The MiniArt 1/35 BZ-38 Soviet Refueller Mod. 1939 (35158) is a highly detailed plastic model kit from MiniArt, the Ukrainian manufacturer renowned for exceptional interior detail, historical accuracy, and innovative subject selection.
The BZ-38 was a Soviet aviation fuel refueller built on the GAZ-AAA three-axle truck chassis, entering service in 1939 as the primary forward airfield refuelling vehicle of the Soviet Air Forces (VVS). Carrying approximately 3,800 litres of aviation fuel in its distinctive cylindrical tank, the BZ-38 was a vital logistics asset at Soviet airfields from the Winter War against Finland through the Great Patriotic War of 1941–45. Dozens of these vehicles appear in period photographs of VVS airfields from the Arctic to Central Asia, often seen refuelling Yak, LaGG, and Ilyushin aircraft between sorties. The GAZ-AAA chassis gave the BZ-38 reasonable cross-country capability across the difficult terrain and seasonal mud of Soviet airfields, and many examples served throughout the entire war despite the vehicle's age. MiniArt's kit — developed from their acclaimed GAZ-AAA series — captures this rarely modelled but historically essential support vehicle in authentic 1/35 scale detail.
Key Features:
- 1/35 scale injection-moulded kit — BZ-38 refueller on GAZ-AAA chassis
- Cylindrical aviation fuel tank with accurate fittings and fuel hose reel
- Detailed GAZ-AAA cab interior with driver's controls
- Photo-etched parts for grilles and detail fittings
- Soviet VVS airfield and logistic unit markings options
- Accurate 1939 configuration with period-correct detail
MiniArt is widely respected among scale modellers for pioneering full interior detail in 1/35 scale armour and vehicle kits, as well as producing a vast range of unique Soviet and Axis soft-skin vehicles unavailable elsewhere. This kit rewards careful assembly with outstanding realism suitable for display, competition, or diorama use.
Ideal For:
- Soviet WWII aviation and airfield diorama builders
- GAZ-AAA series completists
- VVS (Soviet Air Forces) vehicle collectors
- Winter War and Great Patriotic War soft-skin vehicle enthusiasts
- Intermediate to advanced modelers
Whether built straight from the box or further enhanced with weathering and painting techniques, the MiniArt 1/35 BZ-38 Soviet Refueller Mod. 1939 delivers historical authenticity and exceptional detail — only at AFVHobbyHub.com.
