Hi all,
I've a JS-2 of Zvezda still to build in my attic.
Has anyone good knowledge of this kit?
The first impression is not exceptional, but is it good as accuracy? Can it be built into a decent model without big efforts and expenses?
Thank you for any help.
Regards
Massimo
Hosted by Jacques Duquette
JS-2 of Zvezda
MassimoTessitori
Joined: March 14, 2013
KitMaker: 278 posts
Armorama: 278 posts
Posted: Saturday, December 20, 2014 - 11:54 PM UTC
retiredyank
Joined: June 29, 2009
KitMaker: 11,610 posts
Armorama: 7,843 posts
Posted: Sunday, December 21, 2014 - 12:16 AM UTC
This review deals with some accuracy issues.
http://www.4bogreen.com/is-series/plastic-and-resin-kits/1-35-scale/zvezda/3524-js-2-soviet-heavy-tank
http://www.4bogreen.com/is-series/plastic-and-resin-kits/1-35-scale/zvezda/3524-js-2-soviet-heavy-tank
Wierdy
Joined: January 26, 2010
KitMaker: 570 posts
Armorama: 553 posts
Posted: Sunday, December 21, 2014 - 12:25 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Can it be built into a decent model without big efforts and expenses?
Hi Massimo!
You might want to read this for the start:
http://www.4bogreen.com/is-series/plastic-and-resin-kits/1-35-scale/zvezda/3524-js-2-soviet-heavy-tank
In brief:
1.It doesn't have DShK fittings on turret rear right,the DShK replica itself is rather basic;
2.It has round commander cupola, and not slightly elliptical as it should be;
3.Driver's vision slot is too much down, about 4mm (much closer to the nose edge);
4.Main gun barrel is too short;
5.Numerous weld seems missing all around, plus overscaled casting texture effect and no casting effect on the road wheels;
6.The tracks are a nightmare, no way to use them.
And that's not all...
Hope you're not too upset after reading this
Cheers and happy modelling!!!
grunt136mike
Joined: November 24, 2012
KitMaker: 1,896 posts
Armorama: 1,858 posts
Posted: Sunday, December 21, 2014 - 12:39 AM UTC
Hi Massimo;
The Zvesda kit is A Copy of the same kit that has been Boxed by A few others, I have built Two of these and with A little effort it can be made into A Good Model !!
If you Have Good Reference Materials then it will make the Extra Details more easy, when I built my JS-2s I used A DML kit and Copied Most of the Details. Plastic Stock will Benefit you when you add extra details; Start with the Bottom Hull and add the Missing details, next is the Item that I think is the most Telling Item too add, the turret.
First add the Cast Numbers or Forge Numbers on the Back side of the Turret, then add the Bolts that Hold the Muzzle Brake on the Barrel, this will really Improve the kits Features !
GOOD LUCK; MIKE.
The Zvesda kit is A Copy of the same kit that has been Boxed by A few others, I have built Two of these and with A little effort it can be made into A Good Model !!
If you Have Good Reference Materials then it will make the Extra Details more easy, when I built my JS-2s I used A DML kit and Copied Most of the Details. Plastic Stock will Benefit you when you add extra details; Start with the Bottom Hull and add the Missing details, next is the Item that I think is the most Telling Item too add, the turret.First add the Cast Numbers or Forge Numbers on the Back side of the Turret, then add the Bolts that Hold the Muzzle Brake on the Barrel, this will really Improve the kits Features !
GOOD LUCK; MIKE.
MassimoTessitori
Joined: March 14, 2013
KitMaker: 278 posts
Armorama: 278 posts
Posted: Sunday, December 21, 2014 - 01:23 AM UTC
Hi all,
thank you for your quick replies. Well, it seems that it will give some work.
Do you know of any photoetched stes for it? Are them recommandable?
How would you deal with the poor DShK? Is it very diffeent from DShKM of later tanks?
Regards
Massimo
thank you for your quick replies. Well, it seems that it will give some work.
