I picked up Tamiya's IS-3 today insanely cheap and would like to build it as a vehicle that participated in the Hungarian Uprising. I've read that I need a PE set that includes the fender tool boxes to make the kit a 1946 model and therefore appropriate for the Uprising. Is this correct? Would Eduard set 36042 be the correct set? Secondly, can anyone point me to references of post war IS-3's and specifically ones that were used during the Uprising? Thanks!


Erik

Hi Erik;
The Tamiya kit is o.k. for a pre-series JS-3,BUT you do need the later series with the Hull Tool Boxes.
If i were you i would look for the Trump,- kit of the JS-3.
The Tamiya kit would need a lot of work for this Conversion.
Now if your Dead Set on the Tamiya kit, then its a Good kit.
The Enternet will be a good start for your references,
Try 1956 Soviet invasion of Hungary as a example.

GOOD LUCK; MIKE.

I agree with Mike, but you might be happier cross-kitting the Tamiya and the Trumpeter kits if you can find one. The Trumpeter kit is accurate for the hull, but you might want to add the Tamiya turret and other gear.

A few IS-3s in Hungary 1956 :
















HTH

H.P.

Thanks for the pics.

Not sure they're all JS-3s at least one is a JS-3M.

Cheers,

Christophe

Hi Christophe

I must admit I can't tell a JS-3 from a JS-3M... I just took the captions for granted...

Here's a close-up of one of the pics above :



H.P.

That's a JS-3M, main recognition points are the mudguards/fenders.

Cheers,

Christophe

Thanks for the tip


Another view of one of the tanks above :



H.P.

From what I've gathered all I need it the Eduard tool box set I mentioned to make the Tamiya kit accurate? I can make my own disk style horn.


Erik

Hi Guys;

Yes those are JS-Ms, these pics, were taken in Budapest during the 1956 Soviet Invasion. Soviet T-34,85s & JS-3 were trying too enter the city when they were Ambushed by Partisans with Molotov Cocktails and were sent up ablaze.
The JS-3 that was Blown Apart was Lt. Pavils tank and was set on fire by a M.C. that set the Fuel drums on Fire, the fire then went down into the Engine compartment, then into the Crew comp, which then into the Ammo. CHEERS; MIKE.

Hi Mike

Looking at the flat (not rounded & ribbed) rear mudguards, I guess some at least are not "M" ....but maybe it's just me

H.P.

I agree, a few of those pics are M's.


Is it safe to say that the IS-3's that were used by the Soviets in the uprising didn't have any markings? I can't make out any in the pics that were posted.


Erik