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In-Box Review
135
Gaz-233014 Russian Jeep Tiger
A Quick In-Box Review of Gaz-233014 Russian Jeep Tiger
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by: Adam Phillips [ ADAMPOLO13 ]

Introduction

The GAZ-233014, commonly referred to as the Gaz Tiger, has come onto the scale model scene this year with a big bang. First there was the Meng kit and now with the Xact Scale Models release. The popularity of both kits has certainly been aided by the recent events in the Ukraine, specifically Crimea. We are even now seeing companies like Black Dog release figure sets specifically for "The Incident." While I will comment in a general way as to my thoughts on this kit compared to the Meng, I'm going to spend the majority of my time speaking to this particular kit's strong and weak points.

Not knowing much about Xact Scale Models, they are a relatively new company, I didn't really know what to expect in the way of boxing, instructions, quality of plastic etc. So, when I first received the kit I was highly impressed. As you will see, the box is of medium size and shape and fairly well packed. All of the kit's contents (Full List Below) were nicely bagged and wrapped. The first thing that struck me was the sheer number of parts in the box.

Review

The kit consists of the following:
  • A very well produced 21 Page Instruction Booklet which depicts three (3) different vehicles. The build is made up of a total of 46 build steps
  • 5 Very high quality vinyl/rubber tires. I have to qualify my next statement by first explaining I have not built a wheeled vehicle in the last 4 years without buying resin replacement tires. These are the absolute best quality kit tires I've come across. The color of the rubber is excellent in 1/35th scale, the sidewall details are represented, and there is no awkward seam-line to deal with
  • Decal sheet providing excellent reproduction of the camouflage interior, Russian Stars, license plates, and other markings. All are very well done and the carrier film doesn't seem to be overly thick or cloudy
  • Two frets of Photo Etch. I was more than pleased to see the seat belts included, along with the mud flaps which, in my opinion, always look better in PE than in plastic
  • Pre-Cut foil type stickers for the side mirrors. I was so excited to see these because I have never seen a production kit include these in the box and it makes painting and finishing the model a lot easier
  • 3 Clear Part sprues which contain absolutely zero distortion. All the lenses, lights, indicators, etc are produced in very fine detail
  • 11 Dark Green sprues providing exquisitely well produced details. My jaw just about hit the floor when I realized the amount of detail included. Multi-part chassis, complete engine and drive train, impeccable suspension, full interior compartment with amazing seat details. I could write 1,000 words just on everything that's included
  • Last but not least, the vehicle body. I have to say, I've never seen it done this way before. What you get is the sides of the body with a separate roof and engine hood. There are a few pin marks to be taken out but it shouldn't be any problem because everything is so open and easily accessed
So, after taking everything out of the box, reading the instructions, and inspecting the parts carefully I have to say this is the most detailed wheeled vehicle kit I've seen.

conclusion

Now, depending on what kind of modeler you are this could be a very good thing, or a bad thing. As the kit consists of 46 build steps, there will be a lot involved. It is not a kit that can be built in a few hours and then ready for paint. Sub-assemblies will have to be built and dry fitted, painted separately and then put together. Again, if you like to build detailed models this could be the kit for you.

Along those lines, the biggest differences I see between this kit and the Meng, are the fully detailed engine, drive train, suspension, multi-part body, and the finer interior details. If you are looking for a quicker build that doesn't provide all the details the Meng kit may be for you, but I really cannot say enough great things about this kit.

Adam Phillips Build Log Live links
SUMMARY
Highs: Extremely well detailed. No flash or mold lines, limited ejector pin marks.
Lows: Many Parts, Long Build Time.
Verdict: This is an absolutely gorgeous kit that will produce a highly detailed model. Again, this is not a "shake-n-bake" kit, or for the faint of heart.
Percentage Rating
95%
  Scale: 1:35
  Mfg. ID: XS35002
  Suggested Retail: $37-$42
  PUBLISHED: Oct 02, 2014
  NATIONALITY: Russia
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 87.00%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 90.00%

Our Thanks to Xact Scale Models!
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 Adam Phillips (adampolo13)
FROM: RHODE ISLAND, UNITED STATES

Copyright ©2021 text by Adam Phillips [ ADAMPOLO13 ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

Sounds like a very nice kit and thanks for the in-box review Adam. Will be interesting to see a build review also. But this is a nice touch and hopefully more manufacturers will start "Pre-Cut foil type stickers for the side mirrors"
OCT 02, 2014 - 07:25 PM
Thanks for the replay 35th! If you go into the Russian forum you'll see the build has been started. Let's just say there is plenty of parts and plenty of detail!
OCT 03, 2014 - 02:51 AM
On a side note are these being used by the British Army ?,I ask as I`ve several of something similar being transported to various areas in East Anglia.
OCT 05, 2014 - 12:32 AM
that's a good question, and I have no idea. I would be surprised though to see the British buying Russian made military gear.
OCT 05, 2014 - 02:04 PM
Interesting - Cummins diesel engines. From Wikipedia: "The available engines are a Cummins 5.9 L (360 cu in) B180 turbodiesel with 180 hp (130 kW); a Cummins 5.9 L (360 cu in) B205 turbodiesel producing 180 hp (130 kW); a Cummins 5.9 L (360 cu in) B-214 turbodiesel making 215 hp (160 kW); or a GAZ-562 3.2 L (200 cu in) turbodiesel with 197 hp (147 kW)." Another source says various Cummins Diesels or a YaMz-564 engine. YaMZ is Yaroslava Motor Plant, which is a subsidiary of GAZ. There are civilian (Sport utility vehicle), military and police versions. China is the second largest user after Russia. Russia refused to grant China a license to "fully produce the Tigr", but Beijing Yanjing Automobile is a "co-producer".
OCT 05, 2014 - 10:36 PM
LINK
OCT 05, 2014 - 11:24 PM
   
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