I ordered some BMP-1s from Old Glory recently to try my hand at converting futuristic BMP-4's. Their are a number of wonderful companies to buy futuristic vehicles from, but honestly i have found that converting existing vehicles with plasti-card and some bits usually makes for a more satisfying product, not to mention cheaper. Though i'm not a fantastic modeler in comparison with many, i needed to add a mechanized infantry vehicle to my Neo Soviet force for TacWars so i could field a mechanised infantry list. I think these will look good along side my futuristic BTR's from Antenocitas's workshop.
Step 1 : Selecting the Old GLory BMP-1 for conversion
After shopping around a bit and decided to go with the Old Glory models (I'm also a OG member :). These models were $14.40 for three pewter models, and are a PERFECT size for 15mm scifi. I picked the Recce version of the BMP since it has an enlarged turret and has a suitably different look than the standard BMP, leading to an easier conversion. I've never been a fan of QRF as most of the molds are see a bit mushy looking ( though in all honesty i haven't ordered from them as of yet to see for myself), and Skytrex is a little too expensive per vehicle for my taste.
The BMP-1s right out of the bag! Really REALLY nice models with little or no flash, though there are some mold lines.
Step 2 : Starting the Conversion
The BMP-4 IFV coming to life. I added armor skirts and a front plate, as well as reactive armor to the turret.
Step 3 : Finishing the Conversion
The finished BMP-4. I added even more reactive armor to the sides, some stowage and camo nets to the front and back, as well as attaching a coaxial HMG next to the Heavy Autocannon. I also cut down a DPG from Heavy Gear to make a Medium AT launcher to attach to the top of the turret. On the back of the vehicle is the unditching bar.
The finished BMP-4. I added even more reactive armor to the sides, some stowage and camo nets to the front and back, as well as attaching a coaxial HMG next to the Heavy Autocannon. I also cut down a DPG from Heavy Gear to make a Medium AT launcher to attach to the top of the turret. On the back of the vehicle is the unditching bar.
A Word on Old Glory...
I use Old Glory for much of my 15mm WW2 Russian army (My Red God of War battery, 45mm guns, Zis 2 guns, my BA 64's, Su122's, Su 85s, trucks and my custom made Tank riders...), and both my Carthaginian and Republican Roman 15mm armies, and i have NEVER been disappointed. The molds are always excellent, the size appropriate, and the value is unparalleled. I dont understand how some people don't get around to using them more! The best part about them is they hold paint fantastically, and have won a number of painting contests with my Russians. Ok, rant is over, sorry for its length!
Thanks for reading, comments welcome!
~Jared
