ATs-40 (131) fire engine on Zil-131 base, AVD models 1288

The ATs-40-137A is maybe the most iconic and famous Soviet fire engine. The appearance of this Zil-131 based machine is known to most people from Soviet Union and post-soviet countries as in many countries of the socialist bloc as well. The line of Zil-130 and -131 trucks was a first attempt to produce 1:72 scale kits by AVD models, which was known for their 1:43 scale vehicles kits and it became a success. Actually I was waiting for firefighting variant of Zil for many years because my father and grandfather were firefighters and their department was equipped with these as well. The model became very good in assemble and easily recognisable. I used photoetched parts from unknown company to slightly improve the model and made it in standart color scheme of fire departments of Soviet Union - red with white stripes and doors.