Hi, after a lengthy absence in modeling and some spare time this summer I've decided to attempt a 1:35 build.

I was looking for an accurate and realistic kit that would produce a convincing model without too many aftermarket add-ons, I've decided on the Tamiya ISU-152 as it appears to be the best all-around set based on the reviews. The monotone Soviet paint scheme and large flat surfaces will also allow me to practice weathering techniques.

I have not yet encountered a detailed build log, and was thus curious if the kit needs any corrections and modifications to improve accuracy?

Also, are there any after-market PE sets or other that you would recommend? Metal barrels, tracks etc..

Thanks!

It is pretty good as a shake-n-bake. YOu can add more to it, but that is more at your discretion rather than a need. Weakest part of the kit is probably the figures.

Luckily, I am least interested in the figures. For some reason, no matter how experienced the modeler, they never seem "right".

What kind of aftermarket upgrades would you consider worthy? Aber, Eduard? Any sets that specifically address this kit?

Regards.

I'd add Aber's brass IS-2/ISU-152/122 engine deck screens, as they have the bolt detail missing from Tamiya's photoetched steel parts (the screens are available separately, unless you really want an entire update set--I don't think much else is needed, myself).
There are a couple of aftermarket brass barrels out there. The ones with a separate muzzle brake are better.
Personally, I like Tamiya's link and length tracks, but some people like to add Model Kasten or Friul tracks.

I agree with Gerald's point wrt the intake screens. The Aber parts include the rivet detail but are quite fragile so take care...I managed to turn one of mine into a pretzel and it took a lot of effort to straighten it out.

Unfortunately Aber doesn't do a full update set for this kit yet, but there are some parts from their IS-2 set that will be useful including the mounting bracket for the tow shackles and the brackets on the upper rear corners of the hull for securing the turnbuckles which in turn retained the tow cables. There are numerous tie-downs that are missing from the fenders and superstructure that are also provided in the Aber IS-2 set, though these can also be made up from thin wire.

Cheers,

Neil

Good choice on selecting the Tamiya kit. Interestingly lot of people seem to be interested in the ISU-152's lately, myself included.

As our resident specialist in Soviet armour has already mentioned, the Tamiya kit is a very good kit right out of the box. Aftermarket accessories are really a matter of preference. The best aftermarket accessory for this kit has already been mentioned more than once in the thread, and that would be the PE screens. If you were only going to choose one item, these would be what most people would recommend.

As mentioned previously, the straps are missing but can be made from scratch rather than spending the money for a IS-2 PE set that will leave you with a lot of unused parts.
You can also purchase a very nice metal barrel with threads and rifling, but this is not necessary. The kit barrel is one of the nicest two-piece barrels you'll find, and the rifling is so deep in the barrel that you wouldn't really even notice it after you painted the soot even if you had the aftermarket aluminum one.