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This is a 1/35th scale Eastern Express Gaz-66 truck built straight out of the box but without the ZU-23-2 AA gun included with the kit. The model is of the Syrian Army which withdrew from Lebanon on April 26th,2005 after an occupation that lasted 29 years.
It is important to explain few specific features on the model with a minor historical background. The posters on the model are those of Syrian political leaders. These podters were, and still sre a typical Syrian pattern always observed on military armoured and transport vehicles. Many of these Gaz trucks were also seen with a wheel hubcap from an old civilian Mercedes car fixed the the front -- a fascination frequently noticed among Syrian troops.
The serial number on the truck reads "389891", it is an actual one, as part of the Syrian regiment that was deployed on the Lebanese territories. Next to this is the unit number, on the front bumper and the back cargo door, which is written in Arabic the word "Al Jayish" which stands for "The Army" in English translation. The bluish upper stripe of the windshield is a custom made decal printed on Microscale sheets. The expression on it says "Al Ba’ath Tarikuna" or "The Ba’ath is our path", in reference to the ruling Ba’ath or "Resurection" party, since the Syrian army is a state-party-indoctrinated armed force.
The model fits well to a large extent but its assembly instructions are ambiguous on some parts. The driver is an old Tamiya figure. The painting was done with acrylic Tamiya and Vallejo before applying minor weathering with oil paints.
Due to the strict restrictions imposed by the Syrian military authorities on photographing their units, references to build this model were gratefully provided by the archives of our modeling group in Lebanon: http://elitegrp.com.lb/
This is my first model to be displayed online. I’ve chosen Track-Link for this purpose.
Regards,
Wissam. [View discussion] [Discuss my model]
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