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Hello everyone, this is my new BTR-80 model from Trumpeter. The model has a very good fit of details, I was even a little impressed, the detailing is also very good. To paint the Ukrainian pixel, I cut out masks from masking tape myself, for painting I used the following colors from Tamiya xf-67 nato green, xf-68 nato brown, xf-69 nato black, xf-88 dark yellow 2, I also added a few drops xf-60 in each color to simulate burnt paint.

GTK Boxer – GTFz (03343) 1:35 Carrera Revell The Boxer was originally a combined German/French development and was intended to be an advanced Armoured Personnel Carrier that replaced the Fuchs and ageing M113 derivatives in German service, but not before several partners joined and left the project for reasons political, including the UK, who later had another look at the Boxer when they couldn’t decide what APC the British Army would use going forward. The first British Boxers are set to be built starting in 2024. The remaining partners included Germany and the Netherlands, entering service with the German Army in 2009 after some delays, and later into Dutch service, with a purchase by Lithuania and further order by Germany a few years later once the design had proved itself to be capable and reliable. Australia has also made orders for a couple of hundred Boxers as part of their armed forces upgrades in the last few years. The French went off and did their own thing in a repeat of the Eurofighter project. The 8-wheeled Boxer is a modular vehicle, having a common chassis and driver's station, with a removable crew compartment to the rear, allowing the vehicle to be re-tasked as an APC, Command Vehicle, or battlefield Ambulance with minimal fuss. This also caters for the development of future modules and simplifies the upgrading of existing modules in the future without having to develop a platform on which to mount them, which has proven a sensible format as more operators come to them with different requirements. The Boxer is also capable of withstanding IED attack by design, and can stop rounds of up to 30mm without the help of additional appliqué armour, while still being capable of over 60mph (103kph) over smooth terrain. The Kit This is a reboxing of Revell’s original tooling that first appeared in 2011, not long after the real vehicle started service with Germany’s Armed Forces. The kit arrives in a deep, end-opening box, and has a painting of a remote weapons station equipped Boxer on the front. Inside are seven sprues of dark green styrene, a clear sprue, a sprue of black flexible plastic and a bag of eight flexible black plastic wheels. The instruction booklet is printed in colour, with profiles on the rear for the decal options, and it has a length of thin gauge wire taped to it to complete the package. Once you get over the dated green styrene, you realise that this kit has substantial detail, which extends to removable crew compartment, and nicely rendered suspension layout. Construction begins with the hull, which is built up from a succession of slabs, with an internal bulkhead between the driver and the crew compartments, as well as a heavily riveted floor panel. The driver's compartment installs in the left front of the hull, and has enough detail to satisfy most in the shape of seat with stirrups and pedal box, steering column with a simplified instrument binnacle and something resembling a Soda Stream (seriously!) to the rear left of the compartment. Painting call-outs are given throughout in Revell's usual style, requiring mixes for what some might consider to be basic colours, which is due to Revell’s static range of shades. The suspension builds up quite simply, with drive-shafts supporting the wheel hubs and twin springs providing damping for the y-shaped suspension arms. Hull detail on the underside is nice, but a couple of sink marks are present, although these are later covered by bolt-on panels that protect the suspension arms from damage in the real world, which probably explains their rather large size and seemingly careless positioning. The wheels are made up from a three-part hub, with moulded in brake detail, and a single solid black plastic tyre, which has nice chunky tread detail moulded in. These are installed later once the detailed ancillary suspension parts and steering linkages have been installed, along with the inter-wheel parts and stowage bins. The sloped forward portion of the hull is then covered over with additional panels, and the driver's raised position with clear front and sides, plus vision blocks for combat driving that are nicely rendered in clear styrene, with the vision blocks being cleverly moulded to the top of the front screen, slotting into armoured housings during construction. The large glacis plate then installs, closing in the driver's compartment, and detail here includes the many lozenge shaped patches of anti-slip coating that are evident on so many modern AFVs. The rear has a pair of light-clusters, and black mudflaps installed from the flexible styrene sprue, which also holds a set of flaps for the exhaust system to prevent debris and hand-grenade ingress, and a moulded tow cable that attaches to the top of the crew compartment later. The anti-slip coating is also present on the top deck of the crew compartment, which is removable, just like the real thing - quite a nice feature. The crew compartment has no internal detail, but there is still plenty going on outside, in the shape of a weapons station featuring smoke discharge units, a .50cal M2 machine gun derivative plus ammo box and the remote camera unit that allows the crew to fire from the comparative safety of the cab. There is also an option of mounting a 40mm grenade launcher of the type seen on many modern AFVs, which has an almost machine-gun firing rate. Sadly, both weapons have a sink mark on their receivers, which will be tricky to fill due to the detail moulded in. The rest of the crew compartment builds up on the V-shaped base, with the roof and main crew hatch completing the main box. The four auxiliary top hatches for the troops are moulded into the deck, and here their hinges have the traditional (for styrene injection) flat sides, which the purists might want to replace with more shapely parts. A pair of large stowage bins attach to the sides of the crew compartment, as well as antennae (using the supplied wire) and the obligatory flashing hazard warning light that is a peace-time feature for road use. The MG/grenade launcher turret is movable after completion, being held in place by a pair of lugs that align with the base on installation. The tow cable with integrated towing eyes affixes to the top deck with no mention of special glues, which led me to test it for myself. The sprue that carries the mudflaps and tow cable was tested with a dab of Tamiya Extra Thin cement, and it doesn't appear to dissolve the material, so remember to test your chosen glue before attempting installation of the parts, or take the safe route and resort to some super glue (CA) instead. Markings Two schemes are provided on the decal sheet, one with traditional NATO European camouflage, while the other is painted for desert service. You can build one of the following from the box: Infantrerieschule, Hammelburg, 2016 JgBtl 292, Donaueschingen 2014 Decals are by Cartograf, which is a guarantee of good registration, sharpness and colour density, with a thin matt carrier film cut close to the printed areas. The number plate frames are printed blank without digits, which are sourced individually from a large block of numbers, allowing the modeller to choose any vehicle number they wish, as there are twelve of each digit. Some pre-populated plates are provided for those that either don't wish to or don't have the confidence to make their own, as well as a pair with their digits overpainted with green for a vehicle on operations, presumably to make identification of individual vehicles difficult for the enemy. Conclusion The Boxer is a large and good-looking vehicle, uncomplicated by the familiar scabbed on reactive armour packages common amongst older vehicles, and Revell have made a good job of the moulding of exterior detail. The kit will build up into a good replica of this vehicle, although as with all military equipment, small changes are bound to happen, so if you are going for accuracy you should check your references before proceeding. Recommended. Carrera Revell model kits are available from all good toy and model retailers. For further information visit or

