The BRDM-1 is a light amphibious armored car used by the USSR for reconnaissance, chemical detection, command and control and even a light anti-tank missile platform. The Soviet Army and Marine forces as well as other former Warsaw Pact countries used it during the 1950s and into the latter stages of the Cold War.

I’ve always wanted a model of the BRDM-1 and until the late 1990s; the only option was the full resin kit by Verlinden. DML/Dragon did make the BRDM-2 and -3, but those vehicles didn’t have the “hot rod” look of the BRDM-1. With its long hood, large wheels and set back crew compartment, the BRDM-1 looks like someone based the vehicle on the Ford Mustang Mach I. The BRDM-1’s amphibious properties are a trim vane under the nose and a propeller at the rear. Four retractable wheels located at the center of the wheelbase provide additional land maneuverability. They are chain driven to assist in getting over humps.

The model consists of two sprue in the typical eastern European light gray with four vinyl tires. There is no flash on the sprue with the body panels, but the sprue that has the smaller details does. The vehicle comes with a detailed interior that shows the anti-slip grid pattern floor and 4-man crew compartment well. Alas, no engine compartment though. The box top drawing shows a top mounted machine gun, but one is not included in the kit.

The instructions are well laid out, but can be confusing since they show too much at times. English translations are lacking, but understandable. Movable parts on the kit are rotating tires, steerable front wheels, steering wheel, rotating and retractable center wheels. Non-moving options include trim vane, propeller, windshield armor, and hatches.