Do you know of any photoetched stes for it? Are them recommandable?
How would you deal with the poor DShK? Is it very diffeent from DShKM of later tanks?
Regards
Massimo
grunt136mike
Joined: November 24, 2012
KitMaker: 1,896 posts
Armorama: 1,858 posts
Posted: Sunday, December 21, 2014 - 02:18 AM UTC
Hi Mass;
Other than what was Suggested already, then its up too you as too how far you are willing too go, and as for PE I don't recall A PE set for this kit. As to the Duska there are other AM sets that you should be able too find, I know Italeri makes A Weapon set that has A early Duska in the set.
CHEERS; MIKE.
Other than what was Suggested already, then its up too you as too how far you are willing too go, and as for PE I don't recall A PE set for this kit. As to the Duska there are other AM sets that you should be able too find, I know Italeri makes A Weapon set that has A early Duska in the set.
CHEERS; MIKE.
GeraldOwens
Joined: March 30, 2006
KitMaker: 3,736 posts
Armorama: 3,697 posts
Posted: Sunday, December 21, 2014 - 09:13 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Hi all,
I've a JS-2 of Zvezda still to build in my attic.
Has anyone good knowledge of this kit?
The first impression is not exceptional, but is it good as accuracy? Can it be built into a decent model without big efforts and expenses?
Thank you for any help.
Regards
Massimo
With a great deal of work, it can be made into a decent model, but if you want decent looking tracks, you'll need an aftermarket set. With that added expense, you might simply have bought the very nice Tamiya kit, which is accurate, well-engineered, and has length and link styrene tracks that look great when assembled, and even includes the photo etch screens for the engine deck.
Removed by original poster on 12/22/14 - 04:39:16 (GMT).
MassimoTessitori
Joined: March 14, 2013
KitMaker: 278 posts
Armorama: 278 posts
Posted: Sunday, December 21, 2014 - 11:12 AM UTC
Hi,
are the tracks the same type of KV-1? Eventually, the Trumpeter kit has both styrene and vinyl tracks and one of the set could be used to replace the one of the kit.
But, are the tracks of the kit inaccurate or simply rigid? I've found that they can be easily forced to bend between the links, giving a fair apparence. Pity for the double junction.
Yes, if I have to spend twenty or thirty euros on it, I prefer to sell for cheap and buy a Tamiya, or kitbash it with some kit of Trupmeter that has too small wheels and low hull.
Regards
Massimo
are the tracks the same type of KV-1? Eventually, the Trumpeter kit has both styrene and vinyl tracks and one of the set could be used to replace the one of the kit.
But, are the tracks of the kit inaccurate or simply rigid? I've found that they can be easily forced to bend between the links, giving a fair apparence. Pity for the double junction.
Yes, if I have to spend twenty or thirty euros on it, I prefer to sell for cheap and buy a Tamiya, or kitbash it with some kit of Trupmeter that has too small wheels and low hull.
Regards
Massimo
arpikaszabo
Joined: February 13, 2006
KitMaker: 674 posts
Armorama: 637 posts
Posted: Sunday, December 21, 2014 - 05:32 PM UTC
Hello. The tracks in the kit are an ABOMINATION. They will not hold any paint, can not be bent into shape (you need to use wires to hold it down) and can not be glued by anything. Comparable to the Italery tracks, just much worse. The IS- styled tracks are different form the KV-tracks, at least to my knowledge.
I would keep the Zvezda kit as a testbed, so You can experiment on it, to make the perfect Tamiya IS-2 model.
My rant is not directed against Zvezda kits in general, I am planning to build one of their t-34s for the cheap model campain. I have a leftover Dragon donor kit for the tracks, in case of old Zvezda armour this is the way to go.
I would keep the Zvezda kit as a testbed, so You can experiment on it, to make the perfect Tamiya IS-2 model.
