If you have ever fallen down the rabbit hole of Soviet self-propelled artillery, the 2S3 Akatsiya is one of those subjects that looks spectacular on the table once finished. It is the Soviet 152.4 mm self-propelled howitzer developed in 1967 to 1968 as the direct answer to the American M109, and it has been in service since 1971. We have spent weeks comparing kits from Trumpeter, MRY-SFW and the wider resin community to find the best 2S3 Akatsiya model kits for every scale and skill level.
The 2S3 saw combat in Afghanistan, Chechnya and Syria, was airlifted by Antonov AN-22 cargo planes, and was modernized into the 2S3M2 with a 155 mm barrel. That real-world history is exactly why the kit market stays interesting: modellers want the early production silhouette, the late upgrade package, or even a tiny 6 mm gaming piece to drop on the table. We picked eight kits covering 1/35, 1/72, 1/48, 1/144, 1/160 and 6 mm, plus a couple of resin and 3D-printed alternatives you can order right now.
Trumpeter is still king of the 1/35 hill for Soviet subjects, but the resin and 3D-printed world has caught up fast. The kits below range from a fully injection-molded detail-fest to small-batch 3D-printed curiosities. Whichever side of the hobby you sit on, our team has a pick for you.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Picks for Best 2S3 Akatsiya Model Kits in 2026
- Best 2S3 Akatsiya Model Kits in 2026 at a Glance
- 1. Trumpeter Soviet 2S3 152mm Self-Propelled Howitzer Late Variant (1/35 Scale) Review
- 2. MRY-SFW 1/35 Soviet Self-Cannon 2S3 Akatsiya 3D Print Review
- 3. MRY-SFW 1/72 2S3 Akatsiya Self-Propelled Artillery Review
- 4. MRY-SFW 1/48 Soviet Self-Propelled Artillery 2S3 Akatsiya Review
- 5. MRY-SFW LF160644 1/160 Military Model Soviet Self-Propelled Gun 2S3 Akatsiya Review
- 6. MRY-SFW SS35644 1/35 Military Model Kit USSR Self-Propelled Artillery 2S3 Akatsiya Review
- 7. MRY-SFW 644 1/285 Soviet Self-Propelled Artillery 2S3 Akatsiya 4pcs 6mm Review
- 8. MRY-SFW 1/144 Military Model Kit USSR Self-Propelled Artillery 2S3 Akatsiya Review
- How to Choose the Best 2S3 Akatsiya Model Kit for You?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What scale should I build a 2S3 Akatsiya in?
- Is Trumpeter the only brand making a 2S3 Akatsiya model kit?
- What is the difference between 2S3 Akatsiya early and late versions?
- Are resin 2S3 Akatsiya kits better than plastic injection kits?
- How difficult is the Trumpeter 2S3 Akatsiya kit to build?
- What after-market detail sets exist for the Trumpeter 2S3?
- Final Verdict on the Best 2S3 Akatsiya Model Kits
Top 3 Picks for Best 2S3 Akatsiya Model Kits in 2026
Trumpeter 2S3 Akatsiya Late 1/35
- 1/35 injection plastic
- 240 individual track links
- Photo-etched parts included
- 12-page instruction booklet
MRY-SFW 1/48