„Zaria“ Project R-83 - the Soviet/ Russian/ Lithuanian river passenger diesel ship

"Zaria" diesel-ships - a series of Soviet passenger high-speed river ships, often called "river trams", "river buses". Passenger capacity 60 - 86, crew - 2-3 people. Built according to two projects - 946 (from 1965 to 1981) and R - 83 (from 1971 to 1985) at the Moscow Shipbuilding and Repair Plant. Just over 40 units of the original design 946 were built, and about 140 of the modified design - 946A. Since the diesel ship was originally designed for mass construction, they were built according to the latest technology of the period, trying to make them as versatile, as possible in terms of operation. The "Zaria" was truly versatile, able to dock on almost any sloping bank even when this one had no jetty. Its flat bottom allowed it to partially float on a sloping bank so, that people could disembark on the sand, instead of in the water, and then swim back on again without difficulty. These characteristics of the ship made it truly unique and revolutionary among the river ships, used in the USSR. A couple of ships of this type also sailed in the Nemunas. And they are still sailing - they are named "Deima" and "Benas".

A medium-complexity, well-designed and well-detailed model with command and passenger cabin equipment, that can be assembled by advanced beginner modelers under the supervision of a more experienced colleague.