My rant is not directed against Zvezda kits in general, I am planning to build one of their t-34s for the cheap model campain. I have a leftover Dragon donor kit for the tracks, in case of old Zvezda armour this is the way to go.
GeraldOwens
Joined: March 30, 2006
KitMaker: 3,736 posts
Armorama: 3,697 posts
Posted: Monday, December 22, 2014 - 08:58 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Hi,
are the tracks the same type of KV-1? Eventually, the Trumpeter kit has both styrene and vinyl tracks and one of the set could be used to replace the one of the kit.
But, are the tracks of the kit inaccurate or simply rigid? I've found that they can be easily forced to bend between the links, giving a fair apparence. Pity for the double junction.
Yes, if I have to spend twenty or thirty euros on it, I prefer to sell for cheap and buy a Tamiya, or kitbash it with some kit of Trupmeter that has too small wheels and low hull.
Regards
Massimo
The Trumpeter KV-1 tracks are too wide. The narrow track was introduced with the KV-1S series. The IS-2 used the narrow tracks, usually with one solid link with a center guide, alternated with a split link without a center guide. However, some tanks had a full set of solid links with center guides, though this was more common postwar. If you have the Dragon IS-2, those tracks will work just fine.
Wierdy
Joined: January 26, 2010
KitMaker: 570 posts
Armorama: 553 posts
Posted: Monday, December 22, 2014 - 10:01 PM UTC
KV had 700mm tracks, IS-2 had 650mm ones. In general they look pretty much alike, but different in details. If you want to use KV tracks you might take them from SU-152 or KV-85 kits available, but not from KV-1 or KV-2.
Here is a link to visualize most known types of IS-2 track types (both WWII and post-war):
http://www.dishmodels.ru/gshow.htm?p=13119
And here is a Russian SBS blog on assembling the model:
http://panzer35.ru/forum/47-1131-1
You can see how many tweaks the kit has just from the images alone
As for AM track sets, there's a wide selection of them made of metal, styrene and resin, with their own pros and cons, but most are not cheap...
PS:if I were you I would take Tamiya kit as a basis. It is the most accurate representation of the vehicle as of today, and a sheer pleasure to work with!
Cheers, Paul
Here is a link to visualize most known types of IS-2 track types (both WWII and post-war):
http://www.dishmodels.ru/gshow.htm?p=13119
And here is a Russian SBS blog on assembling the model:
http://panzer35.ru/forum/47-1131-1
You can see how many tweaks the kit has just from the images alone
As for AM track sets, there's a wide selection of them made of metal, styrene and resin, with their own pros and cons, but most are not cheap...
PS:if I were you I would take Tamiya kit as a basis. It is the most accurate representation of the vehicle as of today, and a sheer pleasure to work with!
Cheers, Paul
MassimoTessitori
Joined: March 14, 2013
KitMaker: 278 posts
Armorama: 278 posts
Posted: Monday, December 22, 2014 - 10:36 PM UTC
Hi,
I have had a better look to what I have in my attic, and this include a JSU-122 of Dragon, not another JS-2. Probably I was wrong thinking to have another JS-2.
The JSU-122 has tracks with a tooth for each link, differently than JS-2 of Zvezda that has one tooth each two links. Anyway I would be displeased to sacrifice it, despite its shortcomings.
Probably I'll use mud or snow to hide somewhat the unsatisfactory tracks. I'm wondering how to improve the dorsal grids.The frames would become too thin to resist if I cut the grid, and I fear that a scratchbuild with styrene stripes wouldn't be satisfactory.
Regards
Massimo
I have had a better look to what I have in my attic, and this include a JSU-122 of Dragon, not another JS-2. Probably I was wrong thinking to have another JS-2.
The JSU-122 has tracks with a tooth for each link, differently than JS-2 of Zvezda that has one tooth each two links. Anyway I would be displeased to sacrifice it, despite its shortcomings.
