IS-3 Heavy Tank 1:50 [World of Tanks Model]

[Lex]

This is a build of the IS-3 tank in 1:50. Just in case anyone is not familiar with the WOT cardmodel series, the model is a free download from the World of Tanks Russian site, among many other vehicles.

I am not sure if it is designed by the same WoPT crew (the respected Uncle Serg and others), but kudos to whoever designed the kit anyway as I like the WOT series model very much (as much as I like the game itself). These models come together very comfortably, with very simple and intuitive construction but taking no step away from realism.

The kit was started in 2016. The hull and turret were mostly built as-is, at the small-ish scale of 1:50 I felt no need to add much detailing to the already excellent model. This photo shows where I left off previously.

[Lex]

Truth is, I had not been a fan of building armoured vehicles and for one reason alone: the suspension. That was also why this build was put on hold as I dreaded all those roadwheels.

At some point along this year, I decided to take the plunge, with it making some modification to the suspension. The IS-3 was one of the earlier models in the WOT series, and as such its suspension did not feature a level of detail on par with the rest of the hull and turret.

The first modification I did is to replace the tracks completely with a laser cut version with individual links. Since I'm making modifications, I might as well go the full length in detailing, so in the end the design includes a 0.5mm core covered by a layer of 0.2mm skin, with separate parts for the teeth.

The drive sprocket needed to be modified to feature a full set of teeth, so I cut a replacement part for that as well.

[Lex]

The teeth on the tracks meant the roadwheels and return rollers need to be modified from their original cylinder design to include a groove in the middle. I made the relevant modifications, as well as making the surface of the roadwheels in relief just for added effect.

[Lex]

The wheels are attached by the torsion bar suspension. I did not make modifications to the torsion bar arms. Built from two sheets of card layered back-to-back, the arms appear somewhat prone to warping (subject to my lack in construction skills). As I finished the wheels, all that is left is the repetitive job of making each individual track links.

Building tank models make me realise how much I lack in cutting skills...

[rockpaperscissor]

Looks great. The center track guides will make a huge difference - well worth the extra effort, IMHO.

[Don Boose]

Great weathering effects and great attention to detail on the tracks. Your skill at producing tiny precise components pays off here.

Don

[Lex]

Exactly! I just love the weathering on this series right? I often wonder why the big publishing companies don't weather their models, except perhaps GPM and Halinski.

Some info though, the model provided 8 roadwheel cylinders while it actually needed 14 (6 per side plus a pair of idlers). You can see me making the rest out of black card. Another slight error is only providing 2 vision ports on the turret where it actually needed three.

[Lex]

I counted 80 links per side, a little less than what's on the real tank which means each link was made wider than it should have been - I have trouble fitting it all the way around the sprocket. Each track link is made from 1 core, 1 skin part, 3 teeth parts on one side and 1 on the other, as well as a copper wire as an insert to pin it to the next.

Since all the details are now made in 3D, I might as well go weather it. It's my first attempt weathering a model. First was a solid layer of grey, then a wash using some brighter sand and copper colours to simulate mud build-up. (I know, I should have tried pigments...) Lastly dry-brushing a steel colour for the wear and tear. The wheels and body were also lightly weathered. I think the end result came out alright, there should have been a dark wash as well to nail down the recess but... always room for next time.

One thing about paper and water-based paints is well... they don't get along very well. Especially with washes, I have had white glue dissolving in the wash and parts coming off, or simply being teared apart upon handled when wet. Might try a varnish coat next time as suggested by a friend, or, just, use less water.

This will absolutely be the last time I make individual tracks. Despite plenty of help from using laser cut, saving me all the cutting time, the effort required is still way over my budget, even given the result. I definitively lack patience. If the fun stops, stop. Single piece tracks for me next time......

More to come soon

[rockpaperscissor]

Lex, you have elevated 1/50 scale tanks to an entirely new level with this model. The entire suspension is absolutely amazing. I salute you.

[Vinalssergio155]

Impressive result Lex, they look wonderful. It was worth the effort, although if you start to saturate yourself stop being fun and start being tortuous. I do not have the patience for so many details, and I take my hat off when I see wonders as what you have done in these chains.Excellent crafts.