Berlin IS-2 (Tamiya kit)

[Greg Beckman]

My next little project is a Tamiya Stalin 2 tank. I don't make many Tamiya kits, but when I do, I really enjoy them for the ease of assembly. Assembly is just flying due to that fact. I will have it on a base with a couple of Resin POWs moving pass.

In this first picture, I already have the hull together. I started by enhancing the mold cutoff marks on the hull front, beatup the left fender and cutback on the right fender, along with adding a crumpled brass partial replacement part. I had to also smooth and retexture the area where the fender was removed and where the fixed hull MG is attached, nasty seem here. I also added wiring to the horn and light.

Intial turret assembly has started. I left off a pistol plug and replaced it with a turned one from Orange hobby. I also have an RB models turned barrel. The muzzle break is not good, so I will use a resin one or the kit supplied brake as a replacement.

[Greg Beckman]

We had rather poor weather in Texas this past weekend, so I was able to jump ahead on the IS tank. One thing about the IS-2 tank that I love is the white stripes applied for the Berlin Operation, but I wanted something different and I found a profile that I really liked. This is my spin on the markings. All white paint was hand painted, the small red star is a decal. I have started the weathering process, but I have alot more to go on that front, including adding pastels to the tracks. If you look closely, you will notice that the horizontal white turret line does decend toward the front of the tank, as it appears in the profile artwork. I assume that is due to sloppy painting, I guess.

[Philipp Gross]

Excellent as usual Greg

Philipp

[Yngve Sjodin]

Looking good there

[Greg Beckman]

Thanks for the positive comments. IS-2 completed with some stowage....now to focus on the figures.

[Mark Aldrich]

Greg,
Beautiful work. Got a question? What held the Front cast piece to the rest of the turret?

Mark

[Greg Beckman]

Mark, they were bolted together. I have some factory photos in some reference books at home.


Here's a pick of an old project of mine where I depicted a slightly blown IS-2(DML), if you look closely you will see the bolts and bolt holes.


Another example of Soviets bolting there manlets to turrets.

[Mark Aldrich]

Greg,
Thanks! I can now go to bed knowing a learned something new today.

[Shawn Ramsey]

Another great piece Greg.

Shawn

[Greg Beckman]

I've finished up the figures, all are resin, except for the Grandma, who is plastic from a Mini-art kit. The base is also Mini-art and comes with there Tram kit. I had to build a support structure underneath as it was weak and did not support the weight of the IS-2. The Grandmother is shocked by the parade of German POWs as they file past. I do need to add some dirt and strewn newspapers about the base as it looks way to clean and tidy.