Review
ICM has released a huge number of ZIL-131 trucks in a huge number of guises most of which I cannot remember what offered what in the box. This offering shows that the moulds are holding up well as there is very little to watch out for beyond care when removing finer parts and ejector pin marks also crop up. A close look at the offering resulted in ejector pin marks being found mostly around the interior of the cab that will need taking care of.
As is typical for ICM the oily parts and mechanical areas are well catered to which with the addition of wire to replicate the wire in the vehicle will reward you with a very visually pleasing model. You can of course extend this detail to break pipes and the like as the mechanical and oily parts is something ICM tend to do very well. A couple of things that is likely to upset some is the use of vinyl rubber tyres in the kit which have garnered a bad name of late regardless of the manufacturer.
The room that makes up the truck bed is let down by ICM still not providing an interior which would lift this model offering greatly due to the options it would open up. On the plus side the exterior is very nicely detailed and includes a filter pump on the front which I am told was for NBC protection amongst other uses. The hood of the truck can be assembled open but some work will be needed to reproduce the spring latch that keeps it open.
The driver looks very good to me in all regards. The hand and facial detail meet my expectations and I see no reason for all to be happy. Body armour is being worn by the driver and has nice surface detail. Two sets of arms are included so you can mix and match to your hearts content. A seated moulded to accommodate the figure is also supplied here and so remember it if you are going to use the driver’ I wonder if the seat is shaped to make sure his hands and feet go where needed.
Two finishing options are included as well as decals for replicating digital camouflage but you may prefer to use them as masks.