IS-2 (1943) Soviet Heavy Tank
Bring the power of a late-war Red Army heavy tank to your collection with this detailed IS-2 (1943) model. Developed to combine formidable armour with a powerful 122 mm gun, the IS-2 became one of the Soviet Union’s most recognisable armoured vehicles of the Second World War.
Historical Role
Designed as a breakthrough heavy tank, the IS-2 was intended to support Red Army offensives by engaging enemy armour, fortified positions and strongpoints. The design was accepted in late 1943 and entered combat service in 1944, serving with Guards heavy tank regiments during major advances on the Eastern Front. Its 122 mm gun delivered a highly effective high-explosive shell while also giving the tank the ability to confront heavily armoured opponents.
Distinctive Appearance
The IS-2 has a purposeful silhouette defined by its long gun barrel, rounded cast turret, heavy mantlet and broad tracks. The 1943 production pattern is particularly recognisable by its early stepped hull front, which differs visibly from the simplified, more uniformly sloped glacis introduced on later IS-2 production. Large road wheels, substantial side armour and compact upper-hull proportions reinforce its imposing appearance.
Variant Differences
The IS-2 developed from the IS-1 heavy tank and retained the same basic chassis and running gear. Its principal change was the replacement of the IS-1’s 85 mm gun with the much larger 122 mm D-25T, requiring turret modifications and separate-loading ammunition. The longer barrel and heavier mantlet are the clearest modelling differences. This variant was created to provide greater firepower against fortifications and heavily armoured battlefield targets.
Modelling Uses
An excellent centrepiece for Eastern Front dioramas, wargaming displays and collectors of Soviet armour. Smaller scales are well suited to model railways and expansive battlefield scenes, while larger scales provide greater visibility for painting, weathering and detail work.
Fun Fact
The initials “IS” represented Iosif Stalin, while the IS-2’s imposing 122 mm armament was adapted from Soviet field artillery technology.
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.
){kind=link}