While waiting on the gloss coat to dry on the Merkava MkIV decided to start on an “easy” one.
BMP-1U (Ukraine):
Found a cheap deal on e-Bay, which is what started this adventure. Then I was able to find a couple of turret conversions from SP Designs out of the Ukraine to make 'em unique.
SP Designs has some pretty great stuff that is different and unusual from the mainstream resin. I will say that their resins that I have used are pretty soft and there is some minor pitting in the mold but it is nothing major. So far I would recommend them to anyone.
I don’t honestly know. I am guessing Dragon just from the molding and details. I have done a Trumpeter BMP-1 before and they are very similar. But there are no markings I can see from the outside and I haven’t looked inside.
Will be watching this one with great interest. Always wanted to tackle one of these but my poor reference library will just now allow it right now.
Would be great if you could provide a bit more info on the SP designs stuff; I’ve been debating ordering something for over two years now, since they definitely have some more obscure stuff that is outright cheap compared to literally every other resin casting of Soviet equipment.
I think their stuff is pretty great. Shipping is very reasonable and, as you said, they have a lot of very obscure Modern Russian conversions.
As for the kits themselves, I am a little on the fence. The detail level of the castings is pretty good I would say. I did have issues with the barrel on this kit, however in their defense, it was a small piece and brass looks better anyway !
The resin is very soft compared to Verlinden casting but that makes them very easy to work with. I have yet to crack a piece when trimming with my cutters.
There are also some very, very small bubbles in the casting but I don’t believe they will show with paint. Not sure on that yet, but I should be laying primer on this vehicle in the next day or so (work/time permitting).
So, basically 50/50 on the SP Designs kits for now. But this is only my first one! I have one more on the shelf and two more on order from them. We shall see…
