Well, I’ve been looking for a 1/35 Stalin Heavy IS-2, hopefully with the late model anti-aircraft gun on the back, but either way is fine. So far Ive seen pictures of ones listed as Dragon Heavy IS-2’s, but it’s not listed on the DML website. On DML USA, they have an IS-2 by Zvezda, and I’ve heard that zvezda just reboxes DML kits, so how would that kit be do you think, detail wise? Also maybe a stupid question, but would th einstructions be in english or russian, since some russian model companies have done that I hear. So any ideas on companies that would make it, or, how zvezda kits are in general would be great, and even better maybe any links you know have that sell it, since it seems like an old kit.
The Zvezda IS-2 Stalin is their own original kit that they also shared with Italeri. The Dragon IS-2 is a different kit. Both are pretty good kits, the Zvezda one being better. The main difference is the Dragon kit has single link tracks and the Italeri/Zvezda kit has vinyl tracks.
Here is the link to an Italeri/Zvezda review: IS-2 Stalin
The Dragon IS-2 was my very first DML kit and it was a beauty. Also it was my first go at indy tracks and it was much easier than I thought. I highly reccommend it myself.
Thanks and great to hear. A couple more questions. First, which, if either, have the anti aircrfat gun mounted on the rear of the turret? Second, to Tigerman, how is the detail dompared to modern DML kits? I have their flak 88mm, and the detail is outstanding! All the tiny parts are worth it in the end, and I have always wanted to try indie tracks. So is the detail just good for its time or is it still great? Last, I can’t even find pictures of the DML one anywhere, definately no links to buying it. So either would be great if anyone could find them. Thanks, Ian
I’d say it was good for it’s time. The newest kits today offer pe this and that and usually an aluminum barrel. This kit did not. There wasn’t 1000 pieces like some of their newest 3-in-1’s either. This is a good kit to cut your teeth on. The tracks are really nice IMO. There was no AA gun on the turret.
I’d say it was good for it’s time. The newest kits today offer pe this and that and usually an aluminum barrel. This kit did not. There wasn’t 1000 pieces like some of their newest 3-in-1’s either. This is a good kit to cut your teeth on. The tracks are really nice IMO. There was no AA gun on the turret.
This is one of 2 that Dragon makes, the JS-2M. I had the other.
I have built a few of the DML IS-2’s and currently have a Zvezda kit waiting to be built. A problem does exist with the spacing of the upper and lower hull on the DML. The fenders sit too close to the track and the only way to correct this deficiency is to add a 2mm spacer all the way around the lower hull before gluing to the upper hull. This will then have to be filled in with putty or something like Mr. Surfacer. This does make a difference in the look of the model for the better and is more accurate. A good guide for other corrections to the IS-2 kits is the Osprey modelling manual for IS tanks. The author does a fantastic job on all of the kits in the book and has a lot of good advice for building these tanks. HTH
Been wondering about these kits for a while myself. I always thought the Zvezda one was a reboxed DML. Good to know otherwise.
Keep in mind that DML has announced a reworked JS-2, in their new range, which means it will have somewhat reworked parts, will come with PE and a turned aluminum barell.
