Karl Hoy provides an in-box review of the Russian BTR-50PK APC, a recent release from Trumpeter in 1/35.

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Thanks!

Nice review!

I have this kit already. Although it is a pretty nice model of an intersting subject, for me it is a little expensive comparing to what I really get in the small box.

Parts count is low, but that is OK, since it is not a too complex vehicle. But they could have included at least a set of plastic track links, like with so many of their latest offerings.

And I also miss the machine gun too.

It will look great but I was a little diasappointed after opening the (quite small) box.

Cheers!

I agree with you here Adam, glad you like the review aswell!

Very exhaustive review Karl, thanks a million and congrats


Vynil tracks and vinyl tyres....

I REALLY don't know why they still continue to produce them in some of their kits
Furthermore their price have been rising up recently, so probably they should pay more attention about these details.
and the lack of MG is a HUGE flaw in my opinion

I hope they'll make plastic tracks on their T-64

Thanks Mauro!

I think vinyl tracks are okay if they are well detailed but I was disspointed to find the rather flat PT-76 tracks in this kit, I thought they could have a least made some better vinyl tracks. Thats just the way it goes sometimes!

Guys, some brand new photos for you of BTR-50PK and PU:

http://mhrfweb.makett.org/MHRF/index.php?option=com_phocagallery&view=category&id=381%3Abtr50pkkec11res&Itemid=11&lang=hu

http://mhrfweb.makett.org/MHRF/index.php?option=com_phocagallery&view=category&id=382%3Abtr50pukec11res&Itemid=11&lang=hu

As of the prices, I think here in Hungary Trumpeter is quite cheap in general ( the problem lately is the weak Hungarian Forint).

For a complex kit like BMP-3 or T-62 or BTR-60 (not speaking about the accuracy, for now) the price is OK, these kits cost almost the same here. But paying this same price for BTR-50PK is baaaaad....

Cheers,

Adam

I think Trumpeter was not able to make a mould for the SGMB machine gun. It is missing here and in the BTR-40 too...

I don't think so. They have LOTS of references to do it
I think they didn't make it only to reduce the mould cost...So I can't accept they sell such an expensive kit in spite of bad vinyl tracks and the lack of MG

Many thanks for your excellent walkarounds Adam

I reckon they would have had enough references for the SGMB. A real pity they didn't include it. Perhaps we'll see an AM one before long?

Thanks for those pics Adam, I have a few interesting ones to post aswell, will do it once my internet connection stops messing around!

Just be aware you cant use the East German markings as they are for a later BTR-50PK with the lengthened nose top plate and greater angle to the hull front and increased rear hull height. The kit can only be used for an early BTR-50PK

Howdy Karl. Appreciate the time you took writing this one! Just getting decent photos of a new kit helps a lot.

One thing that I've been nagging about since the release of the PT-76 kits (except the B) are the lack of exhaust and details in that area of the engine deck.
Trumpeter have now fixed the exhaust but still lacks the panels around it and the radiator grill (PT-76 but it should be the same on the BTR-50 (lacks the exhaust thought)):
.

Perhaps Trumpy can make another version and finally get these detail right?

Cheers,
/E

Yes, I think they must make a later version

Have you got any pics or articles about those modifications?

Erik- thanks for taking a look, glad you liked the review.

I know earlier in this thread we were talking about the SGMB and at the moment I'm building Trumpy's BTR-60P. I've just noticed, towards the end of the build, that they provide mounts for three machine guns- the DSHK on the front and two on each side about three feet behind the driver and commander's positions- these two mounts were meant to hold SGMB's- again not provided in the kit. It makes me wonder if Trumpy are going to release an SGMB set or something (the front mount could also take an SGMB).The 60P looks pretty cool with the two SGMB's mounted.

Anyway, I said I would post some reference pictures and drawings of the 50PK and other variants. I want to thank Olegas ('Berkut916') for providing the links to where some of these pictures were found (they are posted in this thread:
https://armorama.kitmaker.net/forums/184493&page=1).

Object 750:





K-78:







BTR-50PA (Not the folding ramps and extra fuel drums on the rear deck):











BTR-50PK:







BTR-50PU:







I'm currently searching around for actual pictures of the ramps on the 50PA being used and I'm looking for better info about other variants, some of which remained in use with the Red Army longer than the 50PA or PK. Feel free to post anything you guys find.

Have you got any pics or articles about those modifications?

Erik- thanks for taking a look, glad you liked the review.

Hi,

The vehicle depicted in Trumpeters markings is at the Tank Museum in Munster:
See pic here:

http://www.armyrecognition.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=488

There are also pics of it in the WWP book "PT-76 Family" Once you start looking closely at BTR-50 hulls you'll see the differences at the hull fronts (this is also the case for PT-76 too)

HTH
Andy