Introduction

I will say this is a banner year for for Post War Russian Tanks and trucks with Trumpeter, following the release of the 2S3 we now have a 2S1 in 1/35 scale.
The 2S1 Gvozdika is a Soviet 122-MM self propelled Howitzer that resembles the PT-76 but is essentially a version of the MT-LB APC, mounting a 2A18 howitzer. 2S1 is its GRAU designation. In the Russian Army it is commonly known as Gvozika. The 2S1 is fully amphibious with very little preparation, and once afloat is propelled by its tracks. It is NBC protected and has infra-red night vision capability.

Contents

When the kit arrived I found that the Parts are bagged separately and the easily broken parts are wrapped in foam, Typical with Trumpeter kits. Included is;

• a set of instructions
• a color decal and painting guide
• 1 set of decals for Russian Howitzer
• 922 parts on 23 spurs
• 71 parts of photo-etch
• 1 brass wire

The parts are pretty much flash free with ejector pin marks on the inside of the hulls and on the inside of interior large parts. The hull is finely detailed with raised welds, hatches that can be left open for scratch building an interior or a good aftermarket set not yet made. The barrel is 2 piece with a detailed muzzle brake, and s spur of clear parts. The photo etch is covered with a plastic film to protect the parts until used.

Review

Looking at the building steps are pretty much straight forward with:

Step 1 covers the lower hull and suspension. also the drive wheels, suspension and road wheels. Alignment of the suspension is helped by a keyed notch on the hull which allows a level alignment of the wheels.
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Step 2 covers the tie downs on the hull also pe parts on the tow hooks.

Step 3 which is the rear hatch that can be positioned in the open or closed position

Step 4 this step covers the building of the tracks, the tracks supplied with the kit are a fixed plastic with each guide horn that has to be glued 2 per track. A workable set is also available for this kit as a separate set 02060 which I will cover in another review. This will be the most challenging and tedious part of the build due the time it will take to build each track. I did find a mistake in the instructions for the light brackets it is listed as D3 and it should be d-35 and D-35

Step 5 covers the upper hull, which gives you the choice to leave hatches open and engine vents open also there are photo etched parts to install for detail. I have found that the tabs on the covers that connect to the spur are thick and require care in removing. There are also photo etched parts for the engine vents and the option of stacking the engine intake for water travel.

Step 6 finishes the upper hull with tow cables, tie downs, engine exhaust hand holds, there are also photo etched hold downs for the cables.

Step 7 is a photo etched build of the 2 Rear hull water vanes when complete this will provide a very detailed set that can be installed in the storage position or the run position.

Step 8 is the upper deck and lower deck are mated , my test fit showed the mating faces are a good fit and I do not believe putty will not have to be used on the seam, all the seams are on the underside of the hull, also you have the option for installing the water running gear for water travel, or placing in storage

Step 9 covers the barrel and turret exterior and hatches for the gunner and driver.

Step 10 covers the turret exterior with hand holds, shell ejector antenna and parts storage.

Step 11 and 12 finish the turret with the IR unit, storage box, water deflectors for the tracks.

This completes the basic kit.

Painting you have a choice of 5 different versions covering Soviet and what looks to be Iran, or Iraq versions in desert brown and solid green, 2 versions also 2 different in camo black green, also brown green. With decals to match your choice.

Conclusion

This is a highly detailed kit that will be a great addition to your Soviet collection. With crisp detail, that we have come to expect with a Trumpeter kit. The price of the kit is that of a mid rang tank model. The plastic is pretty much flash free, a good pe set decals for 5 different versions I have started to build this kit and so far I have found all the parts fitting well, and look forward to adding this Cold War Howitzer to my collection.
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