1/35 Dragon ZSU-23-4M

Armor/AFV
,
1

Good Day fellas! Again after a brief absence from the site, would like to share my latest output, the ZSU-23-4M from Dragon models #3518 (Shanghai).

IMG_20250924_152051_HDR
IMG_20250924_152051_HDR1920×1440 183 KB

Been through some family issues lately and not having access to my current inventory, I had to build kits from old stash, so this box I dug out is in fairly good state albeit minus the instruction sheet and decals, probably why it was on discount. (Can’t exactly remember when it was purchased, but it must have been over 20+ years ago from Universal Models Co., on Waterloo Road in Kowloon, at a discounted price of HKD$80.00)

Back on the model building, as the kit is manufactured by Dragon Models (Shanghai), I think it’s probably amongst the first batch of kits they transferred the molds to Shanghai Dragon, the plastic was rather soft and a little difficult to bond for parts such as track links, but otherwise it’s pretty much standard for Dragon kits of that era. I managed to download the instruction sheet onto my cellphone and began with the chassis and wheels and tracks, moving onto the hull/turret.

Painting was airbrushed with Tamiya acrylics, I used XF-88 Dark Yellow 2 to make an Iraqi “Shilka”. Once complete, I tried out adding some details, and “weathering“ which I always dreaded, I hand brushed some rust marks and swabbed it with cotton bud to simulate the effect.

IMG_20250924_151709_HDR
IMG_20250924_151709_HDR1920×1613 220 KB

IMG_20250924_151332_HDR
IMG_20250924_151332_HDR1920×1840 216 KB

IMG_20250924_151346_HDR
IMG_20250924_151346_HDR1920×1770 221 KB

IMG_20250924_151358_HDR
IMG_20250924_151358_HDR1920×1885 215 KB

IMG_20250924_151410_HDR
IMG_20250924_151410_HDR1920×1933 229 KB

As no decals were present, I will try and pilfer some Iraqi army decals from other kits, Type-69II comes to mind, so once I can get my hands on them I’ll apply decals and markings.

20 Likes
2

I’ve built that kit a couple of times over the years. I even have that one and the newer Meng kit in my stash now.

Good job! :+1:

:beer_mug: :cowboy_hat_face:

1 Like
3

Nice finish! That is an enjoyable kit to build. You might even want to try your hand at painting the Iraqi markings yourself. They were quite crudely done in real life. The decal makers give them far too much credit for their neatness.

1 Like
4

Many decal makers take the easy way out and just use the drawing tools their computer program provides: neat rectangles, circles and lines, completely regular fonts, etc.

1 Like
5

I always liked the Shilka for its squad boxy looking appearance. You made a fine rendition of the vehicle.

1 Like
6

Thankyou all for the kind words of encouragement, will use this as a test bed for furthering my weathering and detailing techniques!

Aside from rust, what other weathering should I add onto an Iraqi vehicle? It being used in the desert environment, I shouldn’t over-do the rusting too much, potentially I can add some “battle damage“, but not planning to make it as such that it’s a burnt out wreck as seen on the Basra highway. Would very much welcome and appreciate advice on techniques and recommendations!

1 Like