Here is the completed model of the Italeri ISU-152. I decided to build the standard version after I found this excellent tip on how to assemble link-and-length tracks. The basic idea is to make two J-shaped pieces so they can be painted separately and then put together is a fashion similar to the Plastic Soldier Company models. I built the kit pretty much out of the box, but I did apply styrene glue to the angles where the sides of the superstructure met and then scored the softened plastic with the back of my Exacto knife to create the look of welded plates.
I sprayed the model flat white and then Olive Drab, applied the decals that came with the kit (which are probably the most commonly used ones if google image is anything to go by), weathered the whole model heavily (perhaps a bit too heavily) with dabs of green and black followed by touches of silver, and finally a black and then brown wash. I then added the mud to the wheels and tracks and put the whole thing together.
Overall I am pretty happy with the kit. I should perhaps used a after-market metal gun barrel for the model, but I didn't want to wait to complete the kit. In fact, I enjoyed painting Russian armour so much I just ordered a UM SU-76M kit - if anyone knows of any good 20mm scale Soviet tank crew in summer uniform in action pose do let me know.
Here are other views of the model.
Next up will be the Dragon Panther, which I hope to complete this week.
Looks good very nice!
ReplyDeleteVery nice! Tank Crews? SHQ make tank riders and HaT makes a set with Crews and Tank riders
ReplyDeletehttp://www.plasticsoldierreview.com/Review.aspx?id=1835
and milicast make summer and winter russina tank Crews
http://www.milicast.com/shop/home.php?cat=157
Russian..not Russina :-D
ReplyDeleteThanks, Paul. The Milicast ones look good, but are too static. I think I will just proxy with some anti-tank gun crew until Plastic Soldier Company releases their SU-76 with (hopefully) crew in "in action" poses.
ReplyDeleteGreat looking model Captain!
ReplyDeleteThat big cat killer looks fantastic - and rather frightening form the front angle.
ReplyDeleteI found the following sets of Soviet tank crew (Mostly soft plastic).
http://www.plasticsoldierreview.com/PeriodList.aspx?period=1#SovietUnion-TankCrew
The Orion summer dress crew look like the uniform you require.
The poses are possible too active as they appear to portray tank crew who've become dismounted but are still running into the attack.
Assuning the SU crew will be partially obscured (and that you'll require artillery crew functions) there may be potential to convert poses 2, 6 and 8.