1:72 Wheels for GAZ-AAA

The real subject

The GAZ-AAA is a Soviet three-axle truck with drive on the rear two axles, derived from the two-axle GAZ-AA. It was produced in Gorky and during the Second World War it was among the most common vehicles of the Red Army, both as a truck and as a chassis under all manner of bodies. The rear axles carry dual wheels, so the wheels form a prominent and clearly visible part of a model.

What the set solves

In small scales the wheels tend to be the weakest point of a standard kit: the mold seam runs across the tread, the pattern is simplified and the draft angles round the edges of the rim off. Separately made wheels get around these problems, because they are produced as a single piece and the pattern stays sharp on them. The result shows even in 1:72 scale, where a model stands on its wheels over their whole contact area.

Building tips

Cut the excess material off with a sharp blade a little away from the part and sand the remainder so that the contact surface is flat and the vehicle does not stand crooked. Wash the wheels in lukewarm water with detergent and degrease them before painting. Choose the glue according to the material of the parts; where it is not polystyrene, cyanoacrylate glue proves itself. If the tires are made with a flat spot, turn the flattened area toward the ground. Fit the wheels only after the chassis has been painted, as access to the axles is then considerably better. The particular procedure is given in the manufacturer's instructions.

Terms of supply

The package contains the wheels only. The kit of the vehicle, paints and glue are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.