A soviet tank for my next build

[Tyrrhenus]

Hi guys,

I'm about to finish my second model since I started with this fantastic hobby (a deep growing passion, I would say: I'm totally hooked) and it's time to think of what to build next. I'd like to build a soviet tank (not a T-34, already built) from WW2. What would be an interesting build? Which brand would you then suggest, keeping in mind that although I'm a newbie, I'm not afraid of trying something difficult. I like challanges.

[Killingholme]

I'd immediately suggest Hobbyboss and Trumpeter kits for soviet tanks- it seems to be their area of interest. Some have individual link tracks which can be as fiddly as heck- doubly so on light-tanks like the T-26- a real pain of a kit. Their soviet artillery pieces & tractors are also excellent kits if you fancy a complete change of scene? Complex, but easy to build- I love them!

The Tamiya BT-7 is a fine, modern tooling which has garnered positive reviews.

Nothing wrong with the traditional (simple) kits Zvezda make, but I'd not recommend them over the Trumpeter equivalent (in most cases both make models of the same tanks). If you aren't put off by the high parts count of a Trumpeter kit- the Zvezda kits really feel like 'weekend' builds by comparison.

I would probably advise avoiding the Miniart or ICM ranges (Soviet stuff is prominent in both- naturally given the locations of the manufacturers). Exquisite models can result, but they can be troublesome kits- not due to fit, which is excellent, but due to the sheer number of parts; individual link tracks; and the risk of cumulative error throwing later stages out of alignment. That said, you did say you wanted a challenge...

Hope this helps.

Will

Edited June 22, 2015 by Killingholme

[AgentG]

Any of the current Trumpeter KV-1 kits.

Good stuff.

G

[Pete610]

IS2 for me - a modern design for the time and tough as hell

[Sgt.Squarehead]

SU-152 Zveroboi.

[Tyrrhenus]

I'd immediately suggest Hobbyboss and Trumpeter kits for soviet tanks- it seems to be their area of interest. Some have individual link tracks which can be as fiddly as heck- doubly so on light-tanks like the T-26- a real pain of a kit. Their soviet artillery pieces & tractors are also excellent kits if you fancy a complete change of scene? Complex, but easy to build- I love them!

The Tamiya BT-7 is a fine, modern tooling which has garnered positive reviews.

Nothing wrong with the traditional (simple) kits Zvezda make, but I'd not recommend them over the Trumpeter equivalent (in most cases both make models of the same tanks). If you aren't put off by the high parts count of a Trumpeter kit- the Zvezda kits really feel like 'weekend' builds by comparison.

I would probably advise avoiding the Miniart or ICM ranges (Soviet stuff is prominent in both- naturally given the locations of the manufacturers). Exquisite models can result, but they can be troublesome kits- not due to fit, which is excellent, but due to the sheer number of parts; individual link tracks; and the risk of cumulative error throwing later stages out of alignment. That said, you did say you wanted a challenge...

Hope this helps.

Will

Okay, that's good advices. I really like the idea of a tractor or artillery. I'll probably order a couple of kits

https://www.wonderlandmodels.com/products/trumpeter-135-soviet-su-152-self-propelled-howitze/ and an artillery piece (I will decide which one after having given a look around).

[Killingholme]

Cool! Love artillery.

If you haven't found it already, this website is what I always check before I make a purchase.

http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/