Ant Miniatures Spetnatz GRU APC Rider

Image Credit: Ant Miniatures

The latest in the series of 1/35 resin kit from Ant Miniatures is "The soldier of special troops GRU, Russia." In this model, the soldier is pictured riding on top of an APC. It looks like this can be depicted as a soldier in the modern era, Afghanistan or in Chechen.

The Spetsnaz GRU is the oldest of all special operations forces in Russia, is considered on of the top Special Forces in the world  and is regarded as the best trained and most experienced units of the Russian Federation.  Spetsnaz GRU first began operations in 1949.  Their main role involves reconnaissance, direct action, assassination and sabotage.  The Spetsnaz has ten different brigades, each stationed at a different location. 

Source: Armed Forces Museum

The elite units of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation were mostly formerly controlled by the military intelligence GRU (Spetsnaz GRU). They were heavily involved in the wars in Afghanistan in the 1980s and in Chechnya in the 1990s and 2000s, as well as in the training of pro-Soviet forces and various secret operations during the Cold War. The Russian Airborne Troops (VDV, a separate branch of the Russian Armed Forces) have the 45th Independent Guards Spetsnaz Regiment. Since 2010, as a result of the 2008 military reforms, GRU special forces come under the control of the Ground Forces. 

Source: Wikipedia

For more coverage on the Checen campaign, check out Argentura "GRU Special Forces (Spetsnaz): 1998-2010".

For camo scheme, check with Kamouflage.

Source:

• Armorama
• AFV News

Tanks In Russia IV Painting Guidelines Book

The book Tanks in Russia IV is a painting guide to modelling tanks that served in Russian front during WW2. In this book, it covers Germany Panther and Tiger, as well as Russia IS-1. The book covers overlapping camouflage. First in spring / summer camo, then applying winter camo on the same model. It definitely is going to be an interesting read.

A page number guide from AFV News:

Tanks In Russia IV – Euromodellismo 

2. Pz.Kpfw. V Panther Ausf. A, 5.SS-Pz.Div. “Wiking” 

14. Perfiles: Pz.Kpfw. V Panther Ausf. A 

16. Pz.Kpfw. Vi tiger Ausf. E , 2. Pz.Rgt., SS-Pz.Gren.Div. “Das Reich” 

32. Perfiles: Pz.Kpfw. Vi tiger Ausf. E 

36. Pz.Kpfw. Vi tiger Ausf. E , Sch. Pz.Abt. 509 

54. Pz.Kpfw. VI tiger Ausf. E , Sch. Pz.Abt. 509 versión invierno 

60. IS-1 (KV-85), Unidad de entrenamiento cerca de la fábrica Kirovski 

72. IS-1, 13 regimiento de choque de carros pesados de la guardia

And here is the official statement from Panzer Aces Facebook Page:

We are pleased to announce TANKS IN RUSSIA IV. This issue continues the German and Russian tanks evolution in two phases of painting. A new approach to from a new vehicle to a unit that has been a long time in active use. We also have done an axercise in style; we have painted the same vehicle in a spring-summer camouflege and then winter camouflage has been applied. In this issue, we reveal new Richly illustrated guide to camouflage and insignia of the Tanks throughout with many color plates. At last, the book includes dramatic montages infographics.Discover the very best of modeling.

A worthy addition to our painting guide reference shelf.

Bronco SU-152 April 1943

Bronco has released a new SU-152 kit in 1/35 scale. This time it models the April 1943 production.

With etch brass parts, clear parts and metal wire for the tow hawsers, there is plenty of detail included in this kit, as we have come to expect from Bronco these days.  There are four options for camouflage and markings, one in a winter whilte camouflage over dark green, and another the more unusual where only the frontal aspect of the vehicle is whitewashed, and the bulk of the body left green. 

Source: Military Modelling

SU-152 is a Self Propelled Artillery, mounting a 152mm ML-20 Howitzer. It was designed to destroy fortification and pillboxes. However, it is also used as a tank hunter role. Its first major combat role was in Kursk.

Since it was intended as a self-propelled artillery piece rather than a true tank destroyer, the SU-152 was generally issued with standard HE rounds rather than armor-piercing projectiles. The 152mm HE round produced a massive blast that did not rely on velocity for its effectiveness, making them effective against any German tank, including the Tiger and Elefant (although with a somewhat decreased level of kill reliability over penetrating projectiles). It was renowned for its ability to rip the turret completely off a Tiger tank (at any range) by sheer blast effect alone, and numerous German AFVs were claimed as destroyed or damaged by SU-152 fire during the Battle of Kursk; for example, one Major Sankovskiy destroyed 10 German tanks (of unknown type) in a single day with his crew and his SU-152, and was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. 

Source: Wikipedia

Definitely a worthy addition to a modeller cache. Especially those interested in WW2 Russian armor.

Image Credit : Military Modelling

Su-7 Fitter Cold War Warrior by Richard

The Su-7 Fitter is a low level fighter jet. Built initially as an air superiority fighter, however it found use in ground attack and fighter bomber roles. Highly praised for its ruggedness, similar to the American A-10 Warthog.

Richard build the Su-7 into an all metal finish. It is in 1/48 scale and use the kit from ESCI.

You can find more photos over at Military Modelling coverage "Richard's 1/48 SU-7 Fitter".

