Kit of the Week: IS-2 Russian Heavy Tank

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

This week only, get the Limited Edition Deluxe Black Box IS-2 Kit for 25% off!

The IS-2 was a heavy tank developed in the Soviet Union in the waning years of World War II. It was a direct descendant of the earlier KV-1 heavy tank program and was intended to correct deficiencies in armor layout, mobility and firepower. The IS-2’s thick frontal armor was designed as defense against the powerful guns of the German Tiger and Panther tanks, while it’s own main gun could defeat its opposition at normal combat ranges of about 1000 yards. The IS-2 was primarily to be used as a breakthrough tank and its gun was provided with a powerful high-explosive shell, useful for knocking out enemy infantry and fortifications.

The IS-2 was first introduced to front line units in April, 1944. It was issued to special elite Guards Brigade who were called upon to clear out strong points or heavy pockets of enemy resistance. Once the defending fortifications and enemy armor was defeated, faster tanks such as the T-34 could then exploit the breakthrough. No less than three full battalions of IS-2s were committed during the climatic Battle of Berlin, where they were supported by assault infantry, sappers and flame thrower teams. The IS-2 was instrumental in reducing enemy resistance by using its powerful main to destroy entire buildings. IS-2 turret number 434 “Combat Friend” was part of the 7th Independent Guards Heavy Tank Brigade, which reached the Reichstag and Brandenburg gate in the heart of Berlin.

IS-2 Vital Statistics:

Crew: 4 (driver, gunner, loader & commander)
Weight: 50.7 tons (46 metric tons)
Armament: Main Gun: 122 mm D-25T (28 rounds standard load)
Secondary: 2x 7.62×54 mm DP, 1x 12.7×108 mm DShK
Road Speed: 23 mph (37 km/h)
Range: 150 miles (240 km)
Years Produced:1944-45

IS-2 Black Box Kit Features:

Premium spiral-bound full-color instruction book included
Complete decals to build IS-2 turret# 434 from the 7th Independent Guards Heavy Tank Brigade.
One Russian tanker included
Comes with a signed and numbered certificate of authenticity
Strictly limited edition

Additional Accessories & Elements

BrickArms Reloaded: Overmolded ppsh
BrickArms PPsh
BrickArms Mosin Nagant
Brickarms Bayonet
BrickArms U-Clip
BrickArms DP28
BrickArms Dp28 and Printed Crate
Brickmania Custom Minifig: WWII Russian Gunner
Brickmania Custom Minifig: WWII Russian Soldier
Roaglaan’s Decals: WWII Stalingrad Russian (Squad Pack)
Roaglaan’s Decals: WWII Russian Infantry (Squad Pack)