{"id":2496,"date":"2014-03-01T12:56:59","date_gmt":"2014-03-01T20:56:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ricklawler-propaganda.com\/propaganda\/?page_id=2496"},"modified":"2014-03-01T20:21:04","modified_gmt":"2014-03-02T04:21:04","slug":"red-army-war-wagon-btr-80","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ricklawler-propaganda.com\/propaganda\/modeling-projects\/red-army-war-wagon-btr-80\/","title":{"rendered":"Red Army War Wagon – BTR 80"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>The BTR was the logical evolution of the wheeled armored personnel carrier BTR series that more or less hit its stride in the 1960\/s with the development of the BTR-60.\u00a0 The BTR-80 was based upon the lessons learned from the design and operations of the BTR-70 and incorporated sever key strengths of its design while bringing into the fold various technological suites as required by today’s battlefield environments.\u00a0 The standard operating crew included the driver, commander and gunner while up to eight combat ready soldiers could be ferried in relative safety in the revised fighting compartment.
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\"\"<\/a>The BTR-80 was designed with a certain level of self survivability in mind and could manage to lose two of its eight road wheels and still keep itself viable.\u00a0 Top speed was 80 Kph on smooth pavement, lesser on rough and uneven terrain.\u00a0 Amphibious capabilities could traverse relatively calm waters at roughly 9 kph with its integrated water jet propulsion system that required no outward preparation by the crew.<\/p>\n

Once in service, the BTR-80 had proven a winner for the Red Army, with off-road performance equal to that of any tracked vehicle systems coupled with excellent on-road performance.\u00a0 Where it lacked in protection and firepower it made up for mobility and speed.\u00a0 The BTR-80 chassis has also proven highly adaptable to the fitting of various armament types as well as flexible enough for several required battlefield roles including command vehicle, battlefield ambulance, signals and mobile communications station.<\/p>\n

If you happen to read my postings in chronological order it might seem that making a “career” in scale modeling can be a bit nomadic.\u00a0 For me it began with the magazines and articles written to whomever would accept, then it was my work \"\"<\/a>with MIG Productions – my role being distributor for the US\/Canada.\u00a0 Then, after 3 years I move to AK Interactive where my role expands as I take over editorship of The Weathering Magazine as well as build and paint models to showcase products and techniques for the web, catalogs, shows and the magazine.\u00a0 Fast forward to this current project, the BTR-80, as it marks my debut work from my latest move to AMMO of Mig Jimenez.\u00a0 At AMMO,\u00a0 we have a sense of purpose – even urgency – as we work hard to grow and establish the company from what was a messy break with AK.\u00a0 I continue as Editor of The Weathering Magazine, language editor for our numerous books and specialty publications, advertising copy and of course making models to which I hope not only showcase the AMMO product line, but also teaches and inspires. \u00a0 The constant amongst each of my moves – particularly with regard to AK and AMMO, has been my friendship and the opportunity to work with Mig Jimenez, Carlos Cuesta and Iain Hamilton.\u00a0\u00a0 To these gentlemen I tip my hat.<\/p>\n

Ok, now for the project.\u00a0 As usual, the release of our two new acrylic paint sets, NATO Colors and Modern Russian Colors,\u00a0 prompted the need for examples that showcase the products.\u00a0 Given the choice, I decided upon\u00a0 Modern Russian Colors – you gotta admit that the Russians have some pretty cool camo schemes.\u00a0 In addition, having recently built the S21 Gvozdika from Trumpeter I knew that I could find a very nice kit that I could build relatively quick.\u00a0 That last point – a quick build – is key in this line of work.\u00a0\u00a0 This BTR, for instance, was built, painted and weathered within a 2 week period.\u00a0\u00a0 The purpose for this project was to be featured on the AMMO Techniques Blog<\/a>, were we not only showcase products, but we also show tips and techniques.
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As I mentioned, the kit went together with ease and I was able to get the BTR to a point ready for painting after about 8 hours build time.\u00a0 Painting with the AMMO projects proved to be a complete joy – yes, I know that I’m supposed to say that, but these are REALLY nice products.\u00a0\u00a0 I realize that for most of you who are reading my Propaganda articles I am simply a name with some pictures of models.\u00a0 And although I work within the industry, I generally try not to get involved with the petty politics and sniping that seems to be an undercurrent of our hobby.\u00a0 My focus, my interest, my enthusiasm is for the hobby – pure and simple –\u00a0 the building, the painting, the weathering, the tutorials, the seminars…..all with the purpose to help other find the same enjoyment in the hobby as I have found.<\/p>\n

For me, I take it for granted that the enamel weathering products in the AMMO line are first-rate – easy to use with excellent results.\u00a0\u00a0 This was the result of a lot of hard work and support that happened under the AK flag – and has continued and been refined under the AMMO banner.\u00a0 The AK acrylic paints, however, have always (and continue) to suffer quality issues.\u00a0 We were aware of the issues of clogging, splatter, poor mix…etc., during our time with AK.\u00a0 Miguel especially worked hard to rectify the issues – working with all involved to find a solution.\u00a0 The problems, however, persisted without resolve.\u00a0 From my vantage point it appeared that the crucial support required for experiments and testing, retooling was dwindling.\u00a0 The AK ownership was primarily concerned with the bottom line, not the paint settling at the bottom of the bottles.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>The issues with the paints presented very real problems for modelers, and ourselves who demonstrate at seminars and club settings.\u00a0 The paints were not reliable.\u00a0 Our fear was that a painting demo would end in a cleaning session rather than a painting session.\u00a0 I distinctly remember me and Iain talking about this and altering our seminar format at AMPS 2013 for this reason, electing to pre-paint our demonstration pieces in our rooms rather than show this step in front of the audience. \u00a0\u00a0I hope that my comments are taken as intended; simply a description of our situation and our reality – nothing more.<\/p>\n

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This brings me back to the REALLY nice comment.\u00a0 The AMMO acrylics are excellent.\u00a0 I used the new paints directly from the bottles, both airbrush and brush, and in either method the paints performed as advertised.\u00a0 I was particularly impressed with the airbrush as I was<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>able to paint fine lines with ease, no splatter, no spider spray….just paint.\u00a0 So why the difference?\u00a0 In a word it’s MIG.\u00a0 Unencumbered since the split with AK, Miguel has put his name back on the label and is determined to bring modelers the best products possible.\u00a0 He is demanding of himself and those working with him – working tirelessly to bring modelers the best.\u00a0\u00a0 Sounds like an advertisement – I know – but it’s enthusiasm.\u00a0 I am pleased, excited and honored to be working with a brand committed to excellence.<\/p>\n

I will, once again, let the pictures speak for themselves.\u00a0 The techniques I have used are often used and well documented in other Propaganda articles.\u00a0 For me, it feels good to once again be in the swing of things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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