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TOPOL SS-25 Sickle; 1:72 Scale (03303)
Topic Started: Aug 3 2016, 09:57 PM (399 Views)
Johni044
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John
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TOPOL SS-25 Sickle
1:72 Scale (03303)


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This will be a quick build review of the Topol SS-25, a full in box review is on this Link

This will not be a step-by-step account of the build, rather an overall impression together with any difficulties or issues I come across along the way. This model can be built either stowed for road transport (version 1) or deployed ready for launch (version 2). When in the deployed configuration the vehicle is raised hydraulically on large stabilizers which takes the weight off the vehicles suspension so the wheels are lower. This is catered for by separate suspension arms for the 14 road wheels. For ease of following the instructions I would strongly recommend going through them and mark the stages you are going to be making and those that you will be ignoring.

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As you may gather I’m going for version 2.

Something I wasn’t expecting was the part numbering, each sprue has parts starting from 1, not a problem as such but not come across this system before, as the sprues are not marked but refereed to in the instructions as A through to F, another time saving tip would be to wrap some masking tape around them and write the corresponding letter on it.

This kit can look rather daunting when you take it out of the box as the parts count is quite large at 309. However having spent a few hours on it now I can assure you that if you follow the instructions that the parts fit together quite exceptionally. There are a few delicate parts but so far with the help of a new scalpel blade, none have snapped during removal from the sprue and connection points tend to be appropriate to the fragility of the part.

So far I have only needed the following equipment for the build.

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The Tamiya extra thin is a product I had not used before and I am an absolute convert.

Progress to date:

The chassis

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Hydraulic Stabilizers and Launch Ramp

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Ordinance

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A test fit of sub assemblies

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Johni044
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John
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This really is an exceptionally well fitting and detailed kit, the chassis has been assembled, as has the launch ramp and missile. The chassis has received its first coat of black, it will need another and then a little detail and maybe weathering.

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spitfire1677
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That looks to be a great kit John, nice start, though I don't envy you doing the camouflage of the vehicle on the box art :woo:
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Johni044
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John
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Revell 1:72 TOPOL SS-25 Sickle ICBM
Russia 2011

2015#15

Type of Build – Out Of Box

Paints used
Humbrol 30 Acrylic (as a primer)
Humbrol 33 Mat Black
Revell Aquacolor 361 Silk Olive Green
Revell Aquacolor 06 Mat Tar Black
Revell Aquacolor 36 Carmine Red
Revell Aquacolor 90 Silver
Revell Aquacolor 05 Mat White

Painting method – Brush painted

Weathering - a light application of Flory Models Dark Dirt Wash

Adhesive
Tamiya Extra Thin liquid cement
Loctite Superglue (CVA)


Here is my attempt at the Revell re-boxing of the 2014 Zevezda Kit. It was built completely out of the box with no extras at all.

The fit of the parts is exemplary throughout with a couple of exceptions, which I will go into later.

The kit can be made with the missile in ether the raised or lowered position. As in the launching configuration the entire structure is raised on hydraulic legs, the suspension for the 14 wheels has to be constructed either loaded or unloaded. I found to of great assistance to go through the instructions and mark which stages are required for your desired configuration to avoid confusion later.

I had not made a military vehicle for around 40 years so tackled this one using tips gleaned from various forums over recent months. In essence I glued together unpainted parts as much as possible using the Tamiya Extra Thin liquid cement (first time I’ve used it and now a total convert) then painting the resultant sub assembles before bringing them all together.

Things to look out for:
1.It’s quite complicated with small parts so take your time.
2.The ramp (part B11) is hinged and the instructions tell you not to glue it, however once the missile it attached the hinge is quite weak so I would recommend you add some glue once everything is lined up.
3.The pannier floor (part A3) is moulded with two very weak rods that connect the left and right sides, these snapped on mine, however it was an easy job to reassemble them once they were in situ on the chassis.
4.The worst fitting parts came right at the end when small parts were fitted to the chassis only in as much as the holes on the chassis were too small for the locating pins (e.g. front ladder and fire extinguishers). I would open theses op a little as manoeuvring the finished model when fully assembled can be a little tricky particularly if built in the launch configuration.

Overall a great kit I would happily make again, possibly in the three tone scheme I wimped out of with this build.


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CPNGROATS
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John: Impressive looking model, :thumb:

Cheers,

ggc
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Johni044
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John
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Thanks.

PS. Here's what it looks like in operation, I was surprised how rapidly it deploys.

https://youtu.be/UzPVaIyZmGs
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CPNGROATS
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Johni044
Sep 16 2016, 09:29 AM
Thanks.

PS. Here's what it looks like in operation, I was surprised how rapidly it deploys.

https://youtu.be/UzPVaIyZmGs
Impressive video, thanks for sharing...!

Cheers,

ggc :codger:
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