1:35 Russian Anti-Terorist Unit "Vympel"

Russian Vympel Special Unit, 1:35 — Zvezda

A set of plastic figures of the Russian Vympel counter-terrorist special unit in 1:35 scale from the Russian firm Zvezda. It is not a vehicle model, but a set of figures for a diorama or to go with a modern armored vehicle. The figures are supplied unpainted and need to be assembled.

The real subject

Vympel is a Russian special unit, originally set up in the Soviet period for foreign operations and reassigned after the breakup of the Soviet Union to the security service as a counter-terrorist element. Among other things it was involved in operations against armed groups in the North Caucasus. The equipment of a unit like this differs considerably from that of ordinary infantry: modular plate carriers, helmets with mounts for communications and optics, camouflage suits in urban patterns and short submachine guns or shortened assault rifles. It is that equipment which makes the figures a rewarding subject for modern dioramas.

Building and painting tips

First clean the figures of the mold seams, which on figures usually run along the sides of the arms and legs. Paint the face and hands first and separately; on figures with a balaclava or a helmet little of the face is visible, whereas the equipment has many small details. Modern camouflage patterns are not drawn literally in 1:35 scale — suggesting them with irregular patches in three shades reads better. Paint the weapons and the carriers separately and fit them last. Place the figures into the scene only once they are painted.

Who the set is for

• Modelers of modern Russian equipment in 1:35 scale
• Diorama builders working on an urban operation
• Builders who want to go with a modern armored vehicle
• Modelers interested in painting modern equipment

The figures are supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.