SCALE MODELS FROM RUSSIA Review of Scale Models Made in Russia & the USSR by Alex BARMASOV (barmasov@snoopy.phys.spbu.ru) Ver. 4.2 beta: Updated March 2nd, 1998 I believe that these Review and List (appendix to this Review, which make use of computerized data) are not only the first attempt in Internet, but the most thorough study of scale models that have been produced in the USSR, Russia and other countries of the Former Soviet Union, including apart from mass production models also handbuilt models and models produced in small series. These Review & List are devoted mainly to the scale models of automobiles (this part is the most reliable and complete one), but it also deals with military, aircraft, naval and railroad miniatures (although these parts are not complete). This guide should prove useful to several categories of readers. Some models presented on this List are known only in a limited circle of Russian collectors. As for foreign collectors, Author is sure that they are almost unfamiliar with scale models manufactured in the Soviet Union and new independent states. In 1970-80s only some car models were exported to the West by Novoexport, Zapchastexport and a few other Soviet export companies. Unfortunately today situation is still almost the same - only small part of those models is known in the World collector scene. So collectors and modelers will be able to use this List as a reference to obtain the models and kits they are interested in - this List also gives information about the models that are available for them today. So the Review will give the beginners some brief information about Soviet/Russian scale models and manufacturers and the List will show even to serious collectors how incomplete are their collections! I would like especially to attract your attention to the fact that many models on this List have such notes as "H" (Handbuilt) and/ or "L" (A limited number of models was manufactured) - usually such models are of high quality, but are very rare and expensive. Also models marked by "Z" (Production was ceased - finally or temporary) or "P"(Production was planned) are rare and as a consequence - expensive. I would like also to attract special attention that this Review indexes (RMIndexes) are conditional (while being based on coded names of manufacturers (3 first letters/digits) and, where possible, their official catalogue numbers). And, furthermore specific indexes may be valid only for specific version of the List (but I am planning not to change those indexes very often - only in the case of getting new information about specific models). More than a couple of hundreds of scale models (metal and plastic) were in mass production in the former Soviet Union - mainly in Russia. Industrial production of scale models in the USSR began in early seventies. Among the manufacturers of scale models there were/ are factories in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Saratov, Nizhni Novgorod, Ulyanovsk, Rossosh, Tbilisi, Tallinn, Kiev, Minsk, Donetsk, Zaporozhe, Alma-Ata, Odessa, etc. Usually the production of models was not the main output of those factories (production of high-quality scale models demanded special sensitive equipment, which in the Soviet Union was concentrated mainly in electronic industry and armories), so some manufacturers produced only one or a few types of models. Most models of automobiles were produced in 1:43 scale, but some other scales (1:16, 1:20, 1:24, 1:50, 1:87, etc.) were used too. Soviet-made models may be divided into 2 groups: original models, and remakes produced with the help of famous international manufacturers (using their old used casts or moulds). The best example of the first type of models - those produced by Tantal(Litan)/Radon(Agat) (main output - electronics, production of models began in 1972). Bodies and opening elements of the models are diecast and painted with original automobile enamels. Decorative elements such as bumper or radiator grille are made of metallized plastic. These models have highly detailed interiors and realistic exteriors. The scale models of Russo-Balts (the first Russian home- made series-produced passenger cars that were built in Riga by the Russko-Baltiysky plant in 1908-15) imitate the body interior, protectors, horn, headlamps, etc. The scale models of Moskvichs feature the appurtenances of body interior and the engine; the opening elements include the engine hood and, in some models, additionally the doors and the tailgate.The scale models of Ladas feature the body equipment, engine, tailgate, etc; opening elements: engine hood, tailgate, and some models - additionally, the doors. The Niva model (78 elements!) features the body equipment, engine, rear-view mirrors and windshield wipers; a model spare wheel is housed under the engine hood (as in real jeep); turning front wheels; opening elements: doors, engine hood and tailgate. The scale models of Chaika and Volgas imitate the body appurtenances, engine, trunk, etc.; opening elements: doors, engine hood, trunk lid or tailgate; additional features of special-purpose cars are