Congratulations to ICM on releasing a unique kit not available in styrene in any scale. The first release of this kit was the ICM 1/72 ZiL-131 with Trailer Armed Forces of the Ukraine (Kit No. 72817), reviewed here by fellow IPMS/USA reviewer, Marc K. Blackburn. For those who want an individual trailer to pair with another Soviet-era truck, this is the kit for you.

Reference the ICM website,

The Armed Forces of Ukraine widely use various trailers alongside trucks. Many feature van bodies that house personnel, laboratories, repair workshops, field kitchens, electronic systems, or medical stations. These trailers typically include electrical lighting, power supply, and heating systems. The 2-PN-2M trailer with its universal closed KP4 van body serves as a common example. Following established tradition, such trailers are commonly known as KUNG — an acronym for “unified zero (normal) dimension body”.

This kit got my curiosity, and there is not a lot of English language information available. One of the few references was the National Photographic Interpretation Center’s report “Soviet Commandant Units In Support of Field Headquarters/Command Posts (S)”, which provides only vague information. Further delving into the internet provides a few photos, but not much information. Basically, as described by ICM, the trailer frame is a 2-PN-4M body with a KP-4 shelter mounted. Regardless, it is refreshing to find an obscure model to build.

Upon opening the cover, there is a reinforced white inner box that does a good job of protecting the kit’s single gray plastic sprue, clear sprue for the seven windows, and decal sheet (same decal sheet as ZiL-131 (Kit No. 72821), which itself is from the

the BM-21 ‘Grad’ MLRS of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (Kit No. 72707) with two types of pixel camo patterns). The instruction manual is also available on the ICM website. As usual, take care with small pieces (external generator parts) as the plastic is fragile and can break when removed from the sprue gates.

With this braille scale kit, there are very few locator marks, so dry fit everything before committing glue. There are minor notes that are identified here by their instruction step:

Steps 06-11: The seven windows mount from the inside of the trailer. This is really the biggest choice when building this model – either glue and mask, or build and leave the top off until painting is complete. I chose the second option after test fitting and found the connection was tight and clean.

Step 14: Take time to test fit the external generator parts (Nos. A2 and A25), as these will affect Step 16. It takes time looking at the instructions and box art but move the parts around enough and it will make sense.

Step 16: Test fit the remaining external generator parts, so they fit properly (Nos. A7, A11, A16 and Step 15 (Nos. A9 and A10)). Again, check the illustrations and it will make sense.

The Trailer of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has two marking options, both unknown Ukrainian units in two variants of the distinctive pixel camouflage:

• Trailer 2-PN-2M with KP4 box body, Armed Forces of Ukraine
• Trailer 2-PN-2M with KP4 box body, Armed Forces of Ukraine, camouflage version from 2021

The decals are delicate and conform well to the model, have no silvering and really look the part. Care must be taken due to their small size. I chose the camouflage version from 2021 option as I previously built the ZiL-131 truck with DShKM, and like the contrast in pixelated camouflage.

This is an easy to build model and looks good when complete, especially when paired with a Soviet-era truck. With the mounted shelters, there are lots of opportunities for further detailing for various Ukrainian and Soviet-era units and workshops.

Slava Ukraini!

Profuse thanks to ICM and IPMS/USA for providing the review sample.