1:35 ISU-152

ISU-152, a Zvezda plastic kit of the self-propelled gun, 1:35 scale

An injection-molded plastic kit of the Soviet ISU-152 heavy self-propelled gun in 1:35 scale from Zvezda. The model captures the armored enclosed casemate with its massive 152 mm gun-howitzer on the chassis of the IS series heavy tank. The exact contents of the particular box, meaning the decals, the type of track and the hull stowage, are given in the instructions inside.

The real subject

The ISU-152 was a Soviet heavy self-propelled gun developed from the chassis of the IS-2 heavy tank during the Second World War. It carried a powerful 152 mm gun-howitzer in a fixed armored casemate. Thanks to the caliber and the weight of the shell it was a general-purpose weapon: it could destroy armored targets including heavy German tanks, demolish fortifications and bunkers and support infantry with fire at long range. For its effectiveness against armor it earned the nickname Zveroboy, meaning beast slayer. It stayed in service long after the war as well.

Building and painting tips

Assemble and fine-tune the running gear and the lower hull before closing and painting. Bring out the massive barrel and the front armor of the casemate with shading, and enliven the single-color green finish with panel variation and a gloss coat under the decals. Build the final weathering with dark washes in the gaps, a steel dry brush on the edges and heavy dust and mud pigments on the running gear, because a heavy machine will take strong weathering.

Who the model is for

• For collectors of Soviet heavy equipment of the Second World War.
• For fans of self-propelled guns and heavy tracked vehicles.
• For builders of Eastern Front dioramas.
• For advanced modelers and for capable beginners.

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.