MiniArt has released a model of the 1941 GAZ-MM. These trucks are very similar to the Ford A and they were widely used in World War 2 by the Soviet Army.

This model is not a limited run release. There was no flash at all, and the connector gates are small. There are few locating pins and the plastic is a bit soft, so be careful when removing parts from the sprues. I know that by experience, as I managed to damage and/or bend some very small parts when releasing them from the sprues.

You get 14 sprues, including a small photo-etch fret for a total of 371 parts. There is a very small decal sheet, which only applies to one of the three finishing options. Instructions covers 35 steps, not counting sub-assemblies required within several steps. The instructions are a bit vague at moments. Make sure you dry fit all parts and consider looking at the subassemblies in later steps, to be sure you are putting them together right.

History

The Seafire was essentially a navalized Spitfire designed for carrier operations with the Royal Navy’s aircraft carrier fleet. At the beginning of World War II, although the Royal Air Force was operating some first class equipment (including Spitfires and Hurricanes), the Royal Navy was equipped mainly with types that were decidedly inferior in performance to what the Luftwaffe had. These types, including the Blackburn Skua and Roc, Gloster Gladiator, and later the Fairey Fulmar, were not in a class with the Messerschmitt Bf-109 or the Focke Wulf FW-190, the planes that would become their adversaries. Although the earlier aircraft were used successfully in some operations, it was clear to the naval commanders that more suitable aircraft were required.

The Panzer III design was awarded to Daimler-Benz with production beginning in 1937. Several German companies would be engaged for full production. The Ausf N was the last variant, with many converted from previous variants. Armed with the short-barrel 7.5cm KwK 37 L/24 cannon and armored with the extra armor on the Ausf J, L, and M variants, the Ausf N performed well in Europe and North Africa, especially as infantry support. The Panzer III chassis lived on as the Sturmgeschütz III assault gun, which became Germany’s most-produced armored vehicle. The Panzer IV took over the role as Germany’s main battle tank.