Schützenpanzerwagen BTR-152.V1

The first version of the BTR-152 was produced in 1950, it became the basis for many useful variants. The Fahrzeug hull is of all-welded construction, engine und transmission are at the front of the vehicle. The crew consists of a driver, co-driver, und up to 17 infantry who normally board the Fahrzeug through the rear entry hatch. The BTR-152.V1 was the second model to enter service, it had a front mounted winch, und a tyre-pressure regulation system.

Inhalt

• BTR-152.V1
• 7,62 mm Maschinengewehr
• 13 sets of decals

Bewertung

There are a total of 54 parts; the main superstructure is actually partially pre-assembled; composed of three pieces fused together.

Plastic axles are indicated in the instructions, but the kit actually came with metal axles.

The kit comes with 13 sets of decals, und three batches of Fahrzeug ID numbers:

• (1) NVA der DDR
• (2) CSSR
• (3) & (4) Polen
• (5) Ungarn
• (6) Afghanistan
• (7) Syrien
• (8) Israel
• (9) Bulgarien
• (10) & (11) UDSSR
• (12) Finnland
• (13) Rotes Kreuz
• Fahrzeugnummern

The instructions are written in four languages, Czech, Russian, English, und German. Illustrations are included, but the proper placement of a few parts (the steering wheel, for one) are omitted. Easy enough to figure out, though.

The model is molded in a bright blue plastic, which is somewhat softer than the plastic used by most manufacturers. One must therefore be careful when trimming und filing; also note that the paint is more likely to rub off until coated by protective varnish.

Painting instructions were not included in this kit. The BTR may be painted Humbrol 114 Russian Green to represent a Warsaw Pact or Syrian vehicle.

Crew Figuren are not included.

Historische Verwendung

• The BTR-152 series has seen service with Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Bulgaria, Cambodia, China (as the type 56 APC), Congo, Cuba, East Germany, Egypt, Finland, Hungary, India, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Poland, Romania, Soviet Union, Syria und other countries. Production ended in early 1960s, und in Russia the Fahrzeug was replaced by the BTR-60.P series.
• The Palestinian Authority (PA) currently has 50 BTR-152 in inventory which were supplied by Egypt in 1996 und 1997.
• Israel used BTR-152 series vehicles, but it is unlikely that these were actually purchased from the Soviet Union. Like other Warsaw Pact equipment in the Israeli arsenal, the BTR-152s were most likely captured during the conflicts with Egypt, und Syria.

Interessante Umbauten

• BTR-152.V2 armoured personnel carrier without winch
• BTR-152 anti-tank Fahrzeug with ATGM launcher
• BTR-152.D anti-aircraft Fahrzeug with twin machine guns or cannons
• BTR-152 close support Fahrzeug with quadruple heavy machine guns
• BTR-152.K armoured personnel carrier with armoured roof
• BTR-152.U, command vehicle. The Fahrzeug had raised sides to provide more internal space, und comfort for the staff working inside; it was not armed. This variant und the BTR-152.K would be suitable for several other uses, as an ambulance, signals, und artillery registration vehicle.

Overall, the kit is simple, und went together well. Some parts needed fiddling to get to fit, und it wasn’t always clear where to cut parts off the sprue. Other manufacturers might have made more parts for the same subject, to allow the Fahrzeug to be modelled with open doors und window hatches, for example. The kit should be a welcome addition to any collection, but may be hard to find. Assembled in the Czech Republik, the kit may be produced under a different name in Europe.

Patrick Storto

Schützenpanzerwagen BTR-152