1:35 Soviet GAZ-66 All-wheel Drive Truck

GAZ-66 — 1:35, Zvezda

An injection-molded plastic kit of the legendary Soviet off-road truck in 1:35 scale from new tooling by Zvezda. The kit captures the modernized GAZ-66-11 variant and offers a faithfully rendered cab, chassis and load bed of the usual high quality of the brand.

The real subject

The GAZ-66 was a Soviet off-road truck with drive to all four wheels (4x4), developed at the Gorky Automobile Plant for the army and the civilian sector alike. The first vehicles came off the line in 1964 and the machine became one of the most widespread Soviet vehicles in its class. Its hallmark is the cab-over-engine layout (there is no hood and the driver sits above the front axle), which makes the vehicle short and maneuverable. The modernized GAZ-66-11 version of 1985 received a central tire inflation system and newer lighting. The vehicle carried troops and cargo and became a genuine icon.

Building and painting tips

Deal with the chassis, the axles and the running gear first. Glue with liquid cement for plastic and assemble the cab and the load bed on a flat surface so that nothing twists. The vehicle usually wore a uniform khaki or olive color, so the main work is done by weathering: spray the base with an airbrush, lighten the centers of the surfaces and add washes into the engraved lines, dust and dried mud on the wheels, the wheel arches and the underside. Gentle lightening of the edges and a matte surface suit the rubber tarpaulin over the load bed.

Who the model is for

• Fans of Soviet and Eastern military hardware.
• Lovers of trucks and off-road vehicles, not just tanks.
• Diorama builders — the vehicle suits a scene as an addition.
• Modelers who appreciate quality new tooling from Zvezda.

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