Zebrano 72025 - 1:72 ZiS-5 Truck with DShK Machine Gun

Plastic model kit of the ZiS-5 truck with a DShK HMG in 1:72 scale

Zebrano 72025 is a self-assembly kit reproducing the Soviet ZiS-5 truck with an anti-aircraft DShK 12.7 mm heavy machine gun mounted on a pintle in the cargo bed. The kit depicts an improvised anti-aircraft platform of the kind widely built in the Red Army.

The model is produced using short-run injection technology.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with the truck parts
• Parts for the DShK HMG mount
• Decals
• Assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Catalogue number: 72025
• Manufacturer: Zebrano
• Assembled length: approx. 8.4 cm
• Difficulty level: intermediate

Note: This kit does not include glue, paint or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

This short-run injection kit is aimed at modellers with some experience — the parts require careful clean-up of sprue-gate marks and test-fitting. The small parts of the gun mount are best fitted last.

Soviet military vehicles were usually painted in a uniform protective green (shade 4BO), overpainted with white camouflage in winter. Details are best emphasised with a wash, and the whole sealed with a matt varnish.

Required tools:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Brushes in various sizes
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Modelling wash to emphasise details and recesses

About the vehicle – ZiS-5 with DShK:

The ZiS-5, nicknamed 'Zakhar', was the standard Soviet 3-tonne truck, produced from the 1930s and used in vast numbers during World War II. Its simple, rugged, rear-wheel-drive design performed well in harsh front-line conditions.

Mounting a DShK 12.7 mm heavy machine gun on a pintle in the cargo bed created a mobile anti-aircraft platform capable of engaging low-flying aircraft and lightly armoured ground targets.

Original specifications (ZiS-5):

• Length: approx. 6.06 m
• Payload: 3 tonnes
• Powertrain: carburettor engine, rear-wheel drive
• Armament: DShK 12.7 mm HMG on a pintle mount
• Crew: driver plus gun crew
• Service: World War II

About the manufacturer – Zebrano:

Zebrano is a manufacturer of model kits and modelling accessories based in Minsk, Belarus. Its range focuses primarily on World War II vehicles and weapons as well as Soviet designs, offered in various technologies — from injection moulding through resin casting to photo-etched parts. Zebrano specialises in niche subjects and less common vehicles absent from the catalogues of the large manufacturers, which makes its kits attractive to collectors and enthusiasts of rare designs. The company also runs an extensive line of small accessories and weapons in 1:35 and 1:72 scale, and a series of small 1:100 resin models intended for wargaming.