Not being an expert on modern Russian equipment, a quick Internet search has taught me that the GAZ-2975 “Tiger” or Russian Tigr is a modern, two-axle, multi-purpose off-road vehicle from the Russian automobile manufacturer GAZ. Initially planned as a pure military vehicle, it can be equipped with various components for both civilian and military service. The version kitted here has the “ARBALET” weapon station, although it can also carry a 12.7mm heavy weapon or with a 7.62mm PKTM machine gun. The weapon station can be used from the inside of the vehicle without exposing the crews to unfriendly fire.
Coming in a very sturdy cardboard box within an outer sleeve, there are six light grey sprues containing the main vehicle parts and one clear plastic sprue with various parts for the windows and light lenses. Also included is a small piece of nylon mesh for the front grille and some reflective silver stickers for the wing mirrors. There are 340 parts to the kit although about 40 are unused. Detail throughout varies from good to exceptional with no flash or sink marks on my example at all, however some parts do possess faint tooling marks. Decal options are provided for two vehicles and are commendably thin and in good register. Unlike some manufacturers, Zvezda see fit to include decals for the dashboard dials which is a very welcome touch.