1:35 JS-2 Stalin

The real subject

The JS-2, written in more recent literature as the IS-2, was a Soviet heavy tank of the end of the Second World War. Its designation carries the name of Joseph Stalin. Two things set it apart from the medium tanks: the heavy and markedly sloped hull armor and the 122 mm gun, derived from an artillery weapon. A shell of that caliber could deal with a defensive position or with a house, but on the other hand the shell and the charge were loaded separately, so the rate of fire stayed low and the ammunition supply carried in the vehicle was small. The JS-2 was therefore used mainly where a prepared defense had to be broken through.

What kind of kit this is

An unassembled plastic kit in 1:35 scale. The hull of the finished model comes out at just under twenty centimeters, and with the gun forward the vehicle measures around twenty-eight. The parts are held on sprues; cut them off before building, clean up the mating surfaces and dry-fit the main assemblies.

• 1:35 scale, the model is around twenty-eight centimeters long with the gun
• the real subject is a Soviet heavy tank with a 122 mm gun
• parts on sprues, bonded with cement for plastic
• supplied unassembled and unpainted

Building and painting tips

Build the running gear on a flat board so that all the road wheels sit down. The cast turret has a rougher surface than the rolled plate of the hull; lightly stippling it with thinned putty or an old brush will suggest the difference. The large smooth surfaces of the hull take shading and edge highlighting well, while dirt belongs mainly on the running gear and on the lower part of the sides.

Who it is for

For collectors of Soviet equipment and for builders of dioramas in 1:35 scale. Paints, glue and putty are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.