I think the Tamiya GPA kit is long OOP. I would like to know if it could be used as the Soviet counterpart, the GAZ MAW.
1 Like
They just re-issued it 3 or 4 years ago, with a Russian crew. It’s in stock everywhere I just looked.
1 Like
Thanks, I will look for it.
1 Like
2 Likes
Simply based on the differences between the DUKW and the BAV, I suspect you with have to do a good bit of detail changes if not dimensional alterations and reconstructions to make a MAV out of a GPA.
Given that the inventors of the GPA themselves called it “a technical and tactical failure”, I’m surprised that the Soviets would copy it.
KL
1 Like
The GAZ-46 does look a LOT like the GPA, but as Kurt says the devil is in the details. To my eyes (with very limited Googling) the nose looks a tad “pointier” with a longer, more shallow slope to the chin.
And just because the US originators felt it was a flop, doesn’t mean others would say the same…
2 Likes
2 Likes
That was in 2008 
Since then, it has also been released with a new American crew and some etched parts.
2 Likes
I don’t remember an engine in the original release. Pretty decent update by Tamiya.
1 Like
I think the differences are more than subtle . . . The wheelbases were 84 vs 91 inches and the Soviet amphibian’s hull was bigger to improve buoyancy (MAV: 68 x 200 inches; GPA: 64 x 182 inches). Look at the bow and the area behind the rear wheels, for example.
KL
1 Like
It wasn’t in the original and I don’t think the Russian version either.
1 Like
No engine in Russian one
2 Likes
I just ordered one. I had the original which was never finished. May need the Voyager etch set. But it’s about twice as much as the kit!
2 Likes
You may also want to upgrade the wheels/tires. The tires are still too balloon-ish and have no sidewall nor hub details. I updated them with ones from the newer Tamiya Willys MB. I also used the Eduard PE set and Thatchweave rope bumpers.
The engine is nice too.
2 Likes
Definitely need those bumpers!
Ordered the Aber set. I’ve used their Jeep set before & really liked it.
Now for wheels / tires. Ordered some Panzer Art Goodyear wheels / tires as well as FC Model Trend’s replacement seats.
Going full AMS for this one!
1 Like