Silly me has decided to build a second beast for this GB and something a bit unusual. Enter the Trumpeters BTR-50PK, a rather odd beast and the forerunner to a famous line of AFV’s. This is a fairly simple model so it should be a simple build and with some extras. …and more Friulmodel tracks, I did go on a bit of a spending spree on these last year……I really must buy shares in the company! …and not quite the PE madness of the Voyager Model PE set this time, a little bit more subdued with the Eduard set this time. It maybe a few weeks before I can start this one as I have the F-14 to finish first, but I’m looking forward to this build and playing in the mad again!

I guess that this topic will depart from the mainstream. It is not often, that a small country like El Salvador, develops an armored vehicle. Back in the mid 80s, a Salvadoran army officer designed an APC/AV based on the chassis of the Dodge M37 3/4 truck, of which several units were out of use and readily available in country. The concept contemplated the use of the Dodge M37 3/4 ton trucks chassis, added armor to drivers´s cockpit and cargo area, new diesel engine and transmission. The prototype was built completely in El Salvador, but the armor lacked ballistic protection. Additional help was received from the US Army Tank Automotive Command's RDE Center's Design and Manufacturing Technology Directorate, who proposed an improved armor / welding design, providing units already cut and welded in Detroit, sending them afterwards to El Salvador as kits to finish the vehicle assembly in country. Plan went on and in total, 44 vehicles were assembled in APC and AF versions, entering into service in 1985. The "Cashuat", from the old local nahuatl word meaning "Workhorse", proved to be practical vehicle, mobile, versatile, and it served as troop carrier and fire support unit throughout the second half of the civil war. A "Cashuat" during more peaceful times. And this brief introductions brings me to my project: a Cashuat in 1/35 scale. Right, there is no kit for this, it needed to be built from scratch mostly. I started by getting the original plans as drawn originally, and buying the most logical thing to start with: a Dodge M37 kit in 1/35. This happened several years ago, and I have been working on this one longer than in any other model I have, and am still working on it. Of the Dodge kit, only the chassis, wheels, transmission and other small things were needed. I started by extending the length of the chassis, according to the blueprints: Then I followed a procedure similar to the real one, cutting and gluing together the vehicle floor and armor. Armor plates were cut from plastic sheet (0.7mm): Started working on the cargo floor supports and details under it, like the electrical motor operating the turret. After this I could join the chassis to the floor. Other details were added as work progressed, as it would be more difficult to start later. Seats and steering wheel from the Dodge truck came in handy! And nothing else! I used metal sheet to issue the instrument panel. Then printed the instrument dials from one of the real Cashuats, and the result was quite convincing. Here compared to the real vehicle. Details like the radiator grill were scratchbuilt using metal sheet. The armored 0.50" turret was built according to blueprints, frame was built with Evergreen plastic rod, the armored cover with plastic sheet. Started experimenting with the way I would build the engine. I think that we are into 4 years of built already… I had the complete shape of the vehicle. I wanted to be able to open the hood and show the engine, so I issued the hinges using thin wire and syringe needles. And of course the "Cashuat" emblem was issued using plastic sheet, nice touch. And started working on the cargo area. The M-60s are mounted on tubular structure on the walls. I used syringe needles for the pipes, and metall sheet for the other details. The Kevlar covering the walls was simulated with Kleenex soaked in white glue. Notice the firing ports fitted with sliding doors (they don´t slide…) The M-60 gunners sat on two sliding seats, I issed these with plastic sheet and syringe needles. The 0.50" turret got additional attention as well. Using kleenex again, the external Kevlar cover of the turret was simulated (never mind the blue paint, it will be overpainted anyway). I added Tasca 0.50" and a figure adapted from the Tamiya Figure (Legs, arms, torso, head all repositioned). There will not be much that you can see of the figure once the turret is assembled. Entering into year 6 I guess, I worked on the engine, paint. Protective frames for the headlights were issued using metal sheet. Bolts and other structures were added to the front bumper. And I was finally able to paint! Cashuat had a wide variety of colors and schemes, I chose the 4-color scheme seen on early vehicles. Only markings on the vehicle are yellow "1/2" numbers, designating their unit: 1st Squadron of the 2nd Mechanized Batallion. Aaaand I will stop here, there are still couple more years of assembly ahead of this, HA! Marco

