I've read in the past it's supposed to be some very early revision. Does anyone know what specifically which-and what tank the kit was modeled after, if known?

It's an initial version used in a parade in Germany in 1945. For a production version cross-kitting with Trumpeter's IS-3M is a big help. The problem is the fenders and the skirting on the side of the hull above the tracks were basically sheet metal and are not the same as the production version. Of course, you can simply cut all of that away and show the angled armour as they appeared during trails and it would be accurate, it looks cool but it's a huge amount of work.

This kit is also a great source of parts to improve Dragon's IS-2 series, including their ISU-122 and -152

Actually it is hard to call IS-3 of 1945 the "initial version" of the tank, and not a production version. They were build only until mid 1946, so they were all initial production version tanks. No IS_3 was built after that. In 1948-1952 they were modified. In the late 1950th (in some sources - year of 1960) they were modified again (incl. a new engine being installed). That is when finally it became IS-3M.
Even if you want to build 1945 version out of Tamiya kit you still have give it lots of detailing and enough TLC here and there. For IS-3M version you will need a major overhaul.
Straight OOB? IMHO - this is not a model to be build OOB.



Kevin, are you sure about "the great source"? what would you use? The barrel is not much better that the barrel of the Dragon kit, and it cannot go on ISU-152. Wheels? Yes, they are closer to the original, but still not wide enough. MiniArm road wheels are the closest in size. Nothing else could be used.

Thanks. I'll not waste time and money on this kit then. Just as well.

Actually, I'd disagree a bit. It is an early unmodified IS-3 but there are tons of aftermarket sets out there to modify it to a later modification. The kit fits well and looks awfully nice out of the box. Personally the only thing i think would be a must have piece of aftermarket is an Aber main gun barrel but that's no plastic IS kit isn't in the same boat. From a quality standpoint, the Trumpeter kit isn't even close.

Matt

its actually not a bad kit to build out of box if you don't get too finicky over perfection/accuracy.
If you get it cheap it can be a fun easy build. The cast texture on the turret is very nice...

So maybe I should go ahead? The Trumpeter kit is garbage then, so spend the money and go Tamiya and modify?

I have to admit, I really did not care for the Trumpeter kit. The detail was soft, the fit was dodgy in places, and I think Tamiya's kit just has better cast texture and crispness. Either kit will really benefit from aftermarket and if you're buying a set anyways you'll have the side storage doors and such in brass so the Tamiya one won't be any trouble to modernize.

Matt

Tamiya IS-3 wheels fit perfectly on the Dragon kits, they are the correct size, and apart from that they are identical to ISU-122/152 wheels. The return rollers in the Dragon kits are correct diametre but the lightening holes have to be removed. The Tamiya drive sprocket fit the Dragon tracks as well. Several components from the Tamiya IS-3 can be used on the Dragon IS-2 family

Go for it. I really like my JS-3 and it looks really good. Should make for a quick and easy build.

my Tamiya JS-3:




there is a little bit of mods, but not a lot - the biggest fix is the hinges on the rear engine deck (for the whole deck, not the hatches). I also added some fuel lines from the fuel cans. Photo etch for the barrel racks and spare track mounts. I should have done the storage doors, but didn't. I used the bit barrel, which worked out fine once i paid a lot of attention to it.

I thought it was a pretty sweet kit for the most part. I was a little disappointed they didn't knock it out of the park with amazing-ness, but i enjoyed the build

Don't bother to make an IS-3M out of it tho.

BTW, I found the quite pricey Eduard photo-etch set for the Tamiya JS-3 to be 2/3rds useless - note that there is no evidence intake screens were used on JS-3s, and much of the other photo etch was not really useful. What I did use, I probably could have made myself or sourced out of other photo-etch left-overs.

Not saying don't get it, just think hard about plunking down the $25 or so for the brass before you do.

Tamiya model is IS-3 m. 1945.

It is quite good, but it lacks at least one visible detail.

IS-3 m 1945 fender doors were at the back of the tank.

Shutters are quite bulky and roughly triangular in shape.

Reference; Tank Power Vol. LXIV IS vol II pages 22, 27 and 55.

Hi Tom tamiya's kit isn't bad you need to fill the spronsons though as like their Sherman kits you'll see the tracks through the turret opening to add the missing details I'd recommend the aber PE set over the eduard set an after market barrel if you so choose and a set of fruilmodel tracks if you are willing to spend the cash good luck with your build Ant