Italeri JS2 double kit

[MAGNA]

Here is one of the kits mentioned in the manufacturers thread in new kits.

It is the 1/72nd scale Italeri JS2 which has two models of the same tank in it. One is the standard Italeri kit with all the bits including seperate track pieces.
The other is the perfect thing for beginners, especially if you have someone younger at home who wants to build the same thing you are making.

The moulding is good, even down to a rough cast look on the glacis and turret. Absolutely no flash which is the usual with these kits. A lot of thought has gone into the placement of parts on the sprue and cleaning the pieces up after removal is easy.

Good instructions help a lot, especially with the quick build kit.

JS2kit.jpg

Both sets. Three sprues for the standard model and one for the quick build

Making the quick build JS2. Boy, what a lot of work.... had to cut 11 (yes, eleven) parts off the sprue just to start with!!

I timed all this. From taking the parts off and clean up to the final piece going on was a massive 14 minutes.

Here is the result

JS2quick.jpg

Not a bad look at all. The complete kit has more extras such as a shovel and hand grips but a dive into the spares box will yield a few goodies.

The end result will be two models for the price of one, excellent for diorama builders or wargamers.

When I have the other kit made which will take more than 14 minutes, I will paint them up and post the two here. Again, good value and little helpers would appreciate the simplicity.

[McCoy]

Nice. But I wonder why they decided to exclude the guideteeth on the tracks as that would've been easy to include in the mould.

[Geek44]

Nice inclusion MAGNA. I think this is a great idea for younger modellers...just the kind of thing I'd have loved as a kid while my Dad built his Stukas and Halifaxes. I'll be interested to see how the more complex kit compares with the 14 minute special in terms of detail and shape...not important for younger modellers though...but the distance between the outer track edge and the road wheels seems quite large. But I'm needlessly nitpicking.
Peace.

[MAGNA]

I noticed the track discrepancy and did wonder. Also the guides. When I had a look it is that they wanted to make sure there was enough strength in that one piece while keeping the track width correct. The angle of the picture exaggerates the problem too.

[Geek44]

It's not a big issue in a kit of that size and simplicity I guess. People build that stuff for different reasons than say, a 1/35 scale builder. Wargaming is one example as you said. It looks like a JSII and that's what counts. I won't be looking for casting texture on the turret, but general shape is what counts here, along with ease of construction.
Peace.

[MAGNA]

Finally getting to the actual kit. The hull and wheel assembly is good but I am still 50/50 with the hard plastic tracks in separate pieces. If the wheels and sprockets aren't quite lined up the thing can go haywire. A bit of 'mud' will fix things though. This kit is comprehensive enough for 1/72 though. It even has the handrails to put on the turret which will be fun.

Pics of both will be coming once the painting is done.

[Geek44]

Handrails in 1/72 could be good or bad. Are they plastic? I shudder to think about sanding the mould seams off something so small and fragile.

[MAGNA]

Yes they are plastic. The good thing is the seams are so small you can't see them without a magnifying glass. The worry is in placing them and keeping them in the right place while the glue sets.

[Geek44]

I never have, but have you tried superglue accelerator? I know a couple of guys at my club that swear by it. They have a small spray pump I think. A squirt and any exposed 'wet' CA glue hardens instantly. So they say.

[McCoy]

Bakin' powder works as an accellerator for CA if you don't wan't to run to the store for the CA accellerator...