1:35 Russian 122mm D-25T Tank Barrel For IS-2

The real subject

The 122 mm D-25T gun was the main armament of the Soviet IS-2 heavy tank. It was derived from a field gun of the same caliber and, against the tank weapons of the day, it offered a substantially heavier shell that could deal with fortifications and buildings as well. The long barrel projecting far ahead of the bow is so characteristic of the IS-2 that you can recognize the vehicle by it at first glance.

What a turned barrel brings

The barrel is machined on a lathe, so it is perfectly straight and exactly circular over its whole length. There is no seam from gluing two halves together and no sanding, which on such a part usually ends in a loss of shape. Metal also takes finer transitions and crisper edges than a plastic part and adds a little weight to the front of the model.

Building and painting tips

• Wash and degrease the barrel before gluing, as machined metal tends to carry traces of oil.
• It is glued with cyanoacrylate; cement for plastic has no effect on metal.
• Try the fit dry first and widen the opening in the turret carefully if need be.
• Before painting, lay down a primer suitable for metal, otherwise the paint will not hold on the smooth surface.
• Darken the muzzle last of all, so that it keeps its depth.

Who the barrel is for

It suits anyone building an IS-2 in 1:35 scale who does not want to struggle with a split plastic barrel. The swap is simple and shows in the result more than many a more laborious modification.

Terms of supply

A turned barrel is supplied. Paints, glue and tools are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.