signal lamps on the body roofs, signal lamps inside the body, special equipment, rear-view mirrors and windshield wipers, swing-down seats, stretchers, additional spotlights, etc. The scale models of ZiL (limousines / administrative cars) feature the body appurtenances, engine, trunk, radio antenna (early versions), etc.; opening elements: doors, engine hood, trunk lid. The scale models of Latvya imitate body appurtenances, light and signal lamps on the roof and rear wall, the equipment of the cab, body with seats and stretchers, a siren on the body roof; opening elements - doors and trunk lid. Dozens of Tantal(Litan)/Radon(Agat) models have 2 main merits: high quality of design (unfortunately not always accompanied by the same high standard of manufacturing) and exotic objects - they produce only self-designed (original) models of Soviet/Russian-made makes (only a few manufacturers abroad the Former Soviet Union produce only few models of Soviet/Russian makes). Another merit - those models are still rare outside the Former Soviet Union. Actually the third merit exists too - those high-quality models are cheap (at least in Russia, and especially if to compare their cost with prices on the well-known brandnames of the same level). It is necessary to mention that different versions of one model exist (this fact is important for serious collector). For example, all models of Moskvich-408, 412, 426, 427, 433, 434 were produced not only in different colors and with different decals, but also with 3 versions of grille: with 2 round or 4 round or 2 square headlights (since real cars differ depending on the year of production). Scale models of ZiL-115, 117 at first were produced with antenna, later - without. Scale model of GAZ-24-02 Escort at first was produced with 2 antennas. Scale models of some Russo-Balts were produced with detailed engines, later - without. First and later models of GAZ-24 differ seriously (today even versions without opening doors appeared). First scale models of Moskvich-403 were produced with opening doors, than for many years this model was not produced, later the same model came into production again, but without opening doors. First and later models of KamAZ differ in details (becoming in some cases better - e.g. version with turning front wheels appeared), models of ZiL-131 were produced with poor metal simulation of engine, later versions got a little better plastic model of engine, and so on, and so on. One may find some of such versions in my Review, but not all of them (Review is becoming too big now...). All this is about models produced by the same brands. But there are also some models, that are produced simultaneously by different manufacturers - e.g. 1:43 models of UAZ-469 were/are produced by HMZ (plastic), UAZ and TAN (metal). Two last models were based on one original design of casts, but actually differ in some details. Some models were produced exclusively for foreign customers (usually not in 1:43 scale) - e.g. the so called "future Lada" - actually model of Opel Corsa (plans of producing of this car in Russia (as it was with FIAT-124) existed). In this Review I mentioned only some of such models. The second type models usually have good quality of modeling and manufacturing, but occasionally - are badly manufactured or have poor design (that usually is compensated by low price). But even these models may be interesting for serious collectors too - they are the "continuation" of earlier manufactured in the West (and inaccessible now because of termination of original production) models and, anyway, are produced by very exotic manufacturers. Also some assembly kits were in production (e.g., 1:30 assembly kits of famous Soviet World War 2 tanks - some versions included electric micro-motors). A little different situation was with the plastic kits of aircraft (mainly 1:72). Many of those models were not known abroad (e.g., only few of them were mentioned in 'Encyclopedia of Military Models 1/72' by Boilea,C. et al). The quality of originally designed models of MiGs, etc. some years ago was not very high. The quality of kits produced under the licenses of foreign (mainly British) manufacturers (e.g., pressings from the original Frog molds) was good enough. For example, Moscow plant Krugozor began serial production of scale models (kits) of aircraft, using British equipment, in 1980. It produced thousands of kits monthly. Unfortunately for political reasons kits at that time (especially in the cases of models of western military aircraft) very often did not comprise decals, also white or yellow plastic was used, and even aircraft makes were not mentioned. In 1980s high quality assembled models of Soviet military aircraft came into production by many manufacturers. I regret to say that only some of produced aircraft and navy kits/models are mentioned on this List. Dozen years ago Soviet Union did not produce railroad models (miniature railway) at all. One could buy in our shops only models manufactured in German Democratic Republic (mainly - 1:87 HO scale). Today several companies (including joint