Arctic Explorer from BTR 1/35

[buzzbomb]

Possibly not the best vehicle for this, but maybe the operators came across some cheap BTR-70/80 hulls that offered some decent off road capability, with some vestige of amphibious capability still intact.
To create a more comfortable passenger space, the hull was modified with an larger space with windows and better environmental systems.

I think I will try this build using 3D printed bits and pieces to see how that compares to my normal uber scratchbuilding methods
So to start, design and print some chunkier wheels, based on tractor tyres and roughed out passenger space.


So, some construction work and really pretty much, this is about it. Some more greeblies perhaps

[Old Wombat]

Ah! Delayed telecast!  

[Rick Lowe]

Looking good so far. 

[NARSES2]

Looking good so far. 

It certainly is 

[Weaver]

Doesn't seem unreasonable, although if I had a choice of Soviet armoured vehicles, I'd start with an MTLB. A BTR could definitely benefit from trading weaponry for more interior volume if the mission allows that though.

It's a BTR-70 isn't it? IIRC, the BTR-80 has a larger gap between the 2nd and 3rd roadwheels to allow for the tiny-but-better-than-nothing side doors.

[buzzbomb]

It's a BTR-70 isn't it? IIRC, the BTR-80 has a larger gap between the 2nd and 3rd roadwheels to allow for the tiny-but-better-than-nothing side doors.

An ancient Zvesda BTR-70 that has been preloved at least twice before, once out of the box, then again as a platform for surveillance radar and now this.

Smarter folks than me found some other similar BTR conversions and since then, a side ramp/door has been added.
Where we are now with a lick of paint.


A couple more greeblies then a bit of a base to set the scene and some light ice build up on the vehicle to suit.
More pix (and better lit) when finished

[Weaver]

Damn that looks good! 

[Rick Lowe]

It certainly does. 

[Wardukw]

Buzzy ..that's very very cool and 100% doable because it has been done ..ive got pics of a highly modified BTR70 which is pretty damn amazing build .
I'll hunt the pics down of it.
Yours does look better cause of your wheels..they make it more serious in its appearance which I like 👍 😁

[Old Wombat]

All caught up!

Still looks awesome!

[NARSES2]

Damn that looks good! 

Certainly does 

[Mossie]

T

Damn that looks good! 

Certainly does 

Definitely.  The colour scheme brings it out, I like the addition of the 3D prints as well.

[buzzbomb]

Thanks team,

gone together reasonably well
So here it pretty much is





Not a custom base, it was borrowed from a Finnish T-72 builds, which is kind of appropriate.

[su27rules]

      

[Steel Penguin]

good looking conversion, and a very striking colour scheme as well