UM 1/72 SU-12 Self-propelled Gun Truck
Kit # - 322
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The SU-12
The multi-purpose GAZ-AAA three-axle truck was used in a varying number
of ways. One of those uses was as a gun platform as in the SU-12. Its
main purpose was to provide mobile gun support to advancing infantry.
As the vehicle history in the instruction states, it had a 76.2mm gun
supported by a crew of four carrying 36 total rounds. The main gun could
traverse 270 degrees. The SU-12 could fire in a fixed position or on the
run. That must have been interesting experience in that the total vehicle
weight was 4 tons.
The Kit
Typical of UM is the colorful box art that gives you an idea of how
to paint your SU-12. It may even assist in part assembly or further detailing
if needed. This box art is of an unmarked SU-12. When you open the box
you will see a sealed bag containing five part sprues molded in UMís trademark
green drab styrene. Closer examination shows some sink marks on thicker
parts but the injector pin marks are on the inside surface. There are
a total of 91 parts in this kit. You will also find 11 black vinyl tires
and a transparency with window glass templates. This is unique in that
you just cut around the printed template and mount on the model. It also
has the advantage of scale effect instead of a thick piece of clear styrene.
Keep in mind this kit does not contain any decals. I would suggest adding
a red star on the doors for the heck of it.
As you proceed to the multi-lingual (Ukraine, English and German) instruction
sheet, you will find it is very well illustrated. First page contains
a numbered parts location diagram. This diagram also shows shaded parts
that are unused for the assembly of the SU-12. Remember, waste not want
not. Put those unused parts in the old parts box for later use.
To assemble the SU-12 will take you through 13 steps. Several symbols
accompany the sub-assemblies whether or not to apply glue. You start by
assembling the chassis (steps 1-4), which includes front and rear suspensions.
The tires are not the best for realism but will do for now. If you choose
to open up one of the engine cover the crude engine inside could be further
detailed from the railroad section of your local hobby shop.
Steps 5 and 6 are for the assembly of the front cab. Keep in mind at
this point you will use the transparent window glass, use white glue to
affix. Do not use cyanoacrylate glues as they will ëfogí the glass and
ruin it. Since this kit does have an interior I would suggest having one
door open so you can view the level of detail.
Proceeding to step 7 you will build the 76.2mm gun. Don't glue part
122E to the gun cradle unless you want to permanently fix its trajectory
for display. Step 8 is for the spare tire. Step 9 is for the gun shield
and gunner seats. Once the gun is complete step 10 will assemble the truck
bed gun platform and mount. Step 11 allows you to affix the cab to the
chassis, nothing complicated here. Steps 12 and 13 complete the assembly
for mounting the 76.2mm platform to the chassis.
The only sub-assembly that appears to be the trickiest is the dual
rear axle. Otherwise, assembly is straightforward.
During painting of the SU-12 you have a Humbrol paint reference. Pretty
simple, just paint it H86 light olive drab. Some dry-brushing and pastel
chalking will finish this model nicely.
Conclusion
UM has continued their reputation for creating quality kits in 1/72
scale. The SU-12 is no exception. I highly recommend this kit to modelers
of small-scale soft-skin vehicles.
I would like to thank Squadron Mail
Order for the review kit.
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