1:35 Metal protection for BTR 70, 80 (beds, grid), Ukraine. ATO

The real subject

The BTR-70 and BTR-80 armored personnel carriers were given add-on protection in the field, which the designer never drew into the original shape of the vehicle. It is exactly these gratings and screens welded on afterwards that turn a model into a vehicle from a particular deployment, not a study piece from the factory. They cannot be made from plastic, though, because in 1:35 scale they would have to be thinner than the thickness of an injection-molded part.

What the set contains

This is a photo-etched set. The name names the elements of add-on protection for the BTR-70 and BTR-80 and distinguishes between the gratings and the grille part. The exact number of parts, their placing on the vehicle and the recommended kit belong in the manufacturer's instructions; go through them before building. The model and glue are not included.

Building and painting tips

Cut the parts out of the fret with a sharp blade a little away from the part and sand the remainder down. Make the bends on a bending tool or over a sharp edge, not in your fingers; photo-etch remembers every twist.

• glue with super glue, as cement for polystyrene does not hold on photo-etch
• before painting, degrease the parts and use a primer suitable for metal
• try the grille parts dry until they fit without tension
• do not straighten a bent part again, as the material cracks at the bend
• sand the edges after cutting, or a shiny burr will appear under the paint

Who it is for

The set is aimed at builders of present-day vehicles in 1:35 scale who want the add-on protection on their model in the right thickness. Work with photo-etch calls for patience and a sharp tool, but a beginner will manage this set too. The model, paints and glue are not included, unless stated otherwise.