IS-2 Early
The IS-2 Early represents the first production configuration of one of the Red Army’s most recognisable late-war heavy tanks. Combining formidable armour with a powerful 122 mm gun, it brings a distinctive Soviet breakthrough vehicle to World War II collections, battlefield scenes and display layouts.
Historical Role
Introduced during World War II, the IS-2 was designed to support Red Army offensives by defeating fortified positions, engaging heavily armoured opponents and helping break through prepared defensive lines. It served primarily with Guards heavy tank regiments and was particularly valuable during the major Soviet advances across the Eastern Front, where its heavy gun was effective against bunkers, buildings and enemy armour.
Distinctive Appearance
The early IS-2 is characterised by its imposing cast turret, broad tracks and long 122 mm gun with a prominent muzzle brake. Its most important recognition feature is the early stepped hull front with a direct-vision opening for the driver, contrasting with the smoother, more steeply sloped glacis adopted on the better-known later production form. This visually distinct configuration is the reason the model carries the RARE VARIANT badge.
Variant Differences
The IS-2 developed from the IS-1 heavy tank, replacing its 85 mm armament with the much more powerful 122 mm D-25T gun. This required changes to the turret installation and gave the vehicle its characteristic long barrel and muzzle brake. The early IS-2 retained the original stepped frontal hull arrangement before production improvements introduced the later straightened glacis. The change in armament reflected the need for greater firepower against fortifications and heavy enemy vehicles.
Modelling Uses
This model is well suited to late-war Eastern Front dioramas, model railways, wargaming displays and collectors of Soviet armoured vehicles. It can be used in breakthrough scenes, urban combat settings, advancing armoured columns or comparative displays alongside later IS-2 configurations.
Fun Fact
The initials “IS” came from Iosif Stalin, continuing the Soviet practice of naming major heavy tank designs after prominent state figures.
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.
