400. The inly export order so far has been to Lithuania with 100 on order. German units were deployed during their operations in Afghanistan. The Kit The kit represents the Command Vehicle variant of the boxer this being in German Führungsfahzeung or FüFz, the A1 being the modified combat performance model as deployed to Afghanistan. This version acts as a mobile command centre for battlefield situational awareness. he vehicle as you would expect today has a wide range of sensors available and the ability to network with other units. For self protection a FLW200 light weapons station is fitted. This has fully day.night capable optics and is operated by remote control from inside the vehicle. A 12.7mm (.50 cal) heavy machine gun is fitted as well as smoke grenade launchers. Revell previously released this kit as the GTK Boxer GTFz A1 troop transport which was reviewed by us here. The kit arrives on seven sprues of green plastic. Five of the sprues being used for the base vehicle and two for the Command Vehicle body. Hopefully this means more variants to come from Revell. As this was a new tool last year and this boxing is a re-issue the parts are still crisp and no flash is evident. Like their other wheeled APCs the wheels on this one are split into three parts and eliminate seam clean up. Construction starts with the main body of the APC. The two inside plates are added to the outside underside part along with the front lower plate and the bulkhead contain the access door from the front to rear compartments. The inside floor to the main compartment is then added. The drivers compartment is then assembled and added to the front of the main hull. Construction then moves on to the suspension and wheels. Suspension parts are added to all 8 locations on the hull along with the axles to mount the wheels. As expected with a large wheeled APC the suspension is quite intricate and Revell have reproduced this very well. The kit contains suspension arms, the springs, and all linkages. Even though the front 4 wheels steer you can not move any of them in the kit. Once all of these components are in place the outside main body panels can be added. The front bumper with its lights can then be added. Each wheel consists of three parts, an inside, outer and middle. These are split in the tread pattern and mean no ugly seams for the modeller to clean up; some nice kit engineering from Revell. Next the top plating for the driver area is added. The eight wheels can then also be added. Various item such as mirrors are added at this time though I suspect most modellers will leave these until the end. To finish the main hull off two rear plates are added and the drivers hatch is completed. This can be modelled in an open or shut position. Now that the main body is complete construction moves to the modular command module for the rear of the vehicle, which slots in just like the real thing. The underside, two sides and two end plates are assembled, finished off with the roof to make the main box. The rear crew entry door does not open and there is no interior in the module. The module is finished off with addition of various cables, aerial mounts, two side plates (which look to be additional armour) and a flashing light (if building the non combat version!). The final addition to the rear compartment is the construction and installation of the FLW200 light weapons station. The command module can then be mounted on the main body. Decals The decal sheet is very small with minimal national markings, and the striped warning panels. Everything is in register and there should be no problems with the decals. There are two different options supplied. A Germany based vehicle with a Green/Brown/Black camo. A vehicle deployed to Afghanistan with a Green/Sand/Dessert Pink camo/ Conclusion This looks a great little model. Revell have put a lot of thought into how the kit will go together. It is good to see a mainstream manufacturer bringing us modern armoured vehicles in 1:72 scale. Highly recommended. Revell model kits are available from all good toy and model retailers. For further information visit

Boxer MRAV Eduard 1:35 Designed to replace the M113 and Fuchs Tpz 1 vehicles in the Germany Army, and YPR and M577 vehicles in the Royal Netherlands Army. The Boxer MRAV provides 8x8 armoured personnel carrier and command vehicle versions. The ambulance version can accommodate six seated or three stretcher casualties. Boxer provides the capability to operate in both. The 33 ton vehicle is around 10 tons heavier than many other contemporary vehicles carrying out the same role. The multi-role capability is achieved through the use of several different “mission modules” specialised for the various tasks, and are available separate from the base vehicle. These modules can be interchanged within an hour and come complete with a primary safety cell and triple floor. Eduard have released this etch set specifically for the Hobbyboss kit, which although very nice in itself, will certainly benefit from the extra details included on the two sheets of relief etched brass. As is usual with these types of sets, some of the kit parts will need to be modified to allow the fitment of the brass parts. Also, as is usual for Eduard instruction sheets the details of folding the brass and the positioning of parts are a little vague, so take time in checking how and where they are fitted. The large of the two sheets contains replacement parts for the rear ramp and rear door inner skins with their respective strengthening ribs, rear mudguard assemblies, top hatch outer skins, engine exhaust grille, aerial support plates, engine hatch hinge plates, machine gun sight, ammunition, and ammunition case handles, lastly there are smoke discharger protective cover cables plus several external handles and The smaller sheet contains the rear perforated footstep, wheel arch shields and their respective brackets, optical sight lens, ammunition box, lid, brackets and supports. There are also several plates to fit onto the upper and lower glacis areas. Conclusion This is a very nice and useful little set. It may not be the most complicated or some may say comprehensive, but then that says much about Hobbyboss kit. Recommended. Review sample courtesy of