FV 103 Spartan

1:72 scale, Spalah Models

Reviewed by Zack Sex

USD$56.00 plus shipping from Spalah Models

B a c k g r o u n d

Developed during the 1970s as part of the British Army’s CVRT (Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked)) family, the FV103 Spartan shared its chassis with the Scorpion and Scimitar light tanks. The Spartan was also developed in ambulance, command-and-control and missile-launcher configurations, but its primary role was that of a compact personnel carrier for specialist troops such as reconnaissance teams, artillery forward observers and anti-aircraft missile teams.

Production of the Spartan commenced at Alvis’s Coventry works in 1978 and continued into the 1980s. Lightly armoured and extremely compact, the vehicle was ideally suited to moving specialist personnel rapidly around the battlefield. The Spartan saw plenty of activity during large-scale NATO exercises and subsequently served during the Gulf War and in various peacekeeping operations in the Balkans. Its small size, compact dimensions and powerful Jaguar engine made it a fast-moving and difficult target.

Overseas operators included Belgium, Nigeria, Jordan and Oman, while the British Army finally retired the Spartan from frontline service in 2009 after more than three decades of active service.

That might have been where the Spartan story ended, but Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 gave the little CVRT a new lease of life. With huge numbers of Ukrainian armoured vehicles being lost or damaged, the need for equipment to replenish frontline units became increasingly urgent. The British government initially donated 35 FV 103 Spartans in 2022, with more subsequently supplied through official channels and private fundraising campaigns. One such campaign raised funds to acquire a further 60 Spartans for Ukrainian units.

Spalah Models, based in Ukraine, has produced a growing range of vehicles and artillery pieces in 1:72 and 1:35 scales, many representing equipment that has seen – and in some cases continues to see – active service in the war in Ukraine.

This 1:72 scale FV 103 is a very fine rendition of the Spartan, with an impressive level of detail both inside and out. The interior is particularly well rendered, while the doors and their catches are produced to a high level of precision. The hatches can simply be popped into position and opened or closed without fear of them falling off.

The wheels and tracks are supplied moulded or printed as complete assemblies. These are highly accurate and save the modeller the considerable chore of assembling individual track links.

One small note of caution concerns the smoke grenade launchers. On our review sample, one had broken away from its delicate but accurately reproduced mounting and was sitting loose in the bottom of its sealed bag. Given its tiny size, it would be very easy to overlook, so check the packaging carefully before declaring any parts missing.

There are plenty of opportunities for adding some Ukrainian-specific character to the model, too. Some of the crowdfunded Spartans have been photographed without their smoke launchers and fitted with .50 cal machine guns, grenade launchers and locally fabricated weapon turrets. A quick online search will turn up plenty of excellent photographic reference for anyone wanting to model one of these field modifications.

This is a fine little kit of a fascinating vehicle with an even more fascinating modern combat history. The combination of excellent detail, clever engineering and its contemporary Ukrainian connection makes it an especially appealing subject.

Highly recommended.

Zack Sex

Thanks to Spalah Models for the sample www.spalah-models.com