MiniArt GAZ-03-30 Bus - Build Review

Intro

After signing an agreement with Ford in 1929, the Soviet Union started manufacturing cars and trucks under the name Nizhegorodsky Avtomobilny Zavod, which in 1933 changed name to Gorkovsky Avtomobilny Zavod, or GAZ. Using designs from Ford, GAZ built many truck and variants, in a bus based on the GAZ-AA. The GAZ-03-30, a 17-seat bus, began production in 1933, with production suspended during the war years. Many of the buses did in fact make it into military service as troop carrier, command vehicles, and more.

MiniArt having already released many of the GAZ trucks has now released a plastic model of the GAZ-03-30 bus, based on the 1938 variant.

Review

This latest model from MiniArt continues the variants based on their earlier GAZ-AA releases. This new kits continues the reputation of well molded kits. The plastic parts are molded in light grey plastic, and spread across many sprues. The moldings are very well done with clean and crisp details. I did not find any flash or sink marks on my sample. One concern I had was all the parts were packed in a single plastic bag, which can lead to broken parts, but again I found none in my sample. The kit does include some photo-etched parts for extra detail, and clear parts to represent all the windows. The clear plastic is well molded, and I found no bubbles or lines in the parts.

As there is a lot of parts, there is also a lot of sprues, some small with just parts for one component, for example there are eight small sprues for the seats, each sprue containing the parts for one seat. The same goes for the wheels and some of the other smaller subassemblies. Speaking of wheels, the wheels are molded in plastic and are a multi-part “sandwich” assembly. While not really my preference, assembled this should provide good tread pattern.

Construction begins with the nicely looking detailed engine. While the castings of the parts look good, there is a lack of wiring and piping, but this could be easily added if you wish to display the kit assembled with the hood open. This is followed by the assembly of the frame and suspension components. The assembly of the multi-part wheels is also done at this time. The kit will allow for the assembly of the front hood open to show any work you add.  The fit of all the parts is great, and while care is needed during assembly, patience will build a great looking engine and frame.

When starting the assembly of the body, I suggest lots of dry fitting, but you will find the fit good, the main issue is finding the right spacing of the firewall and windshield assembly.

The seats assemble well, you just need to be careful with the frames as they are a little flimsy. The rest of the body does assemble well, you just need to plan your masking and painting.  If  your dry fitting was planned well the roof will fit great.

The kit does not include any paint call outs for the interior, thus a little research may be required to match the prototype. The instructions do include paint and marking schemes for eight vehicles, including a couple captured and put into use by the Germans. The colors are all referenced to Ammo by Mig paints, but could easily be matched with other brands.

Conclussion

Overall this looks to be another great kit from MiniArt, builds well, and a very interesting subject to build. The kit has some very well molded, with some great looking details. The only real drawbacks I see would be the tire assembly may not be to everyone’s liking, and in my build I did replace tthe tires with Hussar resin tire, which have a much better tread definition.

There are a lot of parts, and some of the instructions can be busy, but with care and patience, this kit should build into a great looking model of the GAZ-03-30. I would highly recommend this kit.