Probably I'll use mud or snow to hide somewhat the unsatisfactory tracks. I'm wondering how to improve the dorsal grids.The frames would become too thin to resist if I cut the grid, and I fear that a scratchbuild with styrene stripes wouldn't be satisfactory.
Regards
Massimo
MassimoTessitori
Joined: March 14, 2013
KitMaker: 278 posts
Armorama: 278 posts
Posted: Tuesday, December 23, 2014 - 12:21 AM UTC
Quoted Text
KV had 700mm tracks, IS-2 had 650mm ones. In general they look pretty much alike, but different in details. If you want to use KV tracks you might take them from SU-152 or KV-85 kits available, but not from KV-1 or KV-2.
Here is a link to visualize most known types of IS-2 track types (both WWII and post-war):
http://www.dishmodels.ru/gshow.htm?p=13119
And here is a Russian SBS blog on assembling the model:
http://panzer35.ru/forum/47-1131-1
You can see how many tweaks the kit has just from the images alone
As for AM track sets, there's a wide selection of them made of metal, styrene and resin, with their own pros and cons, but most are not cheap...
PS:if I were you I would take Tamiya kit as a basis. It is the most accurate representation of the vehicle as of today, and a sheer pleasure to work with!
Cheers, Paul
Good links indeed, thank you.
Has the model of the Russian forum the original vinyl tracks? They don't seem so terrible to my eye.
I'll think what to do with this kit... with no hurry.
By the way, what is the difference between KV-122 and JS-2?
Regards
Massimo
Aurora-7
#360
Joined: June 18, 2003
KitMaker: 1,020 posts
Armorama: 131 posts
Posted: Tuesday, December 23, 2014 - 12:44 AM UTC
I think the KV-122 was a KV-85 with the 122mm D-25T gun added. A mod to an existing frame.
The JS-2 used the same gun but was an entire redesign of the KV series.
The JS-2 used the same gun but was an entire redesign of the KV series.
Wierdy
Joined: January 26, 2010
KitMaker: 570 posts
Armorama: 553 posts
Posted: Tuesday, December 23, 2014 - 01:02 AM UTC
[/quote]
Has the model of the Russian forum the original vinyl tracks?
By the way, what is the difference between KV-122 and JS-2?[/quote]
He used tracks taken from Tamiya kit.
AFAIK, the difference is in redesigned chassis with numerous upgrades for engine, gear box, armament, protection and so on. Visually IS-2 has narrower hull etc.
KV-122 is actually a single experimental vehicle intentionally made for trial purposes to make sure such a big gun can be carried and properly used on a platform of this particular weight and design (they had no IS platform on hands at the time, it only existed as a blueprint project).
HTH, Paul
Has the model of the Russian forum the original vinyl tracks?
By the way, what is the difference between KV-122 and JS-2?[/quote]
He used tracks taken from Tamiya kit.
AFAIK, the difference is in redesigned chassis with numerous upgrades for engine, gear box, armament, protection and so on. Visually IS-2 has narrower hull etc.
KV-122 is actually a single experimental vehicle intentionally made for trial purposes to make sure such a big gun can be carried and properly used on a platform of this particular weight and design (they had no IS platform on hands at the time, it only existed as a blueprint project).
HTH, Paul
MassimoTessitori
Joined: March 14, 2013
KitMaker: 278 posts
Armorama: 278 posts
Posted: Tuesday, December 23, 2014 - 03:07 AM UTC
I see, a KV hull.
A set of tracks from a kit of Tamiya would resolve the problem... but no sense to build a Zvezda after having built a Tamiya.
Thank you for your answers.
Regards
Massimo
A set of tracks from a kit of Tamiya would resolve the problem... but no sense to build a Zvezda after having built a Tamiya.
Thank you for your answers.
Regards
Massimo
Arizonakid
Joined: October 03, 2012
KitMaker: 89 posts
Armorama: 55 posts
Posted: Tuesday, December 23, 2014 - 04:53 AM UTC
Hi Massimo:
First, let me say that sometimes it is a dangerous thing asking if a kit is good on this site. Because it is so full of extremely advanced modelers that work in an environment of supreme accuracy. And now to answer your original questions.
