Need some help choosing between tamiya KV-1 and JS-2

[weebaldy]

Hi guys,

I really hope its ok to post this type of question on the forum, if not just let me know

I have been lurking around the forums for quite some time now drinking in all the great advice that you guys give. I have now decided to go for a Tamiya kit as my first tank as I enjoy building and would think it would be a great way to learn.

I have always admired Russian tanks so have finally narrowed it down to either a KV-1 or a JS-2. The problem I have is that I can get new a KV-1 about £225 less than a new JS-2. I am a great believer of you get what you pay for but just wondered what peoples thoughts are of these two tanks.

I know that choices like this are ultimately up to the buyer but as I have never seen either tank in the flesh and of course am a total noob at this any advice would be very gratefully received.

Thanks so much for any help you can give.

Ray

[Tankbear]

Js2 as is rarer and latest kit from Tamiya.

Afterwards if you still want a kv1 you can save some penny's and get a Heng long kv1.

Ian

[cannedheat]

doing it ians way you may have the cash for both ?wot wot.......

[MichaelC]

Definitely JS-2. KV-1 has been out a long time and is dime and a dozen, Tamiya or HL. I am surprised there is only 200BP difference.

[weebaldy]

Thanks guys that it just what I needed I'll keep you posted on my progress.

[ALPHA]

OK....I just have to ask...is this a real question?....

Now if the question was....should you get two KV 1s ...one of which you were going to convert one into a KV2...and two T34/85s and build two different versions and still have money left for upgrade bits...or the Tamiya JS2 which you have to build and purchase a 4 channel transmitter before you know if it works or not.... Then you might have a quandary to ponder over

But if the choice is between two Tamiya's....The choice has to go to the Js2...just because if it doesn't work...it'll look prettier than the KV 1

ALPHA

[PainlessWolf]

Good Morning,
Welcome to the Forum, weebaldy! Let me throw a third quandry in the mix. KV-2. That's all I'm sayin' ;o)
regards,
Painless Wolf

[MichaelC]

OK....I just have to ask...is this a real question?....

Now if the question was....should you get two KV 1s ...one of which you were going to convert one into a KV2...and two T34/85s and build two different versions and still have money left for upgrade bits...or the Tamiya JS2 which you have to build and purchase a 4 channel transmitter before you know if it works or not.... Then you might have a quandary to ponder over

But if the choice is between two Tamiya's....The choice has to go to the Js2...just because if it doesn't work...it'll look prettier than the KV 1

ALPHA

Way prettier than the KV-1 and WAY WAY prettier than the KV-2 (Sorry Painless Wolf......)

[weebaldy]

Thanks sooo much for all the advice guys, looks like his new hobby is gonna be tons of fun. Why do I get the feeling that this ain't gonna stop at one tank.

Oh and maybe one day I will be up to Alphas advice and be able to covert tanks in the meantime I will be happy if I don't ruin my first build......

Ray

[ALPHA]

OK....I just have to ask...is this a real question?....

Now if the question was....should you get two KV 1s ...one of which you were going to convert one into a KV2...and two T34/85s and build two different versions and still have money left for upgrade bits...or the Tamiya JS2 which you have to build and purchase a 4 channel transmitter before you know if it works or not.... Then you might have a quandary to ponder over

But if the choice is between two Tamiya's....The choice has to go to the Js2...just because if it doesn't work...it'll look prettier than the KV 1

ALPHA

Way prettier than the KV-1 and WAY WAY prettier than the KV-2 (Sorry Painless Wolf......)

So true.... reason the initial question is just .... not necessary...with that said though... before I purchase a TAMIYA JS-2...I would prefer getting a new HENG LONG KV 1 ... a new TORRO KV2 captured/ converted ... and two new T34/85s...especially if I were a beginner

To me TAMIYA kits are for the more experienced.... as troubleshooting the components before hand .....is better done with the knowledge of a well versed veteran of the hobby...electricity works very fast... all it takes is one bad hookup.... and the tank may not work without a replacement part...which in all probability is not covered by any warranty because of the nature of the "kit" itself

RTR tanks are better suited to a beginner IMO... especially with all the improvements the manufacturers have made... everything is now plug n go...unlike older models where soldering knowledge was a requirement

So yeah... if you want to dish out fifteen hundred dollars for what could end up being nothing but a pretty static model ...more power to you...me? I'm a little more practical that that and would spend that money on four working with metal upgrades RTR tanks...that if I want to learn... can take apart to detail with the money left over

The TAMIYA doesn't lend anything to that.... even with the full option kit... it doesn't have the transmitter servos batteries ... or any additional metal detail parts such as tracks... lights...and other incidental parts... sure it has a metal liner probably barrel gears ...no guarantee on the sprockets or idlers

Personally I'd wait a couple years lol..... because who knows... HENG LONG might make one

But yes... the JS-2 "is" a pretty tank

ALPHA