Reference:

• Sukhoi Su-7 :: Wikipedia

Image Credit : Military Modelling

Andy Claesens ASU-85

The ASU-85 is an airportable self propelled tank. In service between 1959 to 1969. It was superseded by the BMD-1. The design itself is based on the PT-76 chassis, without the amphibious capabilities and a new engine.

Andy Claesen build was based on Trumpeter kit of the ASU-85, in 1/35 scale. For more photos, do visit Military Modelling coverage at Andy's ASU-85 in 1/35.

Meng Models The Russian Hummvee

Meng Models is well known for their line of civilian vehicles in military configuration. This time, they are bringing the Russian Hummvee into the plastic scale model world.

GAZ-233014 STS “Tiger” is Meng latest creation. The GAZ Tiger is Russian answer to the US Hummvee. It is a troop carrier and configuration can be changed. There is a civilian version also, just like US Hummer.

The Tiger is in active service with the Russian armed forces and its fate is under controversy in Russia.

FP: It is already clear that by 2014, production of the “Russian Hummer” will be ceased. How many Tigers will be produced by that time? 

SS: The number that will be produced is classified, but there are currently over 500 of these vehicles in various modifications for the Peace Keeping forces, the MVD, the FSB, the FSO, and that is not counting those produced for export. Out of all those vehicles, a total of 200 are operated by the MOD, not 50 as was previously stated, out of which 30 are of the modernized Tiger-M type, with the new Yaroslavskiy engine.  

Source: Russian Military Photos

You can photos of the civilian version on :

• English Russia 
• Tuners and Models
• SG Forums

Image Credit : Meng Model

News Credit : AFV News

Radek Pituch BMP-1 2008 In Progress

Radek Pituch is posting on his blog, his latest build story. A BMP-1 from 2008. Check out his blog for the work in progress.

This year's going to be prolific, since it yet got started and I already found the time to build a new model - Trumpeter newest BMP-1. The kit is very straightforward - a one evening build I can say (besides the tracks that need cleanup, but this is normal as we speak). The kit comes with some basic PE parts and a turned barrrel for the 73mm recoiles gun, also it has a set of workable click-type tracks. I'm going to build it as one of the "Vostok" battalion vehicles operating in August 2008 in the Russo-Georgian war in South Ossetia. I already started adding the crew and some Spetznaz troops. They will be wearing a variety of russian modern uniforms as well as a variety of weapons - some AKM, PKM machinegun, SVD (the famous Dragunov sniper rifle) and other AK based weapons. I'm going to get the initial shape of the crew completed this evening. There are three more figures to be added. Stay tuned. 

Source: Radek Pituch Blog

Russian 2S6M Tunguska AA Tank

Image Credit: HLJ

The Russian 2S6M Tunguska is a replacement for the ZSU 23/4 Shilka. The Tunguska NATO designation is AS19-Grison. It is in service with Russia, Belarus, India, Morocco and Ukraine. Armed with two twin 30-mm cannon on both sides, it also carry eight 9M331 missiles.

The 2S6 Tunguska is armed with twin 30-mm guns on each side and eight 9M331 missiles. These guns are derivatives of aircraft cannons. Combined rate of fire for the 30-mm guns is 5 000 rounds per minute. These guns use HE-T and HE-I rounds and have service life of at least 8 000 rounds. It is claimed that hit probability with guns is 80%. The 9M331 missiles have a hit probability of 65%. Missiles have a blast fragmentation warhead and proximity fuses, triggered near the target.  Missiles can engage targets traveling at speeds up to 500 m/s. The Tunguska is able to fire it's guns on the move, however it must be stationary to fire missiles. 

Source: Military Today

The primary enemy is A-10 Thunderbolt which was resistant to 23-mm cannon rounds. It also fixed the shortcoming of the ZSU 23/4 which have no early warning system and is short range.

Currently the tank is available from Panda Hobby in 1/35 scale. Armorama has an inbox review of this kit.

This is a highly detailed kit with many plastic and photo etch parts, it will also be a bit fragile with the radar, guns and rocket pods. This is not a beginner’s kit; it is more geared to the intermediate or advanced builder. 

Source: Armorama

This kit is a very interesting choice for modeller who are interested in the Cold War era, as well as the Kosovo conflict. Armorama noted that this tank was involved in Kosovo and was successful in taking down several NATO airplanes.

SA-6 Gainful Built Model Showcase

There is a great build of the SA-6 Gainful SAM platform, built by Ireneusz Prochera from Poland.

The SA-6 Gainful is a US designation for this SAM platform. The Russia name is 2K12 Kub. Development began in 1958 and production continued until 1983. It is now replaced by 9K37 Buk / SA-11 Gladfly. It is the most successful SAM platform in Russia.

This model first appeared in conflict during the Middle East war in the 1970s. It is also used in Angolan intervention by Cuba, the Chad conflict, the 1982 Israeli invasion of Southern Lebanon, the Desert Storm and subsequent Northern/Southern Watch operations, and the 1999 Allied Force campaign.

The SA-6 Gainful can relocate and became active again, 15 minutes after shutdown. While reloading takes 10 minutes. The radar range is 55 - 75 km with an altitude of 10,000 m.

The model itself is great and do give an aura of menacing presence. You can view the gallery over at Armorama SA-6 Gainful by Ireneusz Prochera.

References:
1. Air Power Australia
2. FAS Military Analysis Network