SKIF 1/35 Soviet BMD-1P
By Dave Manter
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Quick Review
The BMD-1 was the first amphibious fully tracked vehicle that was designed for airborne troops. It could be either landed from an airplane in the usual way or paradropped at heights from 300 m to 1500 m. As soon as it was on the ground it could join the battle. Production of the BMD-1P began in 1978 and included an antitank missile system. The vehicle is armed with a 73mm main gun and 3 7.62 mm machine guns. 40 rounds of 73 mm and 4000 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition are carried. Also carried are 2 AMTS missiles. The vehicle is powered by a 6-cylinder 240 hp engine and can travel at speeds up to 60 kph. The maximum speed on water is 10 kph. Crew consists of a commander and a driver. Five fully equipped paratroopers can also be carried. The BMD-1P has seen action in Afghanistan and Chechnya.
The kit consists of 339 parts molded in a medium green plastic. 192 of these parts are the individual track links and these are molded in black. Also included is a small sheet of photo-etched brass and it has 8 parts. The kit features a partial interior. Detail that can be seen through the open hatches is included. The turret features a full basket.
Detail on the parts is very nice and there is no flash to speak of. The instructions contain 14 easy to follow steps and painting is called out throughout:
Step 1 consists of the assembly of the lower hull.
Step 2 is the assembly of the running gear.
Steps 3 and 4 are the assembly of the interior pieces.
Step 5 is the assembly of the upper hull details.
Step 6 is the assembly of the upper to lower hulls.
Steps 8 and 9 are the final details of the hull.
Step 10 is the assembly of the turret interior.
Steps 11, 12 and 13 are the assembly of the turret details.
Step 14 is the final assembly.