The GHQ 1/285th/6mm Scale Eitan A.P.C. build review
Kit No. IS26
MSRP: $13.99
There are 5 models per pack
In Production from GHQ and other online wargame miniatures stores.
MSRP: $13.99
There are 5 models per pack
In Production from GHQ and other online wargame miniatures stores.
HISTORY:
For decades the Israeli Defense Force has used the M113 as their primary Armored Personal Carrier, command, engineer and recovery vehicle.
However, time and new weapons have caused the M113 to be reconsidered as an APC and the IDF have built the Heavy APC series based on tank chassis such as the Achzarit, Nakpadon and the Namer.
Recently a new APC, the Eitan (Hebrew for steadfast or strong), has become the newest vehicle to enter IDF service and is developed by The Merkava and Armored Vehicles Directorate in the IMOD (Israeli Ministry Of Defense) to replace the M113.
The Eitan is an 8×8 APC with composite armor, remotely controlled weapons station with a 12.7mm machine gun, a 7.62mm machine gun and a mine protected hull making the Eitan much better protected than the M113.
While the Eitan is still in testing it is already been in use in Gaza. The first mission of the Eitan occurred after the October 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attack against Israel.
During the Battle of Zikim, the IDF training base located near there was overrun by terrorist and several of the APCs were called upon to help the base. Because of it’s high speed (90km/hr. or 56 mph) it reached the base in time to engage the terrorist and retake the base.
While the APC version uses a remotely controlled weapons station a new unmanned turret with a 20mm cannon is planed for future Eitan vehicles.
For decades the Israeli Defense Force has used the M113 as their primary Armored Personal Carrier, command, engineer and recovery vehicle.
However, time and new weapons have caused the M113 to be reconsidered as an APC and the IDF have built the Heavy APC series based on tank chassis such as the Achzarit, Nakpadon and the Namer.
Recently a new APC, the Eitan (Hebrew for steadfast or strong), has become the newest vehicle to enter IDF service and is developed by The Merkava and Armored Vehicles Directorate in the IMOD (Israeli Ministry Of Defense) to replace the M113.
The Eitan is an 8×8 APC with composite armor, remotely controlled weapons station with a 12.7mm machine gun, a 7.62mm machine gun and a mine protected hull making the Eitan much better protected than the M113.
While the Eitan is still in testing it is already been in use in Gaza. The first mission of the Eitan occurred after the October 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attack against Israel.
During the Battle of Zikim, the IDF training base located near there was overrun by terrorist and several of the APCs were called upon to help the base. Because of it’s high speed (90km/hr. or 56 mph) it reached the base in time to engage the terrorist and retake the base.
While the APC version uses a remotely controlled weapons station a new unmanned turret with a 20mm cannon is planed for future Eitan vehicles.
Mass 30–35 tonnes
Length 8.0 m (26.2 ft)
Width 3.0 m (9.8 ft)
Height 3.0 m (9.8 ft)
Crew 3 (commander, driver, RCWS operator)[5]
Passengers 9 troops
Armor Iron Fist Light Decoupled APS
Main
armament
Samson RCWS (Katlanit) with a M2 machine gun (APC variant)
Secondary
armament
Pintle-mounted 7.62mm NATO machine gun (APC variant)
Engine MTU 6V890 diesel engine [6] 6.67-litre
750 PS (552 kW)
Transmission Allison 4800 SP
Suspension 8x8
Operational
range
1,000 km (620 mi)
Maximum speed 90 km/h (56 mph)
Length 8.0 m (26.2 ft)
Width 3.0 m (9.8 ft)
Height 3.0 m (9.8 ft)
Crew 3 (commander, driver, RCWS operator)[5]
Passengers 9 troops
Armor Iron Fist Light Decoupled APS
Main
armament
Samson RCWS (Katlanit) with a M2 machine gun (APC variant)
Secondary
armament
Pintle-mounted 7.62mm NATO machine gun (APC variant)
Engine MTU 6V890 diesel engine [6] 6.67-litre
750 PS (552 kW)
Transmission Allison 4800 SP
Suspension 8x8
Operational
range
1,000 km (620 mi)
Maximum speed 90 km/h (56 mph)
THE MODEL:
The GHQ models come in a package of 5 vehicles and 6 R.C.W.S. (Remote Control Weapons Station) giving the modeler an extra machine gun in case of losing one or a damaged part.
Each APC is a one piece mold and is hollow on the bottom. The detail is great, especially in this small of a scale where the model is only 1” long (2.54cm).
The GHQ models come in a package of 5 vehicles and 6 R.C.W.S. (Remote Control Weapons Station) giving the modeler an extra machine gun in case of losing one or a damaged part.
Each APC is a one piece mold and is hollow on the bottom. The detail is great, especially in this small of a scale where the model is only 1” long (2.54cm).
BUILDING AND PAINTING:
After adding the RCWS to the models I started painting by priming the model with The Army Painter Desert Sand spray can.
After adding the RCWS to the models I started painting by priming the model with The Army Painter Desert Sand spray can.
For the finish coat I used the Vallejo Israeli Defense Force IDF Colors Set Ref. 71.210 which are Model Air paints but work well when brush painting as the paints are already thinned for airbrush use.
I used 1 drop of 71.023 Tan Green to 2 drops of 70.614 IDF Israeli Sand Grey 67-71 Surface Primer. The tires and machine guns were painted Vallejo Model Color German Grey 70.995.
I applied a wash using The Army Painter Mid Brown Wash WP1469 and a few drops of their Speedpaint Medium WP2000P. I applied this mix to all of the details.
I used 1 drop of 71.023 Tan Green to 2 drops of 70.614 IDF Israeli Sand Grey 67-71 Surface Primer. The tires and machine guns were painted Vallejo Model Color German Grey 70.995.
I applied a wash using The Army Painter Mid Brown Wash WP1469 and a few drops of their Speedpaint Medium WP2000P. I applied this mix to all of the details.
After the wash had dried I made another thin wash of Master Series Paints by Reaper Miniatures 09257 Blond Hair using 1 drop of Blond Hair to 10 drops of distilled water.
This was applied all over the model to give it a dusty look which is common on Israeli armor.
This was applied all over the model to give it a dusty look which is common on Israeli armor.
This was a great model to add to my collection of 1/285 models and I highly recommend GHQ for their quality products and fast service.
I purchased my model directly from GHQ.
I recommend this model and it is suitable for wargames and dioramas.
I purchased my model directly from GHQ.
I recommend this model and it is suitable for wargames and dioramas.
Their website is:
https://www.ghqmodels.com/
https://www.ghqmodels.com/