1:72 ZіL-131 AFU with DShKM

The real subject

The ZIL-131 is a Soviet off-road truck with drive to all six wheels, made from the 1960s and widespread across the whole of eastern Europe. The military version has a flatbed cargo bed with a tarpaulin and benches and serves to carry troops, ammunition and material. The abbreviation AFU in the name refers to the Ukrainian armed forces, in whose service vehicles of this type have remained even after many decades of operation. The variant captured in this kit carries the heavy machine gun DShKM in 12.7 mm caliber on the cargo bed.

What the kit contains

This is an unassembled plastic kit in 1:72 scale. The parts are separated from the carrier sprues, cleaned up and glued together with cement for polystyrene. An overview of the parts, the building procedure and the recommended shades are given in the maker's instructions. Given the small scale it pays off to work with a sharp blade and a fine file; coarser tools will damage the thin parts.

Building and painting tips

Assemble the chassis with the three axles on a flat surface, so that the model stands on all its wheels. Paint the cab and the cargo bed separately and join them only once they have dried; that way you reach the corners better. The machine gun is a tiny part with a thin barrel, so leave it until the end of the build. A weathered coat of paint and deposits of mud on the wheels and the underside of the cargo bed will do more for a vehicle in 1:72 scale than a clean gloss.

Who it is for

The set suits modelers of military equipment who build in a small scale and those interested in modern Ukrainian vehicles. The model comes into its own on its own and as an accompanying vehicle in a diorama alike. Paints, glue and tools are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.