These two pics show the Italeri IS-2 Stalin painted, weathered, and just decaled. The only minor things left are to place a wire antenae on the turret and weather the decals.

Fruil tracks are on order as the kit tracks are just atrocious. I've never worked with Fruil before but at $35 U.S.D., (including shipping), they must be worth it.

ps: Based on comments in an earlier IS-2 in progress thread, I pulled the shell damaged external gas tank, (which just didn't look right), repaired the damage and plopped it back on the chassis.

Comments are appreciated. Thanks.
Steve

Lord WWH, looks great. Can't wait to see the tracks added. Very nice dry brushing on the weld seams to make the details pop out. Nice touch on the fenders too. It gives the tank a very "used" look. It would look good on a Berlin street base. Good work! (++)

You're in for a treat with those Fruil tracks!

nice one mate. How about an article on your painting method which I think is superb. I look forward to seeing it with the tracks on and finished.

I love your drybrush method with silver to get that metallic look. It works every time. For Russian vehicles like these I would add some pin-washes of burnt sienna around rivets ad damaged area to show a little rust as well. If paint was scraped off these beasts would rust pretty quickly in the Russian Climate.
The Fruils are definately worth it. I usually build OOB but had to buy a set "to see what the fuss was about" and also the tracks on the Italeri panther just sucked! These are a treat! Add 100% extra to the vehicle and especially Russian vehicles ... they will get the sag looking perfect.
Another beauty Steve. Another nice one to add to your collection.

I concur with all here. I really like this work and would be interested in seeing it with the tracks. Since I've never used those I'd be interested in your thoughts on them.

Steve looks awsome, as usual. Good to see decals on this monster!!
Is this a Berlin tank? May be missing the white recgonition paint on the turret if it is, but there's so much variation in Russian stuff that it probably doesn't matter (if indeed it's in Berlin)....

WWH,
Looking very good ,As everyone has said the silver drybrushing makes the detail stand out.
I also have to agree with Cliff you shoud do a article on your painting techniques.

(Cliff, ANZAC minds think a like!!!!!!!)

Very nice so far. Rust needs attention....little more umber I think.

Lord WWH,

WOW! One of your finest work, I am speechless. Only if I can make mono-tone tank looked so great. It's flawless from where I see it. Of course, I can't see the lens, otherwise, I am sure it will have flaw.

By the way, Andy And CLiff, it's not Anzac minds think alike, it's bummy minds think alike....

Looks like a real worn out tank. Great job!

Looks good, a little too dry-brushed perhaps? Less is more.

Vinnie

Its a lookin' real purty.
If it will be a Berlin vehicle,A nice white recognition cross on the top of the turret would set it off nice. (++) (++) (++) (++) (++)

Gotta agree with some on this thread: a bit too much silver and not enough rust. Russian tanks were notorious for being badly painted -- lots of primer and bare metal late in the war. The dry-brushing is a bit much -- might want to tone down with some slightly lightened base color, plus add some rust or umber in the areas with some, but not constant wear.

Thanks to all who have replied.

I'll try some of the rust pin washes Frank mentioned, and try and tone down the drybrushing a tad on the turret when I weather the decals.

Also special thanks to those who replied to my personal emails about the Fruil tracks and their assembly. Everyone I've talked to said they are worth the money. Looking forward to these!

I'll post a couple of final pics once the tracks are on.

Thanks again.

Steve

I like very much your work...
regards

This baby's comin' along nicely Steve! The damage is just right and not overdone. The turret looks just like a big hunk of steel not plastic. Hope you have fun with the Friuls!!!

Hey WWH
Unlike some, I think the dry brushing looks great I would rusy up some of the surfaces, particulary the road wheels. Maybe a burnt sennia wash would look good :-)

I think it looks great over all. You nailed the russian green , In my opinion