The correct military designation for this weapon is SO-122 but it is commonly known as the Gvozdika (Carnation). It entered service with the Soviet and Polish armies in 1971 and was first seen in public during a parade held in Poland in July 1974. The 2S1 shares many automotive components with the MT-LB multi purpose tracked armoured vehicle. The 2S1 was developed at the Kharkov Tractor Works with the first production vehicles being produced in 1972. it is estimated that over 10,000 were built for the home and export markets with production being completed around 1991.

Again, this is an Ace kit, one of several companies in partnership with SIGA. The parts are on four hefty sprues of whitish grey plastic and are well detailed. There is some mold seam flash on all the parts that will need to be cleaned up, but nothing that most modelers wouldn't take care of on any other kit. Apparently this vehicle has a similar chassis to the SNAR-10 previously reviewed as the track and wheels sprues are identical. Of course, it could be that they are generic sprues used for a number of similar vehicles. The plastic on this kit is also relatively thick and may need some thinning down to get perfect fit so it is a good ideal to dry fit every part prior to gluing. In concert with the previous kits, the suspension parts are molded as part of the side pieces. Personally, I like this approach as it is just one more fiddly thing that doesn't need to be glued on. Besides, they'll be hidden by the road wheels anyway!

The instruction sheet follows a familiar SIGA pattern of having the main construction sequence down the center and right hand of one side of the page with sub assemblies on the right. Colors are given where needed and all are generic. There are plenty of notes as to any changes that may need to be made to the kit. There are seven paint/decal options offered. Two Soviet, one each of Russian, Finnish, Ukrainian, Polish and Iraqi Army. All but the Russin, Finnish and Iraqi  versions are in Khaki Green. The Iraqi is in sand, the Finnish in Dark Green, Light Green and Black, and the Russian one in Yellow-brown and Khaki Green. The decal sheet is a bit larger than with the other kits. It is well printed and appears to be very thin.

This appears to be another very well thought-out  kit of a subject that was unknown to me.  Fans of modern 1/72 armor should really appreciate this one.

Review kit courtesy of SIGA Models. Thanks for your support.

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