Arab Air Defence-Part 4 /Soviet ZU-23-2 A/A Gun Trumpeter 1/35th scale

 

The ZU-23-2 (2A13) mounts two 2A14 23 mm auto-cannons on a small trailer which can be converted into a stationary mount for firing the guns. In this mode the axles and wheels are rotated to a horizontal position on the chasis. The auto-cannon can be prepared for firing from the march position in 30 seconds and in emergency can be fired from the traveling position. The weapon is aimed and fired manually, with the help of the ZAP-23 optical-mechanical sight which uses manually entered target data to provide limited automatic aiming.  It also has a straight-tube T-3 telescopic sight for use against ground targets such as infantry as well as unarmored or lightly armored vehicles.  The shells are fed by a conveyor belt from two ammunition boxes.  These boxes are attached to the side of the twin auto-cannon and each carries 50 rounds.  The fumes created by firing the weapon are partially removed through the side openings in the barrels.   In the Soviet Union, some 140,000 units were produced. The ZU-23 has also been produced under license by Bulgaria,  Poland, Egypt  and the People's Republic of China.  Development of this weapon into a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (SPAAG) led to the ZSU-23 radar guided mobile AA vehicle.  Above is a photo of a Syrian gun emplacement on the Golan Heights during the Yom Kippur War. Below is a You-tube video of a ZU-23-2 in live fire practice with the Greek army.

 

 

The Model: Trumpeter 1/35th scale ZU-23-2 Anti Aircraft gun. If you like lots of little fiddly parts in a model then this one is for you. I always wanted to build a ZU-23-2 and Trumpeter Models finally released their version last year. Other manufacturers have made attempts but this is the definitive version. Be aware that this model is quite detailed and has MANY small parts. There are some photo-etched parts included but not enough in my opinion for some of the finer details of the sighting mechanism. I was having some trouble following the drawings at times and finally went to "Google" to get some detailed photos. I should have started with those photos as They helped immensely in clarifying the position of the numerous small bits of unrecognizable plastic. The next one I build (Yes, I bought two) will be easier because of the photo references I gathered. I was amazed at what Trumpeter Models has been able to reproduce in plastic as some of the railings and other parts are so very thin and delicate the biggest problem is cutting them off the sprues without breaking.  Here is the model before painting to show some of the photo-etch parts and complicated assembly.

Here ia a photo of the actual sighting mechanism which I used towards the end to assemble this little jewel.

Here is the model after paint. I did it in a simple Russian green scheme as the Syrians did not always camouflage these guns before fielding them. My Little Bronco Gaz-69 now has a load in tow. I can already picture a future diorama scene in my mind.