Flyhawk 3018 – 1/72 Finnish BT-42 Assault Gun

Historical Context & Theme

The Finnish BT-42 Assault Gun is one of the most unusual armored fighting vehicles of World War II and a striking example of wartime improvisation. Developed by Finland during the Continuation War (1941–1944), the BT-42 was created by modifying captured Soviet BT-7 fast tanks. Facing severe shortages of modern armored vehicles, the Finnish Army sought to adapt available equipment to meet battlefield needs.

The original BT-7 turret was removed and replaced with a newly designed, angular superstructure housing a British 114 mm (4.5-inch) howitzer, originally intended for naval or coastal defense use. This unconventional armament gave the BT-42 strong high-explosive firepower, but limited anti-tank capability, as its ammunition was not well suited for armored combat.

BT-42 vehicles were deployed primarily in 1943–1944 and saw action against Soviet forces, most notably during the Battle of Tali-Ihantala, the largest battle ever fought in the Nordic countries. Despite the courage of their crews, the BT-42s struggled against modern Soviet armor such as the T-34. Nonetheless, they remain historically important as symbols of Finnish resilience and ingenuity under extreme constraints.

Today, the BT-42 stands as a rare and fascinating subject for modelers interested in lesser-known armored vehicles and the unique military history of Finland during WWII.

Figure / Vehicle Details & Realism

The Flyhawk 3018 Finnish BT-42 Assault Gun kit delivers an impressive level of precision and surface detail, capturing the distinctive shape and character of this rare vehicle.

Notable features include:

Highly accurate angular superstructure with correct proportions
Faithful reproduction of the modified turret and gun mount
Detailed suspension and running gear based on the BT-7 chassis
Sharp surface textures, rivets, and panel lines
Accurate representation of the 114 mm howitzer barrel
Optional parts to refine external details
Clean molding designed for precise assembly

Flyhawk’s engineering ensures that even small components retain clarity, making this kit suitable for both display models and advanced dioramas.

Diorama & Display Use

The Finnish BT-42 Assault Gun is ideal for dioramas depicting the Eastern Front’s northern sector and the unique environments of the Continuation War.

Recommended display themes include:

Finnish defensive positions in forested terrain
Continuation War battle scenes 1943–1944
Artillery support scenes behind the frontline
Winter warfare dioramas with snow and pine forests
Captured Soviet equipment repurposed by Finnish forces
Vehicle maintenance or crew preparation vignettes

Its uncommon silhouette immediately draws attention and adds originality to any WWII armor collection.

Material & Customization

This kit is produced in high-quality injection-molded plastic, offering excellent fit and compatibility with aftermarket accessories.

Customization options include:

Finnish wartime camouflage schemes
Winter whitewash finishes
Weathering effects such as mud, snow, and chipped paint
Addition of stowage, tarps, or spare track links
Integration with Finnish crew figures and infantry

Assembly and painting are required. Glue and paint are not included.

Who It’s For

This model is ideal for:

WWII armor enthusiasts seeking rare vehicles
Modelers interested in Finnish military history
Diorama builders focusing on the Continuation War
Collectors of unconventional armored vehicles
Intermediate to advanced scale modelers

The BT-42 offers a distinctive subject that stands apart from mainstream WWII armor kits.