The old (OLD) Skif Kit.


Started.



Going to open everything up.

I have one of these in the stash to do as IDF, so I'll be watching. I got the Hobby Planet update set and some SKP wheels for mine.

Now you're doing all this work, you just know that Trumpeter will announce one! In fact I'm very surprised they haven't after the BTR-40, especially when they have all the running gear from their ZIL157.

Peter,

Those are good sets and will help alot, and this kit needs them.

The A / E version needs alot of work too.
The ZPU-2 that's included is very bad. Not even located in the right spot (shown to be placed in the middle of the cargo area an not right behind front seats - correct location). I should bin it and get the Very Nice MMK resin set but I don't want to put that kind of money on this.
A feel a tarp or camo. netting in my future.


FYI, When you start to build:
The instructions, especially the sequence of assembly, is more of a suggestion than a strict plan. I built most of the body before the suspension and the directions suggested the opposite.

On a surprisingly good note, the plastic in my kit took glue very well. I'm using FlexIFile (MEK based) on fine and or visible joints & Model Master for big joints or hidden seams.

My version will be something Middle-Eastern so I'm opening up all doors, firing ports armor, etc...
I'm not showing the motor tho. Rest of the kit need enough work as is...

Bold move,Tom!

I've been eyeballing this kit for some time now, but if Trumpy will release a new offering-I will go for it.

For ZPU-2 you can check Meng's SPS-026(Russian Light AA Gun Set).
It has 4 different AA guns(ZU-23-2, ZPU-1, ZPU-2 and ZPU-4) in one kit.
You can drive the cost per gun down and still have 3 more guns for future projects,

Thanks Angel.
Bold... Crazy... Same thing.


I did look at the Meng set (which is a good deal for all those guns). Howerver it would only fix the actually guns and not the turret / cage. That needs alot of work.
Fairly sure I will be going the tarp/ camo net hide the model trick.


Since I have the doors open I'm adding some interior bits.
Gas/ brake pedal, piping, etc. Instrument panel way low, have to add new one.


Tried to fit front bumper, found I installed radiator armor wrong way. Had to pull it off so I added open slats too.



Was mad after that so took break, started work on the crew.



Poor man, has an Alien thing popping out of his tummy...

I'll get them shaped up and then grind off the details and add my own.

I forgot to say that I'm just going to do the baseline APC with pintle weapons. IDF re-fitted Brownings.

Not easy kits to tackle, but ultimately very satisfying. Send me your email address - I'll send you my interior photos (the ones not found on the internet.)

Thanks Robert.
PM Sent.

Photos sent via wetranser.com. Compliments of Camp Casey, Korea.

Enjoy.

Robert,
Got them , good stuff. Thanks.

And more on the crew...
Cell Phone Man (really - gonna put cell phone i his hand...).
The blue tape is to mark limits, when I add new material. I find it hard to keep it even so I cheat...


Crew hanging camo net.
Note: Authentic Military: Somebody has to yell to somebody else.


And Sleepy Man (Also Authentic Military)


And no they will not have flat heads. Will add Keffiyeh / Shemagh.

Still working on crew, but almost done.
Up to six...




No - Not killing bugs. Stretching camo net.



Most are 90% done except for driver.
Drivers are hard to fit !

I am finishing the same but make by UM, I see that you have to start with the crate also before making wheels, bridges, etc. I invite you to read the article on my blog, it will save you from doing errors and will serve as a guide: https://sampieromodels.blogspot.com/2018/10/btr-152d-part1.html It is true that it is a kit that takes to the head, it lacks the winch and the exhaust when the engine .. there is a lot of work to do on it! Good luck for the future

Thanks Bertucci.
I read the blog about your build. Good stuff.
I see you are have many similar issues as me. Yes - this is not an easy one...
I actually bought a new set of files after starting this kit. And have used them alot !

FYI: The mount for the radio antenna is way out of scale (and in the wrong spot too). I took mine off and will add corrected. It leaves large hole that needs to be patched (that's chunk of a Tamiya plastic).


Also fixed the dash area.
Seems easy. But I had already set the kit pieces so I could not just place them correctly. And their deeply recessed now the upper is built. You cant get two fingers in now. I had to grind them out w/ the Dremel.


Made templates w/ old Business Cards and finally cut new plastic.



Drilled holes for all the missing shift levers too.
Kit has one - need five.
Total time for that huge repair - 3 hrs...

I see that you do a lot of modification but for my part I just content to finish with a used paint! Good luck you did a good job

Thank you.
Yes, I just can't build straight from the box.
Even if I want an try. It's an Modelers Illness.



Crew building done. Primed and shaded.






I had same problems as you with driveshaft parts.
Only one shiftier out of five in the interior but eleven-teen thousand pieces for the drive train assembly.



2 Front drives to short (but different levels of short).
Rear shafts too long.
You wont see any of this but still irritating.

I see that this recurring problem exists and has not been corrected by UM who took over the mold SKIF ... In any case you have taken the thing in hand

Almost trashed this one...

Knocked over bottle of liquid glue (MEK) where I just had BTR sitting. Would have wiped it out if not moved one second before.


Took the finish off my workshop table and took the reference lines of my cutting mat instantly.
Nasty stuff. I always wear full mask when I use it.

Note to Self: Don't be a klutz.



Anyway - More details.

Filed off the grab handles and starter bar that was molded on.
Added clips and new handles w/ stretch sprue.


Fixed antenna mount.


Added handles, knobs and visor to doors.


Started bulging rear tyres. Front wont be.



That piece of evergreen tube stays, will get buried in dio base.