This is #9 in Osprey's 'Modelling the...' series and covers the Soviet IS Heavy Tanks (which I've always known as the JS series, but as with many things in modeling, when the actual nomenclature is known, one tends to use it!). This book has much in common with others in the series and covers a wide variety of kits and techniques.

There are basically six different build articles. None of these kits are built straight from the box as OOB seems to be something that armor modelers have omitted from their vocabulary! Much scratch-building and heavy use of aftermarket bits are the norm for all these build articles. None seems outside the ability of intermediate modelers, but for those who haven't built a lot of tanks, it could be quite time consuming.

In addition to the usual build and modify portions, there are some excellent weathering techniques that could easily be used on just about any model. I was particularly intrigued by the 'sponge technique' of applying winter temporary camo and on the various methods of weathering tracks. Too many tanks I see at shows have tracks that are solid rust and I know things are not like that in reality.

Anyway, the build articles are all in 1/35 except for the last one; undoubtedly the result of no other small scale IS tanks on the market! Articles are for the DML ISU-152, DML IS-2, Trumpeter IS-3M, Tamiya IS-3, Tamiya  IS-3 converted to an IS-152 and the 1/72 Fujimi IS-2.

There is the usual introductory pages denoting some of the more common materials needed and some modeling words of wisdom from the author. The end of the book contains a page of color 'chips', a listing of currently (2004) available kits and accessories as well as a goodly bibliography and listing of possible references.

Overall, an excellent book on the subject. Even non armor fans will find something useful in this edition.

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