Introduction

The following introduction is taken from the Zvezda instruction booklet:

The UAZ-469 was developed at the Ulyanovsk auto mobile plant, the first cars were released on the 15th December 1972. UAZ-469 has an open five seat body, which accommodated five people (driver included), but if necessary, two more people could sit in the cargo compartment on folding seats. Instead of people it was possible to load 600 Kg of equipment and cargo, additionally the UAZ-469 could tow a trailer weighing 850 Kg. Passengers were protected from bad weather by a tarpaulin tent; the arches could be removed, and the windscreen could be folded on the bonnet. In this case the height of the vehicle was significantly reduced, making it easier to transport in a helicopter. In August 1974, three standard UAZ-469B during a test run climbed in the Mount Elbrus area to a height of 4200 m in just 38 minutes.

Review

This offering from Zvezda arrives in a flip top cardboard tray, with a card sleeve. Inside the contents are provided inside 2 sealed plastic bags and a Ziploc plastic bag contains the clear sprue, the decals and a metallic sheet to replicate mirrors. While I appreciate that Zvezda is a Russian company and some people are up set due to the on-going war in Ukraine please remember that I am just reviewing the model and not the actions of the Russian Government. Packing the decals with a plastic sprue is one of the few aspects of the kits that I do not appreciate due to the risk of damage to the decals.

As you have heard me say previously, Zvezda has come on leaps and bounds as regards the quality of their models. The moulding detail being particularly well done and meeting my expectations.  The mouldings themselves are clean, crisp and have good access for the removal of parts. The gates between the sprue and the parts are small but there are quite a lot of them in some cases. The only critique is that there are some ejector pins marks that will need to be addressed. 

With this release Zvezda has provided a full engine and transmission, plus the ancillaries required in the engine bay. This has been brought together with a multi part chassis and the engine assembly provides a good spot for keeping your chassis square. Zvezda has spent a lot of time on the mechanical aspects of this model, with my only complaint in the area is that the front wheels cannot be shown turned. If you take the time to clean up the minimal seam lines and tackle any exposed ejector pins marks the underside of this vehicle will be very pleasing, and for those who really like to dress their models up, the addition of some wire to replicate the various brake pipes, fuel lines and electrical system will make the model pop. When completed you easily have the option of showing the hood open, in order to display this added detail. 

The interior of the model is very similar to a modern Jeep design. The ridges to stiffen the floor are well replicated, as is the minimalistic interior detail. The instrument cluster is provided with decals. The seat design is basic in nature and I suspect does not provide the most comfortable of rides, but Russia has never seemed to care about the comfort of its troops. A pleasing aspect is that the body can be assembled separate from the chassis and so will make painting an easier task. 

Moving to the exterior, the bodywork should not present any problems with most of it being a single moulding. The doors are separate, and while not indicated as being shown open I can see no particular difficulties in showing them so. The face of the model, has been well tackled and I like that Zvezda has provided clear lenses for the lights. Details such as windscreen wipers have been provided separately, but could be improved via the after market route. The model has been provided with the option of a frame covering the interior, or a canvas roof. The canvas roof is an area that you will need to work on ejector pin marks on interior faces. The framework on its own, does look an interesting finish. Zvezda has included metallic stickers to replicate mirrors and such. 

Zvezda has provided 4 finishing options for this release:

UAZ-469 from the Soviet Army Group, Germany. Late 1970s

UAZ-469 from the Vietnamese Army, 2000

UAZ-469 from the National Peoples Army of the GDR, late 1980s

UAZ-469 in August 1974 3 UAZ-469s climbed a glacier on the slopes of Elbrus at an altitude of 4200 metres.

Conclusion

This release from Zvezda has a couple of lows for me, due to the vinyl rubber tyres and the packaging of the decals with the clear sprue. On the plus side, detail is pleasing moulding is generally very good with the exception of ejector pin marks. I would have liked the ability to show the front wheels turned left or right without turning to surgery. However, provided the kit reaches you in perfect condition I believe that you will be very pleased with the result, but I would consider replacing the tyres.