Academy 15405 - K808 White Tiger (4D Kit)

K808 White Tiger armoured personnel carrier self-assembly model – Academy 4D Kit

Academy 15405 depicts the K808 White Tiger (Baekho), a Korean 8x8 wheeled armoured personnel carrier and one of the most recognisable vehicles in service with the Republic of Korea Army today. The kit belongs to the 4D Kit series, where assembly comes down to clicking the parts together.

The parts are coloured at the factory, so painting is not required – once assembled, the model is ready for display. Kits in the 4D Kit series usually contain between roughly 20 and 40 parts; this one has 21, which makes for a very low difficulty level and a short, enjoyable build. The manufacturer recommends it from age 8, but it also works well as a quick break between larger projects or as an addition to a collection of modern Korean hardware.

What's in the box:

• Coloured plastic parts
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Kit specifications:

• Scale: not specified by the manufacturer
• Product code: 15405
• Manufacturer: Academy
• Series: 4D Kit
• Number of parts: 21
• Age: 8 and up
• Release: 2025
• Difficulty level: beginner

Please note: this is a self-assembly model. Paints and modelling tools are not included.

Building the model:

Assembly relies on snap-fit connections, so no glue is needed, and the factory-coloured parts mean painting can be skipped entirely. It is still worth taking a moment to cut the parts cleanly from the sprues and smooth the gate marks – a small detail that noticeably improves the look of the finished vehicle.

If you want to take things further, the model makes a rewarding practice piece: a wash to bring out the recesses and panel lines, a light dry-brush along the edges, or hand-painting the weapon and optics is enough to give the carrier a more realistic character. This is a suggestion rather than a requirement – the kit is complete as it is, unpainted.

Tools you will need:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• A hobby knife or scalpel
• A file or sanding paper to smooth the gate marks
• Optional: model paints, brushes and a wash, for builders who want to add their own painting

About the vehicle – K808 White Tiger:

The K808 White Tiger (Baekho) is an 8x8 wheeled armoured personnel carrier belonging to the KW1 family developed by Hyundai Rotem. It entered service with the Republic of Korea Army in 2017, replacing some older tracked vehicles and offering higher road speed and lower running costs on paved surfaces.

The vehicle is amphibious, using water jets for propulsion, which allows the K808 to cross water obstacles without preparation. The hull protects a crew of two plus nine dismounts, and the armament consists of a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun or a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher.

The KW1 family also includes a 6x6 version designated K806, intended mainly for rear-area duties. The K808 remains the front-line variant, designed to operate alongside mechanised units.

Original vehicle specifications (K808 White Tiger):

• Manufacturer: Hyundai Rotem
• Drive configuration: 8x8
• Weight: approx. 20 t
• Crew: 2 plus 9 dismounts
• Powerplant: diesel engine of approx. 420 hp
• Top speed: approx. 100 km/h on road, approx. 8 km/h in water
• Armament: 12.7 mm heavy machine gun or 40 mm automatic grenade launcher
• Water crossing: amphibious, propelled by water jets
• In service: since 2017 (Republic of Korea Army)

About the manufacturer – Academy:

Academy Plastic Model is a Korean manufacturer of assembly kits, in business since 1969. Its catalogue covers aircraft, ships, armour and civilian vehicles in the popular modelling scales, along with educational sets and simple kits aimed at younger builders. The brand is known for its broad range of Korean subjects – both modern Republic of Korea military hardware and cars from that market. Academy mouldings feature crisp engraved detail and good part fit, and the instructions are illustrated step by step, which helps less experienced modellers. A separate part of the catalogue consists of series with factory-coloured parts and snap-fit assembly, including the 4D Kit line. Academy kits are sold worldwide and have long been among the most widely chosen sets in the affordable segment.