Soviet JS5 (IS5) Heavy Tank

This kit makes another nice example of Trumpeter's attention towards also putting out models of prototype/proposal design tanks. The good quality and detail of the kit is another trait I have found among their various releases. The JS-5 designation of the tank was actually shared amongst 3 different prototype variants, the JS-5/5A/5B of which the unit in the kit fits the JS-5A description. The tread system is of the individual link variety, with no option of any long rubber strip type. The turret is similar to a slightly modified JS-3 style, and was also used with the other 2 JS-5 variants (JS-5 with true JS-3 style gun mantle), as well as the Kirovets-1/JS-6A and JS-6B projects. The hull is a modified/lengthened JS-3 type with 7 roadwheel stations per side, and may have seen usage on later prototype projects. The JS-5 used a modified/shortened JS-4 type hull with 6 roadwheel stations per side, the JS-5B utilized a standard JS-3 type hull, and the JS-6A/6B had the shortened JS-4 type hull with 6 large roadwheels per side and no return rollers. As can be seen, this kit has potential in being used towards alternate builds, especially the turret with its 2 separate round hatches. For the price, it would have been nice to include a crewman figure, and/or a metal gun barrel option to go with the already-separated muzzle brake feature. Overall, the kit is of good quality and nicely detailed, and I would recommend it to others.