Reviews : Tamiya Russian Tank JS-2 Model 1944 ChKZ

The Tamiya 1/35 Russian Tank JS-2, #35289, according to the Scalemates Website is a 2007 release. This model kit is another quality kit from Tamiya. As such this kit has crisp molded detail. The clam shell turret parts have subtle casting texture that some builders might wish to enhance by using Mr. Surfacer 500. Instructions are clearly laid out. The road wheels are molded with sharp detail. Each road wheel is equipped with a polycap as well as the sprocket drives and return rollers. The kit includes a leveling bracket (part A-14) which can be used to ensure that the suspension arms are aligned properly. If the builder opts to use the link and length tracks, two jigs are provided in the kit to aid the builder in simulating track sag when building up the upper length of track using single links in the kit. The kit also provides the builder with a set of highly detailed vinyl tracks if the builder does not wish to go the link and length route. If the builder uses the provided jigs to build the upper length of the tracks, then a layer of masking tape should be applied to the upper surfaces of the jigs to prevent excess glue from gluing the track to the jig. Unfortunately, I failed to do this after assembling one of the upper track lengths and so I ended up prying off the track from one of these jigs using a hobby knife. All of these problems can be avoided if the builder opts to use the set of vinyl tracks that also come in the kit. In order to facilitate painting of the tracks and road wheels, I delayed gluing the upper hull to the lower hull. For the J-22 tank, the road wheels are spaced fairly far apart. Therefore, I built the tracks around the road wheels and then I painted all of the suspension components in place. I used a paint brush to hand paint the tracks around the road wheels. This was a very tedious process. After the lower hull, suspension arms and road wheels were assembled and painted, I proceeded to assemble and paint the upper hull. The kit includes a stainless-steel fret which has two mesh engine grills. When the upper hull was fully assembled and painted, I glued the upper hull to the lower hull using Tamiya Regular Cement. Next, I assembled the turret and crew figures. I painted the white identification stripes on the turret by hand using a paint brush and Vallejo Model Color 70.951 White. The main turret cannon barrel is a two-piece assembly. The ported muzzle break for the main gun is also a two-part assembly. Parts fit of the main gun and muzzle was so precise that very little sanding was required. Decals were thick, therefore, I had to use Micro Sol solution to work the decals into place. Instead of using the solid plastic lens for the headlamp for this vehicle, I used Micro Kristal Kleer to simulate a clear lens in the headlamp for this tank. The two crew figures (i.e. Commander and Loader) for this kit are highly detailed and will fit easily into the hatch openings on the turret. A single length of string is provided to make the towing cables for this tank. I used stretched sprue to make a turret mounted antenna. Although a novice model builder could successfully build this model, best results are more likely for intermediate to advanced model builders due to the link and length track assembly. For novice builders, use of the vinyl tracks is recommended. Airbrush and decal installation skills are helpful.

Everything went together easily like most Tamiya models . I wasn't ambitious enough to glue the track links together so I used the rubber track option instead .This tank goes real good with any Cold war and WWII collection and I hope to build another one soon with Czech decals this time overall it's a great model to build .

Excellent model. Easy build..tracks were a challenge..worth it