ventures) produce railroad scale models in Russia - mainly in 1:120 TT (12mm) scale - and not only passenger cars (in authentic colors of Soviet/Russian Railways), but also locomotives (mainly copies of domestic diesel locomotives) with electric motors and bulbs. These models are Limited Editions and are still rare even in Russia. But this makes them even more popular among collectors. As to 1:87 HO scale, some handmade masterpieces are produced by several masters in small quantities. I mentioned on this List some Russian-made TT scale models, that are available now in Russia. Due to economic crisis and disintegration of the country many manufacturers ceased production of models (only some of such cases are marked by "Z" on the List). For the same reason expected mass production of some models still has not begun (marked by "P"). However dozens of original and interesting high-quality scale models are still in production (e.g., models of Lada cars, KamAZ trucks, etc.), and, furthermore, mass production of many new scale models has begun lately (e.g., nice diecast models of Soviet fire-engines in 1:43 scale from St.Petersburg (see indexes beginning from PES and LOM - pictures of those fire-engines were published in 'Model Auto Review' (GB)), models of trucks and buses, streetcars and trolleybuses, railroad cars and locomotives, etc.). And many original kits of Soviet and foreign aircraft are produced in CIS countries by dozens of manufacturers (and of high quality). Then new specialized manufacturers producing small series of high-quality models of exotic automobiles appeared lately. As a result - dozens of mass-produced models are available now in Russia (and at low prices), as well as dozens of handmade masterpieces (at "right" prices). In 1990s many new "Limited Edition" (100-200 copies) and "Handbuilt" (dozens of copies) high-quality models of almost all main Soviet/Russian cars and trucks became available for collectors, as well as many new mass-production models are produced now by Tantal, Agat, Elecon, etc. In Russian market 6-7 hundreds of domestic scale models of cars are available for a collector, and dozens of new models appear regularly. Those models from this List, that are available now for collectors (including not only "Regular Editions", but also "Special Editions", "Limited Editions", "Handbuilts", "Special Orders" (in this case a new copy of earlier manufactured model will be produced for a collector personally), and even some "Out-of-production" models (in many cases limited quantities are still available from the stocks)) are marked in the List by adding of "*" at the end of RMIndexes (total number of today available models is more than 800 - from cheap (a few dollars) mass- production and even handmade models to expensive (up to hundreds of dollars), but very high-grade exotic limited editions. Actually some other models are available too - I added those "*" only to models that are available to me today in St.Petersburg (situation may differ in other regions of Russia or CIS countries). Then, some models are available from clubs and collectors - I did NOT mark such cases. It is necessary to note, that some handmade models are available not- assembled - as kits (sets of details), so one can assemble the models by himself and get as a result cheaper and really "limited edition" of handmade model. I also added to the latest version of the List some information about accessories and even delineations (drawings) of models in different scales (available now) that will help modelers to create new or to seriously upgrade existing models (or to fix broken models). Russian people say: "It is better to see once, than to hear 100 times". Pictures of many models from this List are available now at few Web-sites, among others I recommend: http://www-personal.umich.edu/~kot/models.html ("World of Russian Miniatures" by Alex Kotlyar); http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/8102 ("1/43 Scale Models from Russia" by Alex Antonov). One may also watch some of the models from this List in a few paper catalogs (unfortunately even the biggest published catalogs contain only small part of the models from this List), so I added to the List numbers of pictures in those catalogs - at the end of second lines (under the RMIndex): 1 - An Automobile on a Palm (Catalog, Part 1, Katalog-Novosti Agency, Russia, 1993) in Russian, English and German; e.g.1-001: Picture # 1. 2 - An Automobile on a Palm (Catalog, Part 2, Katalog-Novosti Agency, Russia, 1995) in Russian and English; e.g. 2-001: Picture # 1. 3 - Avtomobili SSSR. Albom. Modeli-kopii iz metalla i plastmassy v mashtabe 1:43 by Shemarinov, A.M. (St.Petersburg, Russia, 1992) in Russian; e.g. 3-58: Picture on page 58. 