Stalins!!!!!!

Well this post had been written in May... and never got round to post it... 

At the time I was a bit tired of typing in front of my PC and what I was doing was not typing of the fun  type… anyway the bulk of work has been done (only a new article to do in June…) and thus I did not  feel again in the mood for some blog updates. Well, in May I left you, my dear readers, watching the awesome power of the soviet communism and its armoured forces… but people had asked for some close in shots. Well here they are, with a review of the models I used, the extremely excellent Plastic Soldiers Company 15mm Stalins.

First of all I want to say that I consider Will, the PSC owner a friend. I try to pop at his stand at every show I am able to attend. I also try to support his company as much I can because I am really pleased with his products. Said that I am also someone who is brutally honest in his reviews so do not think I am cheating just because I know Will…

Anyway straight to the subject matter, the tanks. The attractive box included five sprues that allow you to build five (one per sprue) 15mm tanks. Each tank can be made in one of three models: IS-1 (85mm gun), IS-2m43 Is-2m44. For my build (being tailored to summer 1944 onward) I skipped the IS-1 tank (also the IS-1 was not really widespread) and instead concentrated on the m44 model with a single m43 throw in. The sprue gave you two guns, two upper hulls (the main difference) and two different mantlets, a wider one for the later model, and narrow one for the IS-1 and the m43 model.  The plastic was of a nice light grey with really crisp detail. The Stalin has a very peculiar turret shape and it is well rendered in the model. Not only the shape (hybrid between rounded and angular) is here, but also the infantry rails. The latter is a really nice touch as it is the rear firing machine gun. As in their latest offering the tracks are one piece. No more small details to assemble ( not that I was complaining earlier), and, even more important, the track details are crisp. The sagging is well done and the track detail is here, even if it is not the same of the T-34, the Sherman or the Tiger. My reactions to the new approach are mixed. It does not detract too much from the appearance and, certainly, it is faster to build, but when you take it close to you… well I miss the individual links detail (yes I am picky).  The hull is really well done. The front of the tank is quite bare, as in reality, but the engine deck is really, really well done.   Accessories include four furl drums, two crewmen (in two different poses) and an exceptional machine gun. I really like them. I saved a couple for my T-55… 

Here for the details. As far building them was concerned I will say it was breeze. Not a lot of pieces to put together, but everything is falling into position without an hitch… except for the fact the if you look at the underside of the tank… you will realized that on one side the torsion bars on the hull and on the track are not aligned… well mine are based so no one will notice.

The painting job has been very quick. Black primer, base of Vallejo Russian Green for the tank and Cavalry brown for the track, black Vallejo wash, overall Khaki dry-brush lightened with some desert yellow in some areas. Then details added.  I had some old BF decals from my T-34/76 box lying around and I used these for the slogans. 

Now what I think of this effort? Well I am quite satisfied with mine, and very happy with Will’s (and of his design elves). I think that the shape of the turret is much better than the one of the BF model. The model is a massive improvement on the old command decision one for sure.  I like the opportunities for customization offered and the fact that three versions are included.  In conclusion a very nice addition to my collection, a really good representation of the Josif Stalin tank, and a good price. With hindsight I think that more dry-brush could have been useful, to lighten the tanks (maybe I will try some retouches but probably not).