Zvezda 6283 - 1:100 Soviet Light Artillery Tank BT-7A

Plastic Model Kit of the Soviet BT-7A Light Artillery Tank in 1:100 Scale

Zvezda 6283 is a self-assembly plastic model kit representing the Soviet BT-7A light artillery tank – a fire-support variant of the fast BT-7 cavalry tank. The vehicle received a larger cylindrical turret adapted from the T-26-4 tank and a short-barreled 76.2 mm KT-28 howitzer (a version of the M1927 regimental field gun modified for turret mounting). Secondary armament consisted of DT 7.62 mm machine guns – one coaxial with the main gun and, on some vehicles, an additional anti-aircraft machine gun mounted on the turret roof.

The 1:100 scale model is part of Zvezda’s “Art of Tactic” system – a series of tanks, artillery, aircraft, and infantry models designed both for assembly and for use in the company’s strategic tabletop game. The small number of parts and beginner-friendly engineering make assembly quick and accessible even for novice modelers.

Inside the box you will find:

• Plastic sprues with hull, turret, gun, and suspension components
• Flexible or one-piece tracks (depending on the sprue version)
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model technical details:

• Scale: 1:100
• Catalog number: 6283
• Manufacturer: Zvezda
• Finished model length: approx. 57 mm
• Difficulty level: beginner

Note: The kit does not include glue, paints, or modeling tools. The model requires assembly and painting.

Building the model:

Zvezda 1:100 scale kits feature a relatively small number of parts and are an excellent choice for beginners as well as modelers building large-scale dioramas in this scale. The standard BT-7A paint scheme during the 1937–1941 period was a uniform Soviet dark green 4BO “Russian Green,” sometimes combined with winter white camouflage or a three-color summer camouflage pattern (green + brown + yellow) occasionally used on vehicles during peacetime exercises. Vehicles used during the Battle of Khalkhin Gol in 1939 usually wore plain 4BO green. Recommended modeling paints include Tamiya XF-65 Field Grey, Vallejo Russian Green, or Mr. Hobby H73 Dark Green. A gloss coat is recommended before applying decals (to prevent decal silvering). A matte finish accurately reproduces the appearance of wartime military vehicles.

Essential tools:

• Model sprue cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Modeling knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for smoothing mold attachment points
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Paint brushes in various sizes
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Modeling wash for highlighting details

About the vehicle – BT-7A:

The BT-7A was an artillery-support variant of the Soviet BT-7 fast cavalry tank developed in the late 1930s at the Kharkov Komintern Locomotive Plant (KhPZ). The standard BT-7 was the final development of the Soviet BT (“Bystrokhodny Tank” – fast tank) series, based on the American Christie suspension design. These vehicles achieved very high speeds (up to 86 km/h on wheels) thanks to Christie suspension and their unique capability of operating both on tracks and on wheels after removing the tracks.

The BT-7A was developed in response to the need for direct fire support for fast armored units. The standard BT-7 armed with a 45 mm anti-tank gun proved ineffective against field fortifications and strongpoints, while the Red Army required a lightweight support tank capable of firing high-explosive shells. The solution was to adapt the turret from the T-26-4 support tank, mounting the short-barreled 76.2 mm KT-28 howitzer – a modified version of the M1927 regimental field gun adapted for turret installation. The vehicle received reinforced suspension components to handle the increased turret weight. Because of the heavier turret, the BT-7A could no longer operate in wheeled mode, losing one of the defining characteristics of the BT family.

Only a relatively small number of BT-7A tanks were produced (sources indicate approximately 150–155 vehicles between 1937 and 1938). They saw combat at Khalkhin Gol against Japanese forces in 1939, during the Winter War with Finland (1939–1940), and in the opening months of the German invasion of the Soviet Union during Operation Barbarossa in 1941. Most vehicles were lost during the catastrophic June–September 1941 period for the Red Army. One surviving BT-7A is currently displayed at Patriot Park near Moscow.

Technical data of the original vehicle (BT-7A):

• Length: approx. 5.66 m
• Width: approx. 2.29 m
• Height: approx. 2.52 m
• Combat weight: approx. 14.5 tons
• Crew: 3 (commander, driver, loader)
• Armor: 6–22 mm
• Main armament: 76.2 mm KT-28 howitzer
• Secondary armament: 1–2 × 7.62 mm DT machine guns
• Engine: Mikulin M-17T V12 gasoline engine, 450 hp
• Maximum speed: approx. 53 km/h on tracks
• Range: approx. 250 km on roads
• Production: 1937–1938, approx. 150 vehicles

About the manufacturer – Zvezda:

Zvezda is a Russian modeling company founded in 1990 and one of the largest plastic model kit manufacturers in Eastern Europe. The company’s catalog includes military models (tanks, vehicles, aircraft, ships), historical figures, and tabletop games with modeling elements. The 1:100 scale “Art of Tactic” series includes tanks, aircraft, artillery, and infantry from World War II, designed both for assembly and for use in the strategic tabletop game. Zvezda kits are known for their good level of detail, affordable pricing, and broad product range, making them popular among modelers worldwide.