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In-Box Review
135
KZKT-537L
KZKT-537L Tractor
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by: Matthew Quiroz [ RED4 ]

introduction
Similar to the US Army 10 ton HEMTT the KZKT-537L is a large 8x8 truck that is produced by the Minsk Automobile Plant. The 537L can be used for moving heavy cargo and towing large aircraft when properly ballasted. The vehicle is part of the MAZ series of vehicles which has been in service for more than 50 years hauling everything from tanks to ballistic missiles and more. The vehicle has been exported to several countries over the years and remains in service today with many reported to be operating successfully in harsh climates such as Siberia, the Far East, Central Asia and several others.
the kit
Trumpeter's release of the KZKT-537L is well done. Molded in a light gray styrene, the kit consists of 431 flash free pieces. The parts are well detailed and plentiful. Construction takes place over seventeen steps with the first seven steps focusing on the complex drive-train that is mounted to the huge frame rails. The cab and engine cover are exceptionally well molded featuring opened louvers on the engine cover. Two small frets of photo etch brass are included and feature details such as the instrument cluster, mud flaps, jerry can racks, lifting eyes and several other smaller parts. A small length of nylon is provided for the rear wench cable. Trumpeter has even included a sheet of self adhesive paint masks for the windows and other clear parts to aide in painting.
instructions, paint and decal options
Decals provide markings for two vehicles, but no unit information or base assignment information is provided. Painting options are limited to two, but they are very eye catching schemes with color call outs provided for Mr. Hobby, Vallejo, Model Master, Tamiya, and Humbrol paints. No history is provided in the instructions, just your basic safety announcements, and how to apply the decals.
conclusion
This is a big vehicle in real life and this kit mimics it well. The large frame rails help lend a sense of just how big the real item is and the cargo bed will look great with a heavy load of supplies, or even perhaps troops piled in the back.
The large rubber tires are ok, but I could see some aftermarket resin items coming down the pipe at some point. They seem to have the same super swamper look to them that other releases from the company have provided. And speaking of resin, hopefully we will see a resin engine arrive for this beast. As it is now, the rear of the engine cover is open, but there is no engine included in the kit; kind of a let down for me.
My search for info on the vehicle was successful, but very limited. There was more info out there on the model than the vehicle, hence the short historical data above. I did find a couple of reference photos though.
Overall it looks to be a well detailed kit with a high parts count that should appeal to those who like large wheeled vehicles, and who can afford it.
SUMMARY
Highs: High parts count. Excellent detail. Different subject
Lows: Open engine compartment, no engine. Price
Verdict: Nice well detailed kit if you can afford it.
Percentage Rating
90%
  Scale: 1:35
  Mfg. ID: 01005
  Suggested Retail: $95
  PUBLISHED: Aug 06, 2009
  NATIONALITY: Russia
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 88.68%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 84.47%

Our Thanks to Stevens International!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Matthew Quiroz (Red4)
FROM: CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES

After a several year break from the hobby I have happily returned to it. Slowly, but surely getting my mojo back.

Copyright ©2021 text by Matthew Quiroz [ RED4 ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

I took some photos of my attempt at teh KZKT 537L today. I have not started the weathering yet, so i hope you like them Regards from the Swamp Eth
AUG 08, 2009 - 07:35 AM
Looks good, your MAZ! But you used a very high ISO-rate on your camera... visible on the green and red spots in the picture. greetings... Soeren
AUG 08, 2009 - 08:09 AM
Nice work, Hawkeye! What colors (and brand of paint) did you use to paint her? The two tones look fantastic! Cool looking truck, slightly futuristic and could see it in a sci fi movie. Bummer the build was such a pill. No engine?!?!! For that kind of money?!! Sheesh!! How is the cab interior? In the end, is the kit worth the money (it sure ain't cheap!)...? Keep up the good work, Ethelian. Regards and Aloha, Johnny B.
AUG 08, 2009 - 08:23 AM
Yep, typo on my part. Sorry. "Q"
AUG 09, 2009 - 05:33 PM
You are right Soeren, my skills with camera's is not that great. Hi Johnny, the two colours i used were Vallejo Model Air Black/Grey for the base coat and Tamiya Light Grey for the camo. You are right about tne engine a definate over sight. I would say the cab interior is slightly better than ok, but does lack in detail and definition. However, you do get an awful lot of model for your money as it is and i did not feel cheated or let down by this kit. Was a very enjoyable build overall. Regards from the Swamp Eth
AUG 12, 2009 - 04:47 AM
Very nice, what are it's dimensions? Looks fairly large. Expensive bugger, isn't it?
AUG 13, 2009 - 07:07 AM
The price isnt that bad if you find it at the right spot. I have seen it for less than 50 US. As for size I would say it is as long as the 977 HMMTT and a little shorter that an M923 Bigfoot. I will take a picture of the Bigfoot and Maz together tonight as a visual reference Herky
AUG 13, 2009 - 07:18 AM
You are right Soeren, my skills with camera's is not that great. No problem! If you have enough light, you can change the ISO-number to lower numbers... like 100 or 80. For comparison, I think, you used a number greater than 400 or 800 on your camera. I hope, this helps. Soeren
AUG 13, 2009 - 07:33 AM
Thanks for the tips Soeren, i will give them a go Regards from the Swamp Eth
AUG 13, 2009 - 08:34 PM
   
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