BTR-60PB Pictures taken at National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War, Kiev by Dave Haskell.

Hello Fellow modelers ... We have Multiple successful Single type Builds for Armor. The M3/M4 last year. The Panzer IV, Mk.VI Tger, and Patton S.T. builds earlier this year. Currently we have the T-54/55 build running. With T-34 & Panther Mk.V next year. Let me ask you this question? Would there be any interest in a Group Build of British Armored Fighting Vehicles ? This would most likely be in 2020 or later so plenty of time to gather everything together. This would cover From 1945 to present and each has countless variants and progeny to offer up as options. Im just curious as it seems we have interest in both German, US , and Soviet Armor. However no one has offered up British Armor ? I’m proposing this as a group build that will cover British Armored Fighting Vehicles and Tanks. This would incorporate all British Armor produced and operated by any country from January 1st 1945 to the Present day. This of course would include both UK & Commonwealth units. Since this build has gone through a few rewrites. As a result of this I've been asked to clarify the rules. To Clarify the restrictions or rules for what is allowed this is what is allowed. A.) The Vehicle of choice would need to be operated By the British military, Commonwealth, or others post January 1st, 1945. To clarify things. This includes AFV’s and Tanks procured, built, or used in WW2. If they saw use after January 1st 1945 they are good to go. So for example a Cromwell, Comet, or Churchill built in WW2. If the vehicle type was used after the 01/01/1945 it counts, and can be used in the build. This also includes tanks that were built in WW2 and used into the Korean war. This group build does also include specialized vehicles that didn't originate as an Armored Vehicle originally. Which includes jeeps, lorries, and Technicals that have been field improvised with armor and armament. Lorry soft-skins that have some form of defensive armament. They do transport troops so in a sense are APC’s if they have armor and/or armament ? Mine resistant Armored personnel MRAP’s vehicles are included. Specialized vehicles operated by Special units are ok if they have armor and armament. So long as any of these were made, procured, designed, or used post January 1st 1945. Im sure there were plenty of types built and used during World War Two that were also operated by the British and Commonwealth after the war for varying lengths of times. Again if you or anyone else is interested but are not sure please contact me. I would be glad to research and give you an answer. Im always looking for input and help so please feel free to offer ideas and/or constructive criticism. I realize this might upset some of the original joiners of this group build. That isnt my intention. I asked for input and votes earlier towards this idea. The results are in and of those who voted this was how the votes tallied out. Final count was 4 votes in favor of inclusion of all AFV/APC. And 2 votes of inclusion of all “C” Type tanks. This is 6 of 13 members. Less than 50%, however it seems no one else voted. So I will incorporate both post 1945. “ALL SCALES ALLOWED” Now some quick ideas for the qualifying variants. Heres an Airfix 1/72 centurion kit. Another one is this Centurion in Australian service. Then heres a quick look at a couple of kits of the Chieftains. First up is this Chieftain Mk.2 from Takom. And an interesting option with the Berlin Camouflage is Takom’s Mk.10. Next up is a Tamiya Challenger Mk.1. and a Tamiya Challenger 2 As there are a substantial number of Variants, Versions, and Prototypes just in British service I cant write down all of them. If anyone knows of a type they would like to build. That or an offshoot that they are not sure about please ask ? I will investigate and let you know. 🔺-Standard build rules apply such as the 25% rule. 🔻If you are using individual track links talk to me as i consider those to be a kit in there own right. 🔻I will hold the same absolute here as I did with my Patton build. NO WHIF’S - there are so many versions and sub-types of these that we dont need paper/imaginary tanks. 🔹 I will consider working prototypes so long as they aren't paper projects. A paper project is just another form of whif to me. please ask i will research and advise. 🔶 = I am happy to announce the Two Co-hosts will be Threadbear and PantherII. INTERESTED MEMBERS 🔶1. Corsairfoxfouruncle - host 2. DAG058 3. Patman 4. Dads203 5. Arniec 6. PlaStix 7. Plasto 8. SleeperService 9. Bullbasket 10. Etienne 11. sampanzer 12. Blitz23 12a. Giorgio N. 14. Sgt.Squarehead 15. Badger 16. Julien 17. MarkSH - Churchill 18. AndrewE 19. bull-nut - Warrior/Charioteer 20. Sabre_days - Challenger 1 21. Kallisti 22. Rob G 23. Hewy 24. Badders 🔶25. Threadbear - Co-host. 🔶26. PantherII - Co-host 27. GREG DESTEC 28. exdraken 29. Yetifan ⭐️30. wimbledon99 31. Mig eater 32. Enzo matrix 33. Col. 34. Softscience 35. Swat11 36. John 37. 38. 39. 40. Dennis * any photographs used are strictly information use. All rights belong to original owners.