First is, yes. You can make a decent model with the Zevezda kit. But you will have to put in a LOT of work to make an accurate model with that kit. And as far as the machine gun, the easiest thing to do is simply to not use it at all. If you just build it, paint it, and weather it then put it on your shelf; then 6 months from now the world will still be spinning on it's axis, and nothing will happen except that when you walk past it you will look at it and think "Oh, there's my JS-2"
. My suggestion is build it, and have fun with it. And if you think it is a terrible kit, then you can use it as a "test bed" for practicing all kinds of things on it, instead of something that cost you a lot of money. But that is just my opinion
Gary
MassimoTessitori
Joined: March 14, 2013
KitMaker: 278 posts
Armorama: 278 posts
Posted: Tuesday, December 23, 2014 - 11:32 AM UTC
Hi Gary,
yes, this is a possibility I'm taking into consideration. I've made the same thing with a BRDM-2 of Dragon, apart some work on the exhausts, and it takes its place on the shelf after few days of relaxed work.
In the case of the IS-2, I'm trying to decide if to sell it to create space in my attic (but with the perspective to obtain 9-12 euros only), use it to improve the JSU-122 (I suppose that a set of aftermarket wheels for it would cost more) or build it as it is (nothing of what I've read has worsened my opinion on it by much, because shape and size are fundamentally correct).
There is much time to decide, I've a lot of recent kits still to build (aside a lot of old ones) and my main criteria now is to obtain a good work with few work and expense, another way to create space in my attic.
Regards
Massimo
yes, this is a possibility I'm taking into consideration. I've made the same thing with a BRDM-2 of Dragon, apart some work on the exhausts, and it takes its place on the shelf after few days of relaxed work.
In the case of the IS-2, I'm trying to decide if to sell it to create space in my attic (but with the perspective to obtain 9-12 euros only), use it to improve the JSU-122 (I suppose that a set of aftermarket wheels for it would cost more) or build it as it is (nothing of what I've read has worsened my opinion on it by much, because shape and size are fundamentally correct).
There is much time to decide, I've a lot of recent kits still to build (aside a lot of old ones) and my main criteria now is to obtain a good work with few work and expense, another way to create space in my attic.
Regards
Massimo
Jacques
Joined: March 04, 2003
KitMaker: 4,630 posts
Armorama: 4,498 posts
Posted: Wednesday, December 24, 2014 - 03:41 AM UTC
Best reply is this:
Can you take the kit and build it? yes.
can you build a nice representation of the subject? yes.
Is it accurate? Somewhat.
Is it detailed? Somewhat.
Is it the best kit to start from for a detailed, accurate build. probably not.
So, unless you want a detailed, accurate kit (read AMS afflicted) then it is fine to build.
Can you take the kit and build it? yes.
can you build a nice representation of the subject? yes.
Is it accurate? Somewhat.
Is it detailed? Somewhat.
Is it the best kit to start from for a detailed, accurate build. probably not.
So, unless you want a detailed, accurate kit (read AMS afflicted) then it is fine to build.
MassimoTessitori
Joined: March 14, 2013
KitMaker: 278 posts
Armorama: 278 posts
Posted: Wednesday, December 24, 2014 - 12:31 PM UTC
Hi Jacques,
probably I'll keep it for some relaxed building, without the fear to ruin a precious kit with some hurry. Now I am well conscious of its limits.
Regards
Massimo
probably I'll keep it for some relaxed building, without the fear to ruin a precious kit with some hurry. Now I am well conscious of its limits.
Regards
Massimo
 |
WEB HOSTING BY
Copyright ©2021 Armorama and Kitmaker Network, a subsidiary of Silver Star Enterprises
All Rights Reserved. Please read our Conditions of Use and Privacy Policy.
All Rights Reserved. Please read our Conditions of Use and Privacy Policy.