1:35 Sweden Strv 103C MBT

Swedish Strv 103C 1:35 (Trumpeter)

An injection-molded plastic model of the Swedish turretless Strv 103C tank, the so-called S-tank, in 1:35 scale from Trumpeter. The kit captures the low turretless hull with its fixed gun mounting in the later C form and contains decals and vinyl (rubber) parts. This is the C version, the upgrade of the Strv 103B, which is a separate kit worth comparing.

The real subject

The Stridsvagn 103 was a revolutionary Swedish tank of the 1960s with a turretless concept, in which the gun was built rigidly into the hull and was aimed by traversing the whole vehicle and tilting it with the hydropneumatic suspension. The 103C version was the final stage of the upgrade: it received a more powerful diesel engine, a better laser rangefinder and a permanently mounted dozer blade at the front. It kept the low silhouette and the strong frontal armor of the whole family.

Building and painting tips

With a tank it pays to assemble and paint the running gear, the wheels and the tracks before the hull is closed. Glue the plastic parts with thin modeling cement for plastic. Apply a primer before painting and spray the Swedish camouflage scheme with an airbrush in thin coats. Volume is added by picking out the edges with a dry brush, dark washes in the recesses and pigments for dust and mud effects on the chassis and the tracks; you can give the dozer blade character with abrasion and a hint of bare metal.

Who the model is for

• Modelers interested in Swedish and Cold War armor
• Collectors of unconventional turretless tanks in 1:35 scale
• Builders who want to tell the late C version apart from the early B version

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.