Trumpeter BTR-50 in 1:35 scale

Finished in 2012. Trumpeter has some nice detail on this kit, but the band tracks are a big disappointment. The tracks are a stretchy material that doesn’t sit well. There are a few omissions and some extra effort is needed to make the hatches fit.

Good points include nice photo-etched brass parts and nice fit overall. To liven up the monotone green scheme, the modulation technique was experimented with and the effects were pleasing. Vallejo Model Air paints were used to airbrush three shades of green in a light to dark pattern that emulates how real light falls on an object.

Artists’ oil paints were employed to create slight variations in the color and to simulate grease stains on the engine deck. Ground pastel dust dissolved in water was used to wash over the suspension, track and lower hull.

The markings depict a vehicle in the Nationale Volksarmee (East Germany).