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Forums - Modelling / Smallscale |
The construction forum is for the discussion of small scale AFV modelling. Usually this refers to 1-76th and 1-72nd scale AFVs. |
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| Subject: | Re: Roden IS-3 |  |
| Date: | Apr 26, 2003 |
| From: | Doug Chaltry | |
Matt, I started building this kit last year, but set it aside for some
review projects. I was just about at the painting stage when I quit. The
lower hull is completed (with wheels), as is the turret. Just some details
remained to be added to the hull. I was planning on adding several
scratchbuilt details, but the new etched set from Extratech will now make
that task easier.
Throughout the construction, I had absolutely no problems. Everything fit
extremely well, and it looks as though the upper to lower hull join will be
seamless as well. The only serious sanding I had to do was the front bow
plate, which was a little too long, but it is very easy to sand it to size,
since it is simply a couple flat plates. The wheel axles are "keyed" so that
there is no question about gluing them in perfectly aligned. The only part
that needs replacing is the gun barrel, which was molded hopelessly
out-of-round. The replacement barrel from ARMO is a great piece (and
necessary in my opinion).
My only reservations about the kit are the tracks. While they look very
detailed, and are very flexible, I am concerned about replicating track sag.
I think I will pursue the option of using metal pins to press the track down
in key locations, but I hadn't started work on that yet at the time I
stopped working in the kit.
Overall, I love the kit. There are a few spots that I feel need some extra
detail attention, such as adding hatches for the side hull storage bins, as
well as detailing the mounting (and ejecting) mechanisms for the spare fuel
drums. My only disappointment about the kit, is that it doesn't represent
the IS-3M, which would have given us many more options for markings. For
example, I had wanted to paint mine Egyptian, but I believe that they only
received the -M model. I think one of the reasons I postponed working on the
kit was to gather up the nerve to try and scrathbuild the side skirts for
the -M version, which doesn't look easy (but would hide the tracks very
well).
Bottom line is I think this is a sweet kit; I look forward to seeing it
built.
Good luck,
Doug
"Matt Bittner" wrote in message
news:3ea81f84@news.track-link.net...
> Are there any on-line, full build reviews of the Roden IS-3? I read the
one here, on Track-Link, and it was far from positive. I was hoping for
something that could give ideas on how to deal with the short-run injected
molded kit. The review here does not.
>
> Don't get me wrong, if someone has a problem with a kit they should let
others know of those problems, but the review on this site leaves a lot to
be desired. I have just acquired one for review for Internet Modeler, and
was looking for any hints/tips.
>
> TIA!
>
>
> Matt Bittner
> |
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