Revell Boxer Command Post NL (03283) 1:72

[Mike]

Boxer Command Post NL (03283)

1:72 Revell

 

 

The Gepanzertes Transport Kraftfahrzeug (GTK) Boxer is a combined German/Dutch development and is the latest Armoured Personnel Carrier that is replacing the Fuchs and ageing M113 derivatives in German service. It is comparatively new, having only been introduced to the German Army in 2009, and Dutch service in 2011, although the French and British Armies were originally to have participated, but withdrew to pursue their own options during development.  Typical of British procurement the Defence Minister announced that after wasting £300m "looking" for a replacement to our existing equipment, that they are now going to go for the original Boxer with the first vehicles scheduled to reach British service in 2023, but as usual we should expect it when we see it as there might be more opportunity to waste money before they finally hit the battlefield.

 

The vehicle is larger and heavier than many other vehicles which have been designed for a similar purpose, although its eight wheels give it a long and low-slung appearance. The Boxer is a utility vehicle, designed to undertake a range of different tasks though the installation of mission-specific modules, each of which can be changed within an hour. Mission modules either developed or in development include Armoured Personnel Carrier, Infantry Fighting Vehicle, mobile artillery or mortar platform, combined missile and gun anti-aircraft system, command post, a, logistics and battle damage repair. The modern design features replaceable composite armour and protection from explosions below the vehicle. It is designed to be easy to deploy and maintain and can be carried in the new A400M transport aircraft, which we have from Revell in 1:72 (proof), so it's pure diorama fodder for aviation modellers.

 

 

The Kit

The original tooling was released in 2014 and we reviewed it here.  This is a newly tooled update and arrives in one of Revell's small end-opening boxes that is well-stuffed with parts.  Opening the box you unload four sprues in light grey styrene that make a nice change from the old green plastic from days of yore.  There is also a clear sprue, small decal sheet and a new-style instruction booklet folded in half to fit inside the box.  Details is as good as we remember and just like the real thing it's modular nature means that three of the sprues are the same as in the original apart from their nice new colour shade.  The new sprue contains the new parts including the different roof of this Command variant that has additional hatches and other exterior panels.

 

 

 

 

As is often the case with AFV kits, construction begins with the lower hull. The lower part of the chassis comes first, to which the new angular glacis plate, rear and side parts of the hull have to be added, along with the internal bulkhead. A detailed interior is provided, so pay attention to the instructions. The interior includes parts for the driver's compartment and a floor pan for the rear compartment, which follows the mission-dependent modular approach of the real thing. Each wheel features independent suspension with two coil springs per wheel and steering for the front two pairs of wheels. The overall effect is complex but well detailed in fact not too far off its 1:35 big brother reviewed back in 2011. This theme continues through to the way that the wheels are designed. Instead of being made up of two parts like most kits, they are made up of three, with the central layer sandwiched between inner and outer faces in order to better capture the look of the tyre treads. Once the running gear has been assembled and fitted to the lower hull, the vehicle starts to take on its distinctive wedge-shaped appearance. The upper glacis plate fits in place over the driver's compartment, with a gap for the elevated hatch/vision block so not all of that internal detail will be hidden. Before construction turns to the rear compartment, many of the smaller details have to be added to the front of the vehicle. This serves to reinforce the modular approach that Revell have taken to cater for alternative versions such as this one.

 

The rear compartment in this case is for the Command version as it has been supplied to the Dutch Army with the suffix NL, although it is known at the Boxer CP (Command post) in service. Essentially it's a box made up of six slabs onto which some of the external detail is added by way of additional moulded hatches and panels. External details include aerials, mirrors and lights, as well as tow cables and a large perforated wire cutter on the front to defeat decapitation ambushes on the road.  A well-detailed 12.7mm machine gun is provided on a central-roof mount, and also carries an array of smoke launchers with a hatch behind for the crewmember that is tasked with operating it.  Around the deck are stowage boxes of varying sizes and a beacon on a pole for use on friendlier roads.  The rear has an overhanging stowage area that includes a cover over the entrance and is fitted with pioneer tools at the sides.

 

Markings

There is only one option within the box, but two number plates are included to double-up your choices, even though both of them will be painted in the three-colour NATO scheme which is probably the most common one used by the Boxer unless it is involved in desert operation.

 

 

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.

 

 

 

Conclusion

This is still a really excellent kit, and the new variant is welcome. The level of detail at this scale is superb, and the end results will be more than worth the effort.

 

Highly recommended.

 

 

Revell model kits are available from all good toy and model retailers. For further information visit

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[Basosz]

Actually... *three* license plates are provided.

[Julien]

17 minutes ago, Basosz said:

Actually... *three* license plates are provided.

Mike seems to be having "counting" problems of late  

[Basosz]

13 minutes ago, Julien said:

Mike seems to be having "counting" problems of late  

Indeed. He also thought a Shack has 32 prop-tips