Zvezda 1/35 BTR-70 with MA-7 Turret Kit First Look
By Dave Manter
| Date of Review | November 2012 | Manufacturer | Zvezda |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | BTR-70 with MA-7 Turret | Scale | 1/35 |
| Kit Number | 3587 | Primary Media | Styrene |
| Pros | New Version of the BTR-70 | Cons | Heavy mold lines will require more clean up |
| Skill Level | Experienced | MSRP (USD) | $36.98 |
First Look
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The BTR-70 is an eight-wheeled armored personnel carrier (BTR stands for Bronetransportyor) originally developed during the 1960s under the industrial designator GAZ-4905. On August 21, 1972, it was accepted into service and would later be exported to the Warsaw Pact and other allies. Introduced as a successor to the earlier BTR-60, it most closely resembles a BTR-60PB.
Other improvements include heavier armor plating and tires less prone to puncture. It also features a more powerful engine and heavier armament. Like the vehicle's predecessor it is fully amphibious with minimal preparation. The MA-7 turret is equipped with a 12.7mm machine gun and a 7.62 machine gun. It also features the smoke discharger system 902B Tucha.
Zvezda's BTR-70 kit has 222 green plastic parts and eight vinyl tires. The parts are molded with decent details but some flash and heavy mold lines are present. This kit will require a little extra clean up time, but will produce a nice model of the BTR-70 with the new MA-7 turret.
Decals are provided for one vehicle. The front four wheels can be made steerable. The new turret has pretty nice detail and will offer a different look to your BTR.
My sincere thanks to DML for this review sample!