IS-1 Soviet Heavy Tank – Early Production
Recreate an important stage in Soviet heavy tank development with this detailed IS-1 model. Introduced during the later years of World War II, the IS-1 combined heavy armour, a compact silhouette and an 85 mm main gun in a design intended to succeed the increasingly burdened KV series. The EARLY PRODUCTION badge identifies its place as an early IS-series heavy tank configuration.
Historical Role
Entering Red Army service in late 1943, the IS-1 was designed for breakthrough operations on the Eastern Front. It supported assaults against fortified positions, engaged enemy armour and provided a heavily protected focal point for advancing Soviet formations. Although its service was comparatively brief before the more heavily armed IS-2 became standard, the IS-1 helped establish the layout and battlefield role of the wartime IS family.
Distinctive Appearance
The IS-1 is recognisable by its low, rounded cast turret, compact heavy-tank proportions, broad tracks and sharply formed hull armour. Its relatively slender 85 mm gun barrel distinguishes it from the larger 122 mm armament associated with the IS-2. Other characteristic features include prominent track guards, external fuel tanks and the robust running gear typical of Soviet heavy armour.
Variant Differences
The IS-1 was the first production configuration of the IS-series chassis and preceded the better-known IS-2. Its principal distinction was the 85 mm D-5T gun, which required a smaller mounting and created a visibly narrower barrel profile. The later IS-2 retained the basic design concept but introduced a 122 mm gun for greater effect against heavy armour and fortified targets.
Modelling Uses
An excellent choice for Eastern Front dioramas, military model railways, wargaming displays and collectors of Soviet armoured vehicles. It can represent late-1943 and early-1944 Red Army formations, accompany infantry and support vehicles, or provide an informative comparison with KV-series tanks and later IS-2 configurations.
Fun Fact
The initials “IS” came from Iosif Stalin, while the IS-1 was also historically known as the IS-85 in reference to its main gun calibre.
Available Scales
1:87, 1:76, 1:72, 1:48 and 1:35.
Finish Options
Cleaned Resin Grey, Grey Primed - Ready for Painting, and Historical Base Colour.
Very small details may vary slightly depending on the scale selected.