13/8 Kick off. More of a place holder at the moment as work still proceeds on my 1/16th Renault Ft. I mentioned buying the Bradley along with some other goodies including a crew for it made by Trumpeter on the FT thread a few weeks ago. Trumpeter included two sheets of camo decals for the uniforms worn by the crew and I have been experimenting with them while waiting for the FT to dry. It takes a while to decal a crewman but the effect is rather nice: Other goodies I will be including in the build are: And of course the Meng model (enough reviews and unboxings around so I will skip that.

Here's my 1/35 Trumpeter BTR 80A. It's a great kit but you must get the sit of the suspension right early doors - I didn't as you will see. I tried to sag the tyres with small screws but I was in great danger of wrecking the hubs and adjusting the screws when the wheels were on was tricky Painted with Vellejo acrylics which I still find tricky to get consistent results from but does give authentic looking colour I think. The KFOR script was done with some stencils I picked up which I was pleased with. Let me know what you think - plenty still to learn but getting there Cheers David

Hey all I present my first fully completed project vehicle. This a 1/35 Revell BTR-70 I've had sitting on my for years windowsill for years as a three-tone GDR version. After a foray into respraying an old T-80 in Olive Green, and discovering it has a bang-on Soviet armour look, I decided to recolour my BTR. I then used some old decals from a Tamiya T-62 (I don't know how accurate the combination is), and put to use some old desert Mig Pigments in my first attempt to weather up some armour (my first successful attempt was a Y-Wing). I have some old Dragon Motor Rifle Troops as well, which need a bit of tidying up to go with it. The cardboard I have it resting on has me thinking of a simple dusty base for it, roughly the same size as the vehicle. The vehicle itself is missing the odd component. I think I have the parts somewhere but, couldn't be bothered to find them, lol. Going to add a tiny bit of stowage that I have that would suit a Russian vehicle, namely a single Jerry can that differs from the rest (I don't know what it was from originally), and maybe a sleeping roll or two and a folded tarp. Overall, I think it turned out quite well. I did worry that it looked a bit heavy at first, but it seems to have worked out Looking forward to any thoughts you guys have Gaz

BTR-60PB Upgraded Trumpeter 1/35 First finished model of 2016. It's a nice kit apart from the rather fiddly headlights, which put up a bit of a fight. I've had the kit hanging around for over a year so I'm glad to finally get it built. I've got a long term plan to build a collection of some of the various 8 wheeled APCs and related vehicles that operate around the world, so this makes a good start to that collection. The wip is here Thanks for looking Andy

GKN Sankey FV432 Armoured Personnel Carrier. Thanks to Jonathan Smith the owner for allowing me access to take the pictures.