1:35 Soviet SU-152 Late

The Soviet SU-152 self-propelled howitzer (late) 1:35 (Trumpeter)

An injection-molded plastic kit of the Soviet heavy self-propelled howitzer SU-152 in its late production version, in 1:35 scale from Trumpeter. This is a new tooling with rich detail; besides the plastic, the box contains a multi-part lower hull tub, individual link tracks, photo-etched sheet and a metal gun barrel.

The real subject

The SU-152 was a Soviet heavy self-propelled howitzer of the Second World War. In a hull built on the chassis of the KV-1S heavy tank it carried a massive 152 mm gun-howitzer mounted in a fixed fighting compartment. Thanks to its ability to destroy even the heaviest German armored vehicles it earned the nickname Zveroboy, the beast killer. It first made its mark in the fighting of 1943. The late version differed from the early machines in minor production changes.

Building and painting tips

On vehicles it pays to finish and paint the running gear and the interior of the fighting compartment before you close the hull up. Assemble the individual link tracks patiently so that they keep the right sag. Use a liquid cement for plastic and glue the photo-etched parts with cyanoacrylate glue. Apply a primer before painting and spray with an airbrush. The Soviet green scheme comes to life with weathering: dark washes bring out the welds and the pressed shapes, and dust and mud pigments on the running gear and the lower tub give the howitzer conviction.

Who the model is for

• Collectors of Soviet armored and self-propelled vehicles of the Second World War
• Modelers interested in the heavy self-propelled guns of the KV line
• Fans of the fighting of 1943 and of heavy tank hunters
• More experienced modelers, who will appreciate the metal barrel and the link tracks

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.