UM Models 1/72 Armored Vehicle BA-10
I needed a Russian BA-10 for the Clash of Reconnaissance scenario in Battlegroup Kursk. I didn't see a kit at any of my local hobby shops, so I went searching on the internet for something that would work.
At first I thought about using resin, even though I have never tried it before. But then the questions came in: What glue do I use? How do I prime it? Is resin sturdy enough for gameplay? Are air bubbles a problem? Who is a good manufacturer for 20mm or 1/72 scale?
In the end there were too many questions for me. So I went looking for a plastic model kit. I spotted UM's offerings on Michigan Toy Soldier's site and thought that it might work, so I picked one up.
The first thing that I noticed was that this was a serious kit. It has one hundred (100) pieces in it! Goodness! Assembly took a lot of time and I had trouble with some areas; especially the tires until I realized that there was a small lip on them that made them go on one way over the other. The headlights were also quite difficult to cut and assemble. The pieces were tiny and I needed tweezers and magnification to get the job done.
As you can see, in the end the model is beautiful! The detail is amazing and I know that it will look good on the table. This was my first super-detailed kit and I am sure that the next one will go a lot faster. However, I can see why some people choose to go the resin route as it would save a ton of time. Once I get my questions answered I'll have to give resin a try.
At first I thought about using resin, even though I have never tried it before. But then the questions came in: What glue do I use? How do I prime it? Is resin sturdy enough for gameplay? Are air bubbles a problem? Who is a good manufacturer for 20mm or 1/72 scale?
In the end there were too many questions for me. So I went looking for a plastic model kit. I spotted UM's offerings on Michigan Toy Soldier's site and thought that it might work, so I picked one up.
The first thing that I noticed was that this was a serious kit. It has one hundred (100) pieces in it! Goodness! Assembly took a lot of time and I had trouble with some areas; especially the tires until I realized that there was a small lip on them that made them go on one way over the other. The headlights were also quite difficult to cut and assemble. The pieces were tiny and I needed tweezers and magnification to get the job done.
As you can see, in the end the model is beautiful! The detail is amazing and I know that it will look good on the table. This was my first super-detailed kit and I am sure that the next one will go a lot faster. However, I can see why some people choose to go the resin route as it would save a ton of time. Once I get my questions answered I'll have to give resin a try.
Looks really nice. If you are interested, I am working on 20mm stuff for Battlegroup Kursk myself....
ReplyDeletehttp://blitzbattles.blogspot.com/
Gareson - I have seen your blog before and it is a good one! It is brilliant that you have your wife help you. I love that. You are very prolific and I am envious that you are able to get so much done in such a short amount of time. Nice job! - Jeff
DeleteLooks great! I will be getting one for my Finnish Rapid Fire! army.
ReplyDeleteI wish that the Battlegroup team would make a Finnish army list soon. My fingers are crossed. - Jeff
DeletePegasus makes a fine BA-10 in plastic plus they are fast builds! 100 pieces..ouch.
ReplyDeleteDo they? I'll have to go and check that out. I thought that UM was one of the few who made the BA-10. Maybe I missed something.
DeleteYes, 100 pieces is a lot. It is a good thing that I only need one of them right now. If I decide to get more I may have to come up with a better idea. But, it is a pretty model, though.
After assembling this exact model myself. I found I should have ordered Pegasus, and probably will in future. Um models are fiddly and pretty time consuming.
ReplyDeleteI assembled a BT-5 from the same manufacturer and that was actually worse! ( i vow never to make a BT-5 again from UM,)
This BA-10 is a frequent addition to my Bolt Action Soviets.
Check out the Pegasus line, they really do cater for us Green obsessed Russians!
dblancer - I didn't realize that Pegasus made a BA-10. When I purchased this from UM I saw that they had a BA-6 (with the turret that sticks out in the back). I'll look for it. Thanks for the tip.
DeleteI agree with you: the UM models are pretty, but they are fiddly to put together.