Hey everyone,
I've been looking at getting a BMD-1, but I'm not sure which one to get. I've got it down to either the Zvezda or Eastern Express one. I've read that the Zvezda is better, but my only worry is that I can't find any photo-etch for it. Is it possible to use the EE photo-etch on it or should I go with EE? Thanks for any input.
-Seth

You also can find the Skif kit. It is a BMD-1P with the Spigot launcher on the turret roof instead of the early Sagger on the gun mantlet.
The kit is a bit soft on details but comes with PE parts.
The tracks are just good for the bin.

Olivier

I didn't include the Skif kit because I love the look of the BMD with the Malyutka on it. Although I suppose if worse comes to worse I could always back-date it if I needed.
-Seth

Hi;

Olivier is right, the zvesda kit is the Better choice.
Altho you will need too get a Metal Barrel, and if you really need it you will need too get your hands on the Hobby Boss kit of the Chinese ZTD-200 for the Missile. The Missile is just a Tad Bit longer but its easy too cut down, they call there Missile the Red Arrow. The Tracks are Worthless and need too be replaced also, the AM set is available but very hard too find. Now something that No one seem willing too Build is the Vehicle with the Suspension Lowered, I have Built six of these kits. The BMD-2 would look nice sitting next too your BMD-1, and don't forget the BTRD either.
CHEERS; MIKE.

Hi Guys;

I made a mistake, ( MY BAD ) the Chinese Vehicle is the ZLC-2000 and not a ZTD-200; How I came up with that one is BEYOND ME think I need another Cup Of Coffee,
One other vehicle that I forgot too mention is the 2s9 Nona, it was also made by Alanger as well. Now if you put the Four together you really have a nice Collection. I Built the 2s9 also and its really a nice Model and looks great sitting next too the others.

CHEERS; MIKE.

Zvezda is the best one. As stated throw out the tracks and replace them with the Master Club tracks (resin workable but fragile, or the newer metal ones) or the Eastern Express tracks from someone else. The EE kit can be made up nice, but it will take the Eduard PE set and some extra love to do it. Get a AT-2 from the Trumpeter BMP-1 kit (and any other pieces you want) and if you want a BMD-1P, then get the parts from the Trumpeter BMP-1P.

Seth, you can have the Malyutka pieces from the BMP-1P I just finished next time I see you, if that helps your decision at all. I should have one complete missile and launch rail leftover.


Erik

Thanks for all the input everyone, really appreciate it all.

Does anyone know if the EE pe will work on the Zvezda kit?

-Seth

I used the resin tracks and confirm they are really fragile. Concerning the metal ones, if I'm corretc only Sector 35 makes a set so far and this set doesn't work neither with the sprocket nor with the return rollers "axles" as the guide teeth are too long. Some surgery is needed to fit them.

HTH
Olivier

I am NOT endorsing these, I only found them here: Masterclub metal tracks on eBay

I can confirm that the Master Club tracks WILL work on the EE sprockets. I have used them on my EE BMD-2.

Good to know if you speak of the metal ones.
Thanks for this Jacques. I still have my 2S9 to equip with correct tracks.

Olivier

Thanks everyone for the advice and input. Will help the final decision process go along better, especially with the track situation.
-Seth

I used the resin ones. I do NOT have the metal ones. The metal ones SUPPOSEDLY are made from the same mold as the resin ones with only the addition of the outside holes for the pegs.