Oktober Guard BTR-80 APC (G.I. Joe)

This model comes from a G.I. Joe Special Missions comic; an armored personnel carrier (APC) used by the Oktober Guard. As you might imagine it was never released as a real toy. Identified as the BTR-80 by a plane flying overhead.

The comic book shows just about every angle of the vehicle but I did have to improvise in a few places. The most interesting and characterful aspect to me was the front skis. If you look closely, to adapt the vehicle for winter conditions you just pull the tires off the wheels and replace them with bolt-on skis. A typical and pragmatic solution to a problem and it really suits how the Oktober Guard was presented in comics.
As much as I like the idea of the skis you may notice all my models were made as 8 wheel versions. (ha!)

I modeled this in what I assume would be the size that the real toy would have been produced if it had existed. But as always, I intend these to be printed at 25%. Unless you stay in that size range your print may have too much or too little detail.

My finished models weigh 32 grams so each one cost me only 70 cents each for the material to print it out. I have not painted these yet (so no pictures) because it's been below freezing outside the last week or so. Prime, paint, and then post when it gets warmer outside.

This file is free to download. Note that it is listed as non-commercial because this was copied from intellectual property that I do not own. As such neither you nor I are allowed to sell physical copies of this 3-D model. You are allowed (and encouraged) to print copies for your own personal use. ‘Makes’ are appreciated.

Printing is straightforward. Print the chassis with the 'show' side up and use supports as needed. The turret should be printed so the barrels are parallel to the build plate - this gives them greater strength. Tires are printed with the "hubcaps" up and the skis flat on the build plate. I'm a lazy painter so the star is intended to be an easy way to put a perfect red star on each side.

Much respect and gratitude to past and present members of our Armed Forces. You are the “Real American Heroes” and your sacrifice allows people like me to live in peace, freedom and keep making silly little toys like these. I can't thank you enough.