ZIS-5 – the Soviet truck

ZiS-5 (Russian: ЗИС-5) is a Soviet 3-ton multipurpose truck, produced in 1933-1958 at the ZIS, UlZIS and UralZIS factories. The car was an adaptation of the American truck "Autocar CA" to the conditions and production of the USSR. Together with GAZ - AAA formed the basis of the USSR truck fleet, used in Red Army units during World War II. Until the signing of the “Lend-Lease” Act and the beginning of the supply of trucks, made in the United States and Great Britain, was the main transport truck of the army. Due to the shortage of materials, used in the production of ZIS-5 at the beginning of the war, the construction of the truck was greatly simplified from 1942, the metal cabin was replaced by a wooden one. These trucks are marked ZIS-5V. Many versions and varieties were built on the basis of these cars, among which the most famous three-axle truck ZIS-6, semi-tracked off-road car ZIS-42, buses ZIS-8 and ZIS-16. A version with a gas generator ZIS-21 is also produced. Dozens of these truck chassis were also bought for the Lithuanian Army and business entities. Their own bodies were made for them, which were slightly different from the Soviet ones. So far, I have not found any photos, confirming the presence of these trucks in the arsenal of the Lithuanian Army, and the "ZIS-5" cars, used by business entities are not many either. We are adding one, so this model can also be made as "Lithuanian".

Medium complexity model with full engine, driver and passenger cabin, cargo platform equipment, perfectly restored chassis. As a "bonus" there are parts for a pair of 200L fuel barrels and two “Maxim” machine guns. However, for less experienced modelers, we recommend making the model without the engine and part of the chassis details and working under the supervision of a more experienced colleague.