Hobby Master 1:72 Ground Power Series HG7006
IS-2 Heavy Tank Diecast Model
Soviet Army 27th Guards Heavy Tank Rgt, #313, Vyborg, USSR, June 1944 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| IS-2 Heavy Tank | | 5.25" | | 1.75" |
During the June 1944 operation to knock Finland out of the war, the 21st Army was heavily supported by armor. The 27th Guards Separate Heavy Tank Regiment, commanded by Lt. Col. Dmitri A. Gnezdilov, was one of the first units re-equipped with the early production IS-2s in March 1944. Although the red star is always associated with the Red Army, in fact it was not a very common tactical insignia on tanks in WWII. Here is a rare case of the red star being painted on twice, probably due to the knowledge that Finnish forces were using captured Soviet tanks. The white tactical number presumably indicates 3rd company, 2nd Platoon, 3rd tank.
Fighting at Viipuri (Vyborg) took place at the opening phase of the campaign against Finland on the Karelian isthmus in June 1944 with the 27th entering the war-torn city on June 20, 1944. The 27th Guards Separate Heavy Tank Regiment was the only IS-2 unit used in this stage of the offensive. The unit had only received there IS-2s starting in March 1944 just prior to the offensive starting. This tank had unusual markings with the two red stars on the turret, these were rarely seen on a battlefield tank. The 27th Guards Separate Heavy Tank Regiment decided to use the stars as a means of identification since the Finns had captured some Soviet tanks and were using them against the former owners. This was a means of identifying friend or foe.
Desinged as a heavy tank with thick armour to counter German 88mm guns, the JS-2 (more correctly called IS-2 after its namesake Iosef Stalin) entered production in 1943. Experience with the KV series of heavy tanks led the designers to place an emphasis on speed and firepower. The latter requirement was met by the use of a 122mm A-19 gun firing high explosive rounds that could take on fortified positions in addition to being a capable anti-personnel weapon. The large shells however, resulted in a slow rate of fire which limited it's ability to engage enemy tanks. © Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Hobby Master's 1:72 scale JS-2 heavy tank is constructed using an intelligent mix of diecast metal and plastic. The top portion of the hull is made from plastic to replicate fine scale details such as the look and feel of cast metal up front (on the turret as well) and the lower portion from diecast metal to provide weight. The 360 degree rotating turret features an elevating metal gun with an accurate muzzle brake and is fitted with a highly detailed machine gun. Additional details include separately applied battlefield equipment such as a shovel and spare track segments. The twelve road wheels and their associated torsion bar suspension system are also accurately modelled.
© Copyright 2003-2016 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Hobby Master "1:72 Ground Power Series" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military vehicles.
Hobby Master "1:72 Ground Power Series" diecast vehicles feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Rotating turret, elevating cannon and accurate hull.
- Painted, fitted, non-moving tracks on detailed non-rotating wheels.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Clear acrylic display case to protect model.
© Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
