1:72 Russian GaZ 233114 TIGER-M SPN SPV

The Tiger-M in the special forces version, 1:72 scale

This smaller injection-molded kit from RPG Model represents a Russian armored off-road car with all-wheel drive in the rendition for special purpose units. The 1:72 scale is the most widespread size for aircraft, so the vehicle can be set without hesitation beside fighters and helicopters from the same shelf.

The real subject

The Tiger family came about at the Arzamas machine-building plant as a multi-purpose armored carrier with high cross-country mobility; the modernized range with the letter M received a domestic diesel engine and a reworked hull. The rendition for the special forces can be told by the side firing ports, the modified roof hatches and the mounts for weapons, thanks to which the crew can fire straight from the vehicle. Machines of this family appeared in Syria and are today among the most widespread Russian wheeled armored vehicles of all.

Building in the small scale

Small parts in 1:72 will take only a minimum of liquid cement; any excess floods the engraved detail and rounds off the edges. It pays to divide the work into the hull, the chassis and the body, spray each assembly separately and join them only at the end. Mask the glazing before painting, or the glass will fog. On so small a surface, fine shading works better than pronounced washes.

Who the kit is for

• for collectors of current equipment in a uniform 1:72 size
• for builders of small scenes and display cases, where a large scale has no room
• for modelers who want a shorter project for a few evenings
• for rounding out aircraft dioramas with a ground vehicle

The vehicle is supplied unassembled and unpainted; paints and glue are not enclosed.