Hi everyone,

Recently I wanted the new Tamiya JS-2 from a friend. Not being able to acquire the Tamiya one, he brought me this kit instead (aircraft modeller he is, "Hey you asked for a JS-2, what is the difference?"). I have heard that one of the Dragon offerings is actually the Zvezda JS-2 in disguise, is this the one? If not, is this kit any good? Since I am not an überdetailer I want to build an out-of-the-box JS-2.

Thanks in advance.

The DML kit is NOT the Zvezda kit reboxed... the two have nothing in common.

Whether it is "any good" depends on your opinion really. I have several built and several more on the shelf. I like the kit. Out of the box the Tamiya kit is certainly far better, but it is more than ten years newer too and twice as expensive. The improvements needed to make the DML kit more accurate are not hard to do. The lower hull is too shallow so it needs to be raised about 1.8mm - not that hard to do. The engine-deck screens should be replaced with actual mesh. Also easy to do. The turret is a bit shallow and needs a shim in between the halves. But if you want to build it out of the box, it is your model, and it will go together OK. If you are happy with it that's really all that matters.

The two kits have nothing in common apart from the subject. As well as the other faults of the Dragon kits mentioned above, the road wheels are ridiculously undersized and need replacing .

About the prices - over here when the Dragon IS's first came out in the mid-90s they cost as much as the brand new Tamiya one does NOW after over a decade of inflation.

David

With fixes it is a good kit. casting texture is still the best OOB. DML did versions that neither Zvezda or Tamiya have done. Tracks are VERY nice to work with, IMNSHO. If you check through the last few pages of threads there is a JS-II I built with Zvezda and DML pieces and there is also a thread that links to fixes for the DML kit.

No complaints from me about Dragon's tracks - you can plug a whole length together dry and fit it without it coming apart.

David

Many thanks to all of you. I think I will thank my friend again (sincerely this time, heh heh).