KIT: ICM 1/72 ATZ-4-131 Fuel Bowser
KIT #: 72813
PRICE: $14.00 MSRP
DECALS: Two options
REVIEWER: Scott Van Aken
NOTES:  

HISTORY

There is no information supplied in terms of a background on this, so can't really tell you much about it. It does look at if it is somewhat modern; at least 1990s if not current. It also looks like a standard issue Soviet/Russian Zil truck with a fuel tank on the back. These things are probably crawling all over Russian and ex-Soviet bases even today.

THE KIT

Molded in a dark green and black plastic, the quality of the molding is actually very good. I found a few sink areas, but nothing major. Some flash was present as well and a few delicate bits were broken due to the banging around of the sprues in the bag. Detail level is as good as I've seen in any 1/72 vehicle kits. Apparently this base vehicle is used for a number of other kits as several parts are not used with the fuel truck. The large two-piece tires are well molded and should be quite convincing. There is not a full engine, but the lower engine, exhaust, and suspension/drive train are complete.

A well appointed interior is provided that easily slides into the one-piece cab. Clear bits are provided, unlike some other kits in this scale. The clear is a bit distorted with some stress fractures. In this scale it isn't that bid a deal, though it will somewhat mask any interior work. The fuel tank itelf is two halves with a full rear and a ladder going to the top. This fits atop the chassis and in fact, you can build up three subassemblies consisting of the chassis, cab, and tank before attaching them all together.

Instructions are well done with a parts layout and markings guide with color chart on one side of the sheet. The other has the various construction sequences, including color options. It appears that you can paint it any color as long as it is an Olive Drab or Dark Green. Markings are for one from East Germany and another from Russia. There are also a set of UN markings, but no info on them. The back of the box has a full color guide for the box art vehicle. Decals are well done and matte.

CONCLUSIONS

A really super looking kit. Not to difficult from the look of it, yet with enough detail to satisfy most builders. A very nice kit to have either by itself or as part of a diorama.

May 2006

Thanks to and DLV Company for the review kit. You can find ICM kits at your favorite hobby shop

May 2006

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