I am a junior modeller and have 5 BMP-2 kits waiting to be built (I despratly want to get them started but am determined to complete my Trump BTR-60 first). I have the
-ESCi BMP-2
-Zvezda BMP-2E (Afghan Variant)
-Zvezda's normal x2
-Revell BMP-2

and the Just wondering what company makes the best one. For example, in a percentage, which is the best overall?

P.S.

Would it be worth picking up the Italeri/Dragon offering or the Dragon BMP-2E

P.P.S.
Is the Lindberg T-80 any good?

Thanks
Euan

Euan,
you have in fact two different kits, the Esci one and the Dragon copies (Zvezda, Revell ...).
Esci one is reputedly better because of correct troop compartment roof hatches position. Some other details are better too.
But like on the Dragon "family" the sprockets are wrong and the turret will need some extra work to get an accurate model.
The Dragon "family" has the wrong angle for the troop compartment roof hatches. This is not an easy fix but you have some alternatives, SP Designs being one.
The turret requires a good amount of job too.
The Afghan variant is simplified (both on Dragon and Zvezda re-issue), the add-on armor plates are partially wrong.

If you are interested you can see my own BMP-2D (or E according Dragon) here at Armorama. my BMP



Enjoy your build!
Olivier

Thanks for the info
Your amazing BMP has inspired me to hurry up and get my BTR-60 finished so I can get to my BMP-2's
Thanks
Euan

Oliver, I just checked my kits and the Esci and DML hulls are both angled. Did you modify yours?

KL

I think its only the Esci BMP-1 which has the correct roof hatch alignment.

Ive got a big bundle of stuff to build the BMP-2, heres what i'm using (gives you an idea of the size of the problems with the DML kit)

DML Base kit
AEF Designs upper hull with correct hatch alignment
SP Designs BMP-2 turret
Masterclub BMP-2 wheels
Masterclub BMP-2 tracks
Eduard etch details
Modelpoint ATGM launcher
RB Metal barrel
numerous other details

Basically the DML kit is mostly wrong. The turret and hull are no good at all. The whole of the model is overly simplified and when matched to scald drawings is too short as well. The aftermarket details (many of which are now out of production) aren't perfect either. The AEF hull corrects the hatches but retains all of the simplified and incorrect details present on the hull.

If you aren't fussed about accuracy then just build the DML kit and have fun painting it. If you want an accurate model you are better off waiting for the Trumpeter kit (which was announced some years ago)

Thanks Kurt so I was mistaken.
Concerning mine, the upper hull is the AEF designs offering with a bit of mods. As it was a resin hull, it was easier to work with than the original DML hull.

Olivier

Not really. It's really simple and lacks a lot of detail. I don't like Lindberg's tracks, still enjoyed building it though. I'm thinking I might try either Zveza's or Skif's T-80.

Cheers Guys

All of the BMP-2 kits have incorrect upper hull rear hatches (angled). They should be parallell. All kits are based off of old molds (late 1980's) that were made from Steve Zaloga prints for the US DoD that were not entirely correct.

SP Designs BMP-2 upper hull is long OOP.

AEF Designs is out of business

Trumpeter is rumored to be working on a BMP-2.

Miniarm has been promising a all resin fully accurate kit for a while.

Thanks, I REALLY hope Trumpeter bring out a BMP-2 and a BMP-1 as its a vehicle I quite like and no one makes anymore
Euan

Yes, "big T" has shown a model of its BMP-2 some months ago.
It looked very good to me.
But we will see when it is available and what´s the quality.

greetings...
Soeren

The best way to build a correct BMP-2 is....
Waiting for Trumpeter tool

Cheers guys
I am unable to find a pic of Trumpeter's BMP-2
Does anyone have a link or web adress that takes you to one?
Euan

Yes, I also meant this one.
This is the up-armored D-variant, so I think, we also could see one (or two) standard-variant(s).

greetings...
Soeren

Thanks
What is the pink stuff on the turret, is it surfacing paste?
Euan

The pink stuff seems to be in german: "Spachtelmasse" - I can not translate it.
What´s a good translation of this?
It´s the stuff, which you use for filling holes, adding thickness (possibly as in this case) and possibly adding details.

greetings...
Soeren

As that's a master model I suspect it's whatever material they used for the main turret shape which was machine turned, probably a resin or plastic type of material that's easier to turn than metal.

Jim