The latest model to be built at the Uckfield Panzerwerks is this Russian IS 152.
In 1/6th scale, it uses the chassis from the JS 2 tank with a fixed fighting
compartment mounting the positively huge 152mm howitzer. Howard is drawing
heavily on his experience with his JS 2 which means that this model should be
finished relatively quickly. The first few pics are below with more to come as
and when I have them.
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| Here we see the chassis complete with gearbox and various reinforcing/mounting hardware. | Towards the front of the chassis is the battery locating metalwork. | The chassis with battery and speakers mounted. The battery is a 60Ah sealed lead acid item which is tall and thin hence which is ideal for the shallow JS/IS chassis. | From the rear of the chassis can be seen the mounting hardware for the speed controllers, controls and electronics. | The hull is the same at the rear to the JS hence the two cut-outs for the controls. Note the original mudguards have been removed prior to replacement in steel. |
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| Again the mudguards have been removed at the front to be replaced with steel. | The finished hull in primer complete with Howard's secret formula rough casting. | The fighting compartment roof. All the moulded bolt heads have been replaced with real bolts. | As supplied only the top hatch opens but we found you can't get your hand in to reload the blank firer so the bottom hatch was made to open too! | The new metal rear hatches and hinges. |
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| The new steel fuel drums with their top secret design! | To produce some smoke out of the barrel a 100mm fan was installed on the end! | The chassis having it's first coats of paint. | Howard carefully applies the camouflage pattern to a strict mathematical formula (not!) | And this is the finished article... |
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| ...and now with the superstructure mounted on the chassis you can start to appreciate the model. | The model's grand unveiling was at Bovington Tankfest 2003 where Richard is seen here loading the 9mm revolver with blanks. | Richard was most pleased with his model as were the crowds there that day as can be seen from this photo! |