4 - Encyclopedia of Military Models 1/72 by Claude Boileau, Huynh-Dinh Khuong and Thomas A. Young (Tab Books Inc., Blue Ridge Summit, PA, USA, 1988) in English; e.g. 4-4444: Model # 4444 (apart from models from the List some originals of the reproductions are also marked). Now about some main Russian/Soviet scale models brands: DFI: Donetskaya Fabrika Igrushek (Donetsk Toys Plant) (Donetsk, UA) is one of the first industrial manufacturers of scale models in the USSR. In 1974 DFI produced 56,000 (30,000 were exported) 1:43 scale models of cars (reproductions of Politoys),during 1975 already 150,000 models were produced. It also manufactures aircraft model kits. KAZ: 'Elecon' Scientific & Production Association (Kazan, RUS) since 1978 has been the first and World's only manufacturer of high-quality original 1:43 KamAZ truck diecast metal models. Today the plant output is about 1 million truck models of 18 basic types (and includes not only KamAZ models) annually. The latter number amounts to 50+ if varying style elements are considered. Every year 3 or 4 new models are put into production. In 1980s 'Elecon' produced 50,000 copies of each model annually. In the early 90s this plant manufacturedabout 12% of the USSR production of scale models of Soviet cars. KZT: 'Kzyl-Tu' (Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan). This is maybe the most exotic scale models producer. In 1980s it manufactured 35,000 1:43 plastic models of AMO-F15 truck annually. Those models were mainly manufactured at... Alma-Ata High School #34 by teenagers! In the early 90s this plant manufactured about 2% of the USSR production of scale models of Soviet cars. LOM: 'LOMO' plant (St.Petersburg, RUS). Now former giant, that specialized on optical production for the aims of national defence, is replaced by much smaller enterprises, one of which ('LOMO-AVM') continues to produce good original 1:43 diecast models. Total production today is only about 1,000+ pieces a month, so some models are produced in dozens, less often in hundreds. It specializes on ZiS-5 and ZiS-6 based trucks and fire engines. PES: 'Peresvet' Plant (St.Petersburg, RUS). It's first trademark was 'Tel'. It produces Limited Editions (100-200 of each item annually) of high-quality handbuilt models of Soviet fire engines and trucks (including gasifier versions) of 1930s-1950s - mainly based on ZiS and GAZ chassis (20+ items). These models are not well known even for Russian collectors, although some of them were exported to Europe. As some other Russian brands it is the World's only manufacturer of scale models of some specific makes. Member of Peresvet/Scale Trade Association - one of the main distributors of scale models in CIS countries with many exclusive sales rights. RAD: 'Radon' Plant (Marx, RUS) of 'Tantal' Production Association (Saratov, RUS) was founded in 1968. The number of employees working at the plant is 2,600. Manufacturing of scale models of automobiles is only one of its production lines. 'Radon' produces high-quality original 1:43 diecast metal models of Soviet/Russian cars. It is one of the World's biggest and the best manufacturer of such models. In the early 90s this plant manufactured about 29% of the USSR production of scale models of Soviet cars. After changes in management, and a change of ownership, the factory has been divided into smaller independent concerns and the models are now produced under the name 'Agat'. Only a few new variants of models were released during last years, with printed inscriptions, of which the most interesting is the RAF-2203 Latvya gas service van. Some police patrol variants have now a new special roof mountings - as in the case of the model of Moskvich-2141 Moscow taxi hatchback. Production of VAZ-2110 (Lada-110) was stopped, and whether it will be reissued is not known. It is planned now to produce the different models of GAZelle trucks and vans. SCA: 'Scale' (St.Petersburg, RUS). This company was organized in Sept. 1994 and now it is one of the leading St.Petersburg manufacturers of hand-made models. Since 1994 it designed and produced 100+ types of 1:43 models - conversions and original limited editions. Now it specializes mainly on the production of models of specialized vehicles - snow-removing vehicles, garbage refuse trucks, ambulances, cash collectors, mixers, etc. Member of Peresvet/Scale Trade Association - one of the main distributors of scale models in CIS countries with many exclusive sales rights. SIH: 'Siharuli' (Tbilisi, Georgia). In 1975 this plant produced about 1,000 1:43 metal and plastic models of Western cars (reproductions of Politoys) daily, and almost all of them were exported (more than 100,000 were sold in Socialist countries only in 1975). Later the production was increased. 