KiwiGavs Meng Russian Armoured Vehicle GAZ-233014 STS Tiger

[kiwigav]

Hi guys this will be my entry into the Modern Armour SIG



I have also purchased the MIG Modern Russian Paint set and keen to see how it looks on the Tiger

[JediBoer]

Looks like a stunning kit. I've also ordered the Modern Russian Camo Colors for the Meng Terminator which is on my list for later this year so looking forward to hearing what you thing of the MIg Acrylics. Enjoy the build. I will keep an eye on this one!

[Gav0909]

I have had my eye on this kit for a while. Will be interesting to see you build it up. I have heard that some of the paints in the Russian Colours set are the ones which Paul had trouble with. Although as he suggested if you thin them with Mr Hobby thinner then they work fine! Just a wee heads up.

[robertw]

I've had this one in the stash for a while now. Can't wait to see it come together.

[kiwigav]

I have had my eye on this kit for a while. Will be interesting to see you build it up. I have heard that some of the paints in the Russian Colours set are the ones which Paul had trouble with. Although as he suggested if you thin them with Mr Hobby thinner then they work fine! Just a wee heads up.

Cheers for the heads up Gav

[kiwigav]

Buld Log 1

Ok got the build started and have really like the nice instructions that Meng have put out. Booklet format so much easier and other manufacturers need to follow this, none of those annoying multi fold sheets.

Put on the chassis parts and progressed nice and quickly. Plan to pre assemble as many parts of the chassis and tub and then prime.



moving fast got alot done before realizing I hadn't logged progress photos


got the steering arms and shocks in looking good. A day later I noticed that a stray drop of glue got onto the swivel part of the steering linkage and reduce the amount of steering. Not too worried about that as it will be on a base and no really played with.

Ok back to the bench

[kiwigav]

Here is a little info on the Tiger

The GAZ-2330 Tigr is a 4x4 multi-role, all-terrain light armoured vehicle manufactured by Military Industrial Company (BMK), a part of GAZ Group. The vehicle is primarily operated by Russian Defence Ministry and Ministry of the Interior forces.
The vehicles are deployed by the rapid-reaction teams and special forces for conducting escort missions, patrols and counter-terrorist operations.
The first Tigr prototype vehicles were unveiled in 2002 and production commenced in 2004. The initial orders were received from the Russian Defence Ministry and the Ministry of Interior. The vehicle is being offered primarily for police and defence customers in Russia.
China received 100 SPM-2E Tiger vehicles in 2008. Other countries intending to purchase Tiger vehicles include Brazil and customers in the Middle East.
In October 2012, Russian Ministry of the Interior (MVD) signed an agreement with Nicaragua to supply an unspecified number of Tigr vehicles.
GAZ-2330 Tigr is deployed by the Russian soldiers during the Crimean crisis between Russia and Ukraine in 2014.
GAZ Tigr variants

"The vehicles are deployed by the rapid-reaction teams and special forces for conducting escort missions, patrols and counter-terrorist operations."
The Tigr is produced in a wide-range of variants for a number of applications. GAZ-2975 is the military variant of the GAZ-2330 Tigr, and the GAZ-233001 is an unarmoured version developed for the civilian market.
GAZ-233034 and GAZ-233036 SPM-2 are multi-role armoured police vehicles designed for the police and law enforcement agencies. The SPM-2 offers a NATO STANAG 4569 level 2 ballistic protection.
Other variants include GAZ-233014-0000186 and GAZ-233014-0000184 armoured personnel carriers, MK-BLA-01 UAV carrier, Kornet-EM multi-purpose missile system, Tigr Scout vehicle and Tigr-M mobile electronic warfare vehicle.

Tigr Design
The GAZ Tigr incorporates a conventional layout with engine forward, crew cab in the middle and a troop section at rear. The vehicle resembles the US made HMMWV. The modular design of the Tigr allows the conversion of base vehicle into passenger, armoured and cargo platforms. The vehicle can be configured to meet various mission requirements of the customers.
The vehicle has a length of 5.16m, a width of 2.2m and a height of 2m. It can carry a payload of 1,500kg. The standard version of the Tigr vehicle accommodates a driver and 11 passengers. Other variants are equipped with seating for four to nine occupants.
Armaments and self-protection of GAZ-2330

The standard Tigr vehicle can be armed with a 7.62mm/12.7mm machine gun or 30mm automatic grenade launcher. The armament is mounted on the top of the roof.
The armoured variant of Tigr is equipped with armour plates, spall liners and bulletproof glass windows. The vehicle is available in two protection levels. The armour protects the crew and occupants from small arms fire, artillery shell splinters and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The armoured variant is 700kg heavier than the standard Tigr vehicle.

Engine
The GAZ Tigr base variant is powered by Cummins B205 20 diesel engine coupled to either GAZ JSC 5-speed mechanical or Allison LCT-1000 automatic transmission. The engine provides a maximum on road speed of 140km/h. A pre-heater ensures the start of the engine during cold weather. The engine compartment is equipped with automatic fire suppression system.
Other engine options available for the vehicle are Cummins B-180 5.9l, 180hp; Cummins B-214 5.9l, 215hp; or GAZ-562 3.2l, 197hp turbocharged diesel engine.

Mobility
The Tigr is equipped with a full-time all-wheel-drive. The independent torsion-bar crossbar-type suspension consists of hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers and stabilisers. The KI-115AM tyres are fitted with automatic tyre inflation system. The system allows the driver to adjust tyre pressure according to various terrain conditions.

The vehicle has demonstrated excellent cross-country mobility on difficult sand dunes. It has high operating capability in the desert climates with ambient temperatures of up to +50°C. The vehicle can negotiate departure angles of 52°, and can ford a water depth of 1.2m.

[robertw]

That's looking fantastic!

[kiwigav]

Build Log 2

Got some more done today, making the most of the holiday break. But back to work Monday so things may slow down a little.
Got alot primed in Black and highlights done on Chassis with a very dark grey. Also dry brushed the Chassis with some silver to give a black metallic look.



For some reason my camera on my phone has picked up a green hue from a wall behind me, so no there is no green still showing.



Tread Plate painted just to add some wash and apply some decals in next stage


Up next more interior painting and decals

[Filmman586]

Looking Awesome Gav! I have this kit as well!

[DBMiller]

Looking good so far! Lee reviewed this kit not too long ago and he seemed excited about it as well!
[youtube]SNt_mT9qdW8[/youtube]

I hope he doesn't mind the link.

[kiwigav]

Build Log 3

Have got the Chassis and tub mostly completed. Painted all seats and console. Also pleased with the outcome of the dash, Decals were very tiny but settled down nice with the use of "Micro Sol and Set". Used Vallejo Model Air Pale Blue Grey 71.046 for Seats and other interior detail. Camo masks wend down well also. I was a little apprehensive about these but took my time and came out well. I cover the decals with a Flat clear.

This Meng kit so far has been great, living up to the hype. No fit issues at all.

Progress Photos



Camo Detail




Dash and Dials The carrier film of the decals was larger than the part but with careful placement and the use of Micro SOL the decals settled down nicely.
Also Used Microscale Kristal Klear over the dials and they dried clear to look as good as glass( Thanks Lee ... If I remember you may have mentioned this trick in a video a while ago!!)


Theres that green reflection again

[kiwigav]

Build Log 4

With limited time at the moment on the bench, I have got a little more done.

Meng have put camouflage decals on the interior to represent a vehicle lining. Looking at Mengs You Tube build video and a few Kit reviews, Including Lee's, I was very apprehensive about applying these decals. The decal discipline is not my strong suit and have ruined a few in my time. But... Using proper Decal Solutions ie Microscale in this case, made the task a dream. The only advise I have is watch tutorials about using decal solutions and trust what they do.

I am also using another Microscale product again.. Micro Mask. This is instead of Tamiya masking tape for the windows. After painting the body I will let you know how I went.



Micro Sol and Set also AK matt varnish, which I sprayed over the decals




Also started on some of the interior details. Here I am using Mig Clear blue for some clear parts

[timtamtung]

I got this kit too. looking very nice!

[DBMiller]

That interior camo looks like it should be shag carpet in a hippy van! And bongos. There should be bongos.



But I love the vehicle. Nice work, too!

[JediBoer]

Great work on the interior! Those decals took a lot of patience!

[PaulAyrey]

Oh wow, what a great little kit, and you are doing such a superb job with it. Very impressive so far

[kiwigav]

Oh wow, what a great little kit, and you are doing such a superb job with it. Very impressive so far

Kind words. Thank you Paul

[Yevgeny]

This kit it definitely on my wish list.
You are doing great job and decals look great , though I cant help, but think, what a strange choice of interior finish

[kiwigav]

Build Log 5

Got a little more done. Been working on body now have laid down the Sand colour for camo. The next stage is to mask off the sand area and paint
second camo colour - Green. Will use the BlueTac/Silly Putty method on this one or even freehand airbrush if I'm game!!

Also have tacked in place for painting the doors and hatch with white glue. The Tiger will be displayed with all open.



Next Colour

[Gav0909]

Coming on really nicely Gav. I always thought the camo in the back was a bit odd, think I would have to see a pic of the real vehicle to get an idea of what it really looks like. But well done on getting the decals in place without incident. Kudos.

Looking forward to seeing the main camo take shape.

[kiwigav]

Coming on really nicely Gav. I always thought the camo in the back was a bit odd, think I would have to see a pic of the real vehicle to get an idea of what it really looks like. But well done on getting the decals in place without incident. Kudos.

Looking forward to seeing the main camo take shape.

cheers Gav, thinking I might brush the camo as my airbrush isn't up to fine free hand work. yet again might try putty technique.

[kiwigav]

Build Log 6

A quick update on the build. Got the camo done... Not my most favorite thing in the world, but determined to master it. Detail painting and small parts to add on. Nearing the end of build. I like the kit And I think I might do a civilian version with a bit of kit bashing and put something together that a Hollywood star might drive!!

[Gav0909]

Looking good! Nice and neat work there. I am looking forward to seeing this get weathered up now.

[kiwigav]

Cheers Gav, will have fun dusting this one up

[gaz45]

nice work mate loving the camo

[kiwigav]

Build Log 7

The Final

Finished the detail painting and weathered the Tiger. Gave it a bit of a dusting here and there!!



will have final reveal vid and photos in reveal thread soon

cheers for everyone's nice comments

[Lee]

How have I missed this thread?!?

The decals scare the bejeezus out of me too...lol

Awesome work Gav, can't wait to get stuck into mine

[kiwigav]

How have I missed this thread?!?

The decals scare the bejeezus out of me too...lol

Awesome work Gav, can't wait to get stuck into mine

Decals did scare me, but took the slow and steady approach, made sure I didn't tear them. Fully recommend this kit to everyone. Back your comments on your review Lee 100%

[Panzermeister36]

Looks great Gav! The light dusting really brings the camo together but keeps it looking in use. That interior looks gorgeous yet insane with all those camo decals. Awesome work

[kiwigav]

Looks great Gav! The light dusting really brings the camo together but keeps it looking in use. That interior looks gorgeous yet insane with all those camo decals. Awesome work

Cheers mate. Enjoyed the build heaps