I have been thinking of building some type of Russian tank but I haven't a clue which one would be the most challenging and detailed. I want to be build this for my own pure enjoyment. I figured I'd ask some of you armor experts for your help in selecting one.

Animal

My only experience with russian armor is the DML T34?85 model 44. Brilliant kit I would surely reccommend that one. Used the Royal models Exterior update for it. You can see some finsihed pics in my Gallery

Two very nice Soviet tanks that look great OOB are the Tamiya T-72 and the Tamiya JS-3 Stalin. I have both of these kits and think they are great builds with plenty of detail. The T-72 contains photoetch grills, wires and such. Also their T-55 is supposed to be a real knock out, but I do not have one.

Thanks for the qick response. I think i will lookinto the ones you guys suggested. My local hobby store has all four of the models you suggest.

From reviews and points of view I have read, the latest T55 from Tamiya is a stunning kit. Labelled the best kit ever it seems to be living up to its reputation. Finished it does look mean, lean and a real killing machine. The great thing also about the kit is, that so many countries have used it and it has stood the test of time ... it leaves you with a lot of options.
The thing for me about Russian tanks is the the uglier they look the more I like them. The KV-II, certainly looks cool and is a real monster when built, or any of the SU series of SPGs would be interesting. With a little extra TLC you can go to town on heavy welds, heavy mold texture, heavy rivets, heavy tracks (Fruil are perfection here) etc. Im sure you´ll be thrilled with whatever you decide to build.
Another one that might interest you is the Katiushya BM-13 or "Stalin Organs". Russian lorry with a rocket system on the back!

I too will put in a good word for the Tamiya T-55. The kit is absolutely amazing and there are several aftermarket options available to upgrade it to specific variants. I did one not that far back and fell in love with the base kit. I hope to build some of the more specialized variants in the near future.

The Tamiya T-72 is also an outstanding kit, though I found the tracks on mine to be EXTREMELY brittle. I don't know if this is a problem they all have or if it was just a problem with my kit.

Hey Animal,

I know that even this is beyond my range - right now, but reading the quote of "...most challenging and detailed...", I just had to take a jab in here with this one......

Object 279 (circa 1957)

Dave

Dave your kidding right? I'd hate to have to change the tracks on this one. It looks like I will be going after the T-55 kit. Thanks for all the input.

Dave,

I hear that the Tamiya T-55 is 'the' top-notch kit however, that DML T-34/85 would fit in with your era nicely. (Suppose that the T-55 would also, just a little later on.)



P.S. Yes, I do have a particular fettish for that T-34/85.

I agree that the Tamiya T-55 is a great, but I also like their T-72 and DMLs T-34