Trumpeter 1/35 BMP-3 MICV Early Version
By Brian Medina
Kit#00364
MSRP: $49.95
Parts Count: 768 pieces
Background
The BMP-3 is a Soviet amphibious infantry fighting vehicle that first entered service with the Soviet Army in 1987. This latest version of the BMP or Boyevaya Mashina Pekhoty, which translates to "Infantry Combat Vehicle", utilizes the best design features of it predecessors along with new upgrades and additions including a larger caliber main gun (coupled with a coaxial 30mm cannon) and laser-guided anti-tank missiles.
The crew compartment consists of the gunner’s and commander's stations in the turret. The central driver's seat with two side seats of the assault party are located in the front of the vehicle. In the rear, the assault troop’s compartment is separated from the engine compartment, which houses a 500hp diesel engine, with a bulkhead and can accommodate 7 combat-ready troops, complete with roof hatches. Two doors at the extreme rear of the hull allow horizontal access for dismounting troops. Steps are also provided for easy entry/exit to compensate for the BMP-3's above average ground clearance.
The vehicle is equipped with smoke grenade launching/generating systems, automatic fire-fighting system, communication aids, night vision, built-in dozer equipment, and NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical weapons) protection system. The powerful armament system mounted in the rotating turret consists of (1) 100 mm Rifled Gun/Missile Launcher, (1) 30 mm Coaxial Cannon, and (1) 7.62 mm PKT Machine Gun, all stabilized in vertical and horizontal planes. Two 7.62 mm PKT Machine Guns mounted in the hull round out the armament package.
The Kit
The sturdy box is chock full of ten sprues, top & bottom hull halves, and the turret, molded in tan. Two sprues of track links & three bags of separate tracks are molded in OD. One clear parts sprue, one 14pc. photo-etch fret, and a small decal sheet round out the parts count for this kit. Most sprues are bagged separately, the hull and turret sections are housed in a separate cardboard section, and a cardboard “brace” runs along the length of the box. The 12 page instruction booklet is clearly illustrated, with 13 major assembly steps, and a handful of smaller sub-assembly steps. A full color, 5-view, Paint & Markings guide for two paint schemes (one light green and one 3-color camouflage) is included, with the most extensive color callouts given for Mr. Color, and some colors listed for Vallejo, Model Master, Tamiya, and Humbrol users.
The sprues are flash-free with small to medium attachment points. Details are very crisp and well molded. It looks like most, if not all, ejector pin marks are well hidden, and mold seam lines appear to be very minute to non-existent, making construction that much easier! A nicely detailed interior is included, and it appears all hatches may be positioned open to show off the interior, or closed, though the instructions make no mention of installing the hatches in the open position.
Easily the most daunting aspect of construction is the track assemblies, which consist of 168 two part track sections (1part flat track & 1 part U shaped guide tooth). While this step may get monotonous, I’m sure the end result will be well worth any boredom endured. There’s also plenty extra of both parts included in case your carpet monster is unusually hungry during construction.
Conclusion
Trumpeter’s new BMP-3 model offers today’s armor modelers an outstanding alternative to the only other 1/35th scale BMP-3 available, the dated Skif release of the late 90’s. This model will easily build into a spectacular vehicle straight out of the box, without the need for aftermarket parts.
I’d like to thank Internet Modeler & Stevens International for the opportunity to review this kit. Watch for my complete build review in the upcoming months here on Internet Modeler!
