Woof!
I was warned. I had read a number of reviews of the Alan
Zis-5 truck in its prior incarnation as a Dragon/Alan rebox noting that the kit
has issues. But lured by the rock bottom
price, I decided to try it in its Ark Models incarnation, figuring that it
would be a relatively short build and I could abandon it without too much pain
if it was too much of a dog.
I decided to start with the cargo
bed, because the reviews indicated that the cargo bed had minimal
problems. Indeed, while there were some
minor fit issues between side supports and the base of the cargo bed, the cargo
bed went together fairly well. Based on
some reference pictures, it looks like the underside of the cargo bed, as well
as interior faces of supports were left as plain, unpainted wood.
The undercarriage was next. Although fairly complex, the engineering
actually seemed fairly decent. However,
then putting together the front wheel assembly, it looks like the molds were
placed in the wrong way because half of one piece was molded correctly, but the
other half not – consistent with one of the molds being reversed. So had to make do with some substitutes. We’ll have to see how it looks because much
of the undercarriage is visible.
The wheels are rightly indicated
by reviewers to be among the worst parts.
After some hesitation, I purchased the Hussar Production replacement
Zis-5 and Zis-6 wheels – even though the cost was more than the kit
itself. The wheels are nicely done in
resin, although the interior hub for the front wheels look like they may have
been damaged when removed from their casting connection.
Painting references suggest that
the undercarriage frame and maybe headlights were in black. Olive green (Tamiya) was used for the cab and
cargo bed.
Tentatively decided to go with
captured truck, using dunkelgelb as camouflage overspray. Maybe add headlight covers, notek light,
license plates and pioneer tools per an amalgamation of various references. Wiring for the headlights and, presumably,
notek light, goes through the fenders.
Because the fenders and undercarriage are so open, may need to have
wiring to the engine itself.
Cab not glued but just fitted in place (hence gaps). Sunshade at top of windshield also not yet fitted. Some random cargo added for visual interest.
