Soviet 57 mm ZIS-2 Anti-Tank Gun M.1943
SKIF 1:72 Scale Artillery Review
Soviet 57 mm ZIS-2 anti-tank gun painted Russian Armour Green (Testors WP7832). The rubber tires have been slipped on after painting, and they still need to be weathered to remove the unrealistic glossy finish. Revell Soviet Infantry figures may be converted to provide suitable gunners for the ZIS-2. The model is supplied with an ammunition box and four shells which may be used to decorate the wargame base of the model. Captured ZIS-2 guns may be deployed by Wehrmacht Panzerjäger units and other Axis forces, either in their original camouflage colour or sprayed over to emulate a disruptive camouflage pattern typically used by the captor.
Contents
- 57 mm L.73 ZIS-2 Anti-Tank Gun
- Four 57 mm Shells
- Ammunition Box
Evaluation
Excellent choice of subject. The SKIF model is unique in this scale.
Scale model, loaded with detail. Hinges, rivet heads, panel lines, working parts of the elevating and breech mechanism are nicely sculpted. The casting is crisp and relatively clean.
The ammunition box and the four 57 mm shells are a valuable feature of the kit, they add important detail to a diorama or wargame base of the ZIS-2 anti-tank gun, at very little extra cost to the manufacturer.
Separate rubber tires add a nice touch to the kit, but they would not have been strictly necessary. Painting will be a little easier, because the tires slip on after the gun has been sprayed in the desired colour. However, the rubber is very glossy, and some weathering will be required to achieve a realistic look.
Easy to build, only 33 parts. Construction of this ZIS-2 very closely models the real thing, and it will be very instructive for the modeller.
The ZIS-2 is a partially working model, the barrel can be raised or lowered, and aimed to either side. The gun trails swing into the towing position.
Compatible with ESCI, Hasegawa, Revell, Atlantic, Cooperativa, Eduard, AER, Toga, Reviresco, Rhino Models, PST, Mars, Model Group Dnepr and ITA.
No gunners included. Revell Soviet Infantry may be converted to provide suitable kneeling and prone figures for the ZIS-2 anti-tank gun.
The long barrel can be difficult to clean. The plastic seems to be slightly harder than that used by Airfix or ESCI, and it has a tendency to chip. Use a dental tool to scrape mould lines and sprue lugs off the model.
The gun trails easily broke in half when separated from the sprue. The parts seems to have cooled too soon during the casting process, resulting in a weak joint. The problem was easy to fix by glueing the parts together.
The gun shield needs to be pushed into slots on either side of the carriage. These slots should be cleaned carefully to achieve the proper fit. The shield may snap in half if forced into the slots.
This model of the ZIS-2 anti-tank gun is fun to build and paint. Get a few of these guns, they will be an important addition to your model collection of the Soviet Army of World War Two.