I have just completed Trumpeter’s IS-3M Russian Heavy Tank. The vehicle is a participant in Armorama’s “Cold War Cook Off” Campaign and is an out of the box build.

Trumpeter’s kit is well molded and easy to assemble with minimal clean up and virtually no fit issues. The hull shows some great weld detail and the casting marks on the turret are really well done. The 12.7mm external machine gun is a nifty little assembly, and the tracks are the one-piece rubber band type, (springy as all get out), and they don’t hold paint worth a hoot.

I attempted to get the pre-shade look on this IS and blew it, (again). A dark application of Model Master Marine Corp Green was shot in the nooks and crannies, followed with the MM Russian Armor Green base coat. I then mixed the base coat 50-50 with Dunkelgelb and applied to the flat areas, (so far so good). However once the weathering starts the pre-shade seems to get lost and disappears. High spots are dry brushed with steel and rail brown. Vehicle markings are not applied. Overall this Trumpeter IS3M is a very good kit that I would recommend to anyone.

Some really striking things about this vehicle design include its low silhouette, the “inverted frying pan” turret, and the pointed hull front. With its 122mm main gun, this tank reflects a pretty nasty piece of machinery.

I have included some pics for your review including a picture comparing the height of the IS-3M to an M-47 that I built long ago. Quite a difference.

As always, helpful comments are appreciated.

Steve

Lord WWH, Da OD dude,

No matter what you says, you cannot deny that you are a hell of a modeller, the weathering is very effective, and the shades blended together really well, and reflects the ruggness of the tank.

Steve, it is

S - UPERERB CONSTRUCTION
E - FFECTIVELY WEATHERED
X - TREMELY MEAN LOOKING
Y - EAH!!!!!!!!

Steve,

I have to agree with Dave. That is one good looking tank model. Very well done.

NOTE: I will henceforth deny that I ever agreed with Dave on anything. #:-)

Excellent build Steve...and yes your preshade does show up just enough ..it doesn't look over done ...congrat on a super build..

Rick

As I told you before, it looks awesome Steve!!! The paint job looks spot-on to me.

It seems like you are the first entrant to the campaign to have the tank done! Someone should set up a gallery somewhere so we can display all the finished models together. What do you all think? And how about that Campaign Ribbon? Any designs yet?

Cheers,

CDT Reimund Manneck
U.S. Army ROTC

SteveWWH,

Hey man, you've done an excellent job again on your first Russian tank. I think you have put a lot of effort on painting the beast. I like the color you sprayed on it and I am gonna do it on my T55A.

One thing you might want to improve in your future tanks, Lord WWH. The headlight looked a bit opaque, and the white color seems to be a bit off, (but it could be the picture) you might want to try some of them testor clear glue to make lens, looked real clear, and you can paint the cup to achieve right lens colors.

Great job WWH!

I really like the weathering job you did. The kit has a nice cast effect on the turret as well. Is that part of the kit or did you do that yourself?

A very nice clean Build.
I am going to use an MV lens in My Tamiya one.

Yes Rich, Trumpeter does a beautiful job molding the casting marks on the turret.



Bombster---Great questions --I am not sure who sponsored the Campaign however so I can't help you out.




From now on I'm going to model them shot out or battle damaged---

Thanks for all the kind comments from the responders!!!
Steve

Another fine build Steve. Great weathering effect especially on the turret, gives it a very weighty look to it.

WWH,

That has be one of the best finishes I have ever seen on a tank model. Very impressed over here. Brought out the cast texture, rust streaks, the whole smack. Outstanding.

Congratulations WWH - I do believe you have the first completed model for this Campaign! I intend on setting up a Gallery Folder to display the completed models - unless Jim has a different idea - as the Campaign reaches the midpoint (May 22 I believe).

I haven't seen the projected Campaign Ribbon - yet - but rest assured your name is already on the hallowed roster.

Gunnie

Lovely finish Wewillhold. Even though you say the preshading doesnt show through, it does help the effect and maybe "perfect preshading" is more appropriate. The overall effect is stunning. Nice tones used for the towing ropes and spare tracks as well. Little things like this break up the mono-colour and add so much depth and life to the model.
This 3M style was ahead of its time and led to most future tanks lowering their silhouette. I have made the JS3 some time ago and agree its a lovely model. Its amazing how many trumpeter kits are being turned out now. Their quality and price is a mix that must be tempting!

Wow , I'm not a Armour Maniac - but when I see work like that and this pics - for more and more I liked that kind of modeling . Suberb job and wonderfull model.

Best Regards
Absolute Tomcat , 299 % Proof !!!
COMCARAIRWING
PIG#35