:: KG Wings - Review of ACE 1:72 scale BRDM-1 ::

BRDM-1
Amphibious
Reconnaissance
Vehicle

Kit # 72117

This review added to kgwings.com on March 28, 2002

Kit Overview
Manufacturer:	ACE (from Ukraine) http://acemodel.tripod.com [also marketed as Siga Models]
Product Number:	72117
Scale:	1/72
Kit Contents:	3 sprues molded in white. 77 parts in all. 1 decal sheet with markings for Soviet Guard, Soviet Army, East German Army, and Polish Army. 1 instruction sheet printed front and back with reasonably easy to follow exploded views.
Review Type:	Assembly through completion.
Things I really liked:	The instruction sheet includes nicely done text (in English and Russian) detailing BRDM-1 systems, specifications and development, also two detailed line drawings of the actual 7.62 Machine Gun and mount. Attention to detail is very high on all major parts. ACE's website includes great research photos of the real vehicle with links to other photos, a nice touch that I have not seen before.
Things that could be better:	The sprues don't have numbers molded next to the parts, so you have to cross-reference instruction sheet line drawings. Flash is heavy on some parts, clean up on the smaller parts is difficult. Parts do not have locator pins causing alignment to be more difficult. Fit is fairly rough overall and filler and sanding is required.
Value:	At approximately $9.00(US), this kit is very reasonable.
Recommendation:	Highly recommended for experienced small scale modelers, especially those with a soft spot for cold war AFVs. Due to the number of very small parts, no locating pins, and alignment issues, I do not recommend this kit for beginners.

The hull pieces require careful sanding, trimming and test fitting. Be sure to test the location of the springs and axles to make sure the wheels will fit in the wells correctly.

This kit is not short on detail. Tow hooks, tie-down cleats, communication spool and spotlight were all included. The only parts I added were headlight guards and 4 hand rungs.

The roof hatch is molded as a separate piece, allowing detailers to go crazy with a scratch interior. The tires' tread pattern is not accurate, but acceptable for the scale.

A close-up example of the nice detail present on most parts. The entire gun and mount turned out to be the best looking Soviet MG I've built in the scale.

CONCLUSION

This kit requires quite a bit more effort than most new western releases due to the molding technology used, however ACE has done a good job of balancing that shortcoming with accuracy and attention to detail. This is by far the best choice for this subject in 1/72nd scale.

Visit the BRDM-1 Gallery Page
for photos of the finished kit.

BRDM-1

Kit Overview