The Russian-built BMPT (appropriately nicknamed the “Terminator”) looks like something Skynet would have built. Designed for the close-quarters chaos of urban warfare, it provides fire support with four Ataka missile launchers, two 30mm autocannons, two 30mm grenade launchers, and a 7.62mm machine gun. It’s enough to make even a tank commander hesitate. So far, Kazakhstan is the only nation to field BMPTs. However, several other countries have shown interest in the vehicle.
Zvezda’s offering is the second BMPT on the market. Molded in gray plastic, the kit features link-and-length tracks; the chassis comes from Zvezda’s T-90 kit. Clear parts are provided for the headlights, periscopes, and sensors. Two sizes of white plastic mesh are provided to detail the engine grates and rear barrier. While there are no decals in the kit, painting diagrams detail three complex camouflage schemes. But the diagrams are a bit scant, in some cases providing only two views of camo that really deserves five.
Most armor kits start with the lower hull and running gear. Not this time. Zvezda has you start detailing the upper hull. Decide early if you want to build your hull with the main hatches open or closed, because different parts are used for each version. I found it easiest to cut the plastic mesh for the vents with a new single-edge razor. The mesh bonded well using Weld-On 3 solvent cement.
The lower hull comprises several pieces; they fit well, but I suggest you have the rear deck (Part C46) handy when positioning the rear plate to ensure correct alignment. I wound up with a slight gap on the left side of mine. A little epoxy putty fixed the error.
In Step 13a, I suggest you install parts C47 and C49 before Part A1 or you’ll struggle to get them in place. I decided to leave off the running gear and keep the upper and lower hulls separate. This allowed me to install the tracks after I had everything painted. The hulls fit together well. Be careful while building the turret: On steps 28 and 29, the instructions reverse the missile mounts G6 and G7. Build them the way Zvezda tells you and they’ll face backward.
I originally wanted to paint my Terminator in the rectangular camouflage displayed at the 2013 Russian Arms Expo. But having only two side views of the scheme and doubting my ability to mask straight lines on such an irregular surface, I opted for the 2011 scheme instead.
For my base tan color, I mixed 70% Tamiya wood deck tan (XF-78) with 30% desert yellow (XF-59). I used olive green (XF-58) for the dark green and red brown (XF-64) for the third color. I outlined the green and brown areas with a paintbrush, then filled them with an airbrush. I painted the tires with Tamiya German gray. The road wheels lack a raised rim, making it difficult to align a circle template for painting inner wheels. I gave the model a coat of gloss and, once it had dried, added a wash of Van Dyke brown artist’s oil thinned with mineral spirits.
For some reason, I had a difficult time installing the tracks on the left side. But the right side fit like a glove. Make sure to leave the idler mount adjustable to allow the tracks to fit correctly. The drive sprockets are fixed, so you can start working off them and proceed toward the idlers. Lastly, I joined the two hull haves and added the tow cables and slat armor.
If your favorite part of model building is assembly, you’ll love Zvezda’s Terminator. With good instructions and excellent fit, the kit was fun to build. Because of the complex paint scheme, it took me 31 hours to build my model. But I enjoyed almost every minute. The finished vehicle matched the dimensions I found for the BMPT on Wikipedia. Keep up the good work, Zvezda — I’ll be back.
Note: A version of this review appeared in the October 2015 FineScale Modeler.