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Zvezda 1/72 German Motorcycle R-12

By Matt Bittner

Introduction

Along with releasing "static" scale models, Zvezda has decided to tackle the war game market. Called Art of Tactic, one of the larger releases for the game system is called "Operation Barbarossa 1941". For Art of Tactic, Zvezda has released figures and such in 1/72, armor in 1/100, fighters in 1/144 and "larger planes" (such as the upcoming Li-2) in 1/200. Not sure why the different scales (I haven't seen the game system at all) but it could be due to space considerations. Most of the "plastic kit" releases for Art of Tactic have been snap-tight kits – those that require little to no glue – which also makes sense because you want your consumers to start playing the game as soon as possible, which will generate future sales.

The Kit

There is nothing to Zvezda's 1/72 German Motorcycle. There are eighteen pieces of dark gray, injected plastic and that's it. Nothing else to this kit. Since it's a snap-together kit construction couldn't be simpler. Snap the exhausts and handle bar to the main motorcycle, snap the under-frame, wheel and rear "trunk" to the side car, then snap the side and spare wheel to the motorcycle. And there you have a complete German R-12 motorcycle. Since there are pegs on all three wheels, you snap those into the base and if you want, assemble the figures (a "driver" and a "gunner" for the side-car) and snap those in. If you're interested in painting everything, though, I would paint in sub-assemblies prior to snapping everything together.

Paint the main motorcycle parts and after weathering, then snap the three parts to the main body. After painting the parts for the side car, then snap all those together. Finally, finish it all by snapping the motorcycle and side car to the painted and weathered base. Same goes with the figures. I'm unsure if there are any gaps between the separate arms and bodies for the figures, but if the gaps are slight or non-existent, then you can paint all parts separate prior to assembling the figures.

Conclusion

One thing to keep in mind. This model is meant for the Art of Tactic gaming system, which means everything is a little more "sturdy" for constant handling. This means the tires are solid, with raised detail representing the spokes. Not something you would want to enter in a model contest, since having the spokes as "true spokes" is what you would want for competition. Just something to keep in mind. If you're looking to purchase it for the game, then it's definitely something you want. If you want to take the time to cut everything out for a more detailed model, you might be better starting with another subject.

For what this model is meant – war gaming – then it works perfectly.

My thanks to Dragon USA for sending the review sample.