'Siharuli' in Georgian means 'Happiness'. STC: 'St.Petersburg Tram Collection' - division of 'ProgramService Ltd.' (St.Petersburg, RUS). Their slogan is: "1/43 Handbuilt Public Transport models from the Largest Tram City of the World" (St.Petersburg has the largest tramway network in the World - 1,000+ route kms with 66 routes and more than 2,000 streetcars few years ago, but still 700+ route kms and 1,200+ streetcars today). This company began to operate in 1996 and suggests now dozens of 1:43 very limited editions (from 5 to 100) of city public transport (streetcars, buses, trolleybuses, etc.) in series: St.Petersburg Tram Collection (selection of the famous St.Petersburg streetcars, trolleybuses and buses - 44 items: Refs 1-44), Nostalgie Collection (the most notable designs of the public transport in the former Soviet Union and all around the World - 42 items: Refs 100-141), Golden Collection (very high quality limited editions from 2 main collections), Bus Collection (20 items: Refs 200-219), XXI Century Collection (Refs 300-) and some smaller collections, as e.g. Stockholm Collection. All models are authenticated by a numbered Limited Edition Certificate that confirms the origin and serial number of the specific model. Some of their models are original, but in some cases STC converts regular handbuilts (mainly - made in the Ukraine) into real masterpieces. Some models are also available as kits. TAN: 'Tantal' Production Association (Saratov/Marx, RUS). It is the first manufacturer of high-quality original 1:43 diecast models of Soviet/Russian cars in industrial quantities. Usually it transferred production of originally designed models to 'Radon/Agat'. In some cases it transferred production of models to other manufacturers (GAZ, UAZ, Elecon, etc.). Other Trademarks - 'Argon' and 'Litan'. The most interesting model is VAZ-21099 Lada Samara (sedan with a completely new four-door saloon body). The only opening part is the bonnet. Three new types of wheels and a new wide tire have been made for this model. The box of the Lada-110 has been used with few changes. Only a small series of these models has been manufactured. ZMG: Leningrad Plant of Metal Haberdashery and Souvenirs (Leningrad/ St.Petersburg, RUS). Mass production (reissue) of die cast models began in 1977. During 1977-1978 about 120,000 1:43 scale models of Ford Consul Cortina were produced. Later few other models were added, including scale models of Soviet motorcycles. Annual output became 100,000. Quality of those models was high enough. Unfortunately in 1990s this plant ceased the model production. But few other St.Petersburg plants continue to produce high-quality original scale models. Some abbreviations used in the List are listed at the end. Absence of some notes for some models means only the absence of reliable information or time to describe model in detail - e.g. very often absence of notes "I" or "-" actually DOES NOT mean that the specific model has no detailed interior or chassis! I resumed noting of actual dimensions (mm) and added weights (g) and number of details (pieces) for some models (I will add this information for other models in future versions). I hope that these Review and List will be useful for you and will help you to replenish your collection of scale models. Now the most frequently asked question: "Where can I buy those models?". Answer is very simple: "Address to the Administrator of this Web-site!". If you can supply me with additional information or proof of an omission or an error, I should be grateful. I also welcome any comments and questions. If you have any specific questions, please, mention RMIndexes. Please, write to: E-mail: barmasov@snoopy.phys.spbu.ru Snail-mail: P.O.Box 5, PO L-216, St.Petersburg, 198216 Russia. I wish to express my appreciation of all those numerous comments about this Review that I have already received. My very special thanks to all scale models collectors and manufacturers that offered (or will offer) information for these Review and List. I have a reason to believe that a number of makes mentioned in the Review and List constitute trademarks, but I did not designate them as such ONLY to save space. Information listed here is based in the main on original catalogs of manufacturers, distributors and vendors, as well as on the reports exclusively prepared for me by manufacturers. It is impossible to list here ALL used sources of information, so I will mention only some: 'An Automobile on a Palm', Catalog, Parts 1 (1993) & 2 (1995), Katalog-Novosti Agency, Russia; 'Avtomobili SSSR. Albom. Modeli-kopii iz metalla i plastmassy v mashtabe 1:43' by Shemarinov, A.M., St.Petersburg (1992); 'Avto SSSR 1:43, Scale Models of Automobiles', Vneshtorgizdat, USSR; 'Das Auto Auf Der Handflagche', USSR, 1987; 'Model Auto Review', UK; 'M-Hobby', Russia; 'Sistema 43/72', Russia. Happy Collecting! Author: Dr. Alexander (Alex) V. Barmasov, St.Petersburg, Russia (barmasov@snoopy.phys.spbu.ru) Copyright: Alexander V. Barmasov, 1996-1998 Notice of Copyright: All rights reserved. A.Barmasov grants the right to redistribute this information in electronic or in printed form, in whole or in part for non-commercial use only (e.g. one may use this information in all kinds of Web-sites for free downloading); distribution must include copyright notice and A.Barmasov's postal and/or E-mail address(es) unless specific agreement is reached with A.Barmasov. For uses of this material not covered by this notice, please contact A.Barmasov at barmasov@snoopy.phys.spbu.ru SCALE MODELS FROM RUSSIA Series (regularly updated documents): 1. Review of Scale Models Made in Russia & the USSR (this document) 2. List of Scale Models Made in Russia & the USSR (2330+ items!) 3. The Latest News (novelties and plans) (c) Alexander V. Barmasov, 980302