1:72 GAZ-AA armored truck with Maxim AA machine-gun (Defense of Leningrad in 1941)

Military Wheels 1:72 GAZ-AA armored truck with a Maxim anti-aircraft machine gun

This injection-molded plastic kit in 1:72 scale from Military Wheels captures the armored variant of the Soviet GAZ-AA truck armed with a Maxim anti-aircraft machine gun. The model is tied to the defense of Leningrad in 1941, when ordinary utility vehicles were converted for auxiliary and anti-aircraft duties.

The real subject

The GAZ-AA was a Soviet truck built under license and derived from a Ford design, nicknamed for its one-and-a-half-ton payload. It was one of the most widespread means of transport of the Red Army. Improvised armored and anti-aircraft conversions appeared above all in the first years of the war, from local resources. The Maxim machine gun was among the traditional weapons used in the anti-aircraft role as well, on a high mount.

Building and painting tips

In 1:72 scale, take care over clean assembly of the chassis, the cab and the fine mount of the machine gun. Paint and weather the add-on armor and the grillework before the final assembly. For a realistic look use washes in the recesses and dust pigments on the wheels and the underside. Glue with thin cement for plastic.

Who the model is for

• Collectors of Soviet Second World War vehicles in 1:72 scale
• Anyone interested in improvised and armored utility vehicles
• Builders of dioramas from the Eastern Front of 1941
• Modelers with a liking for small and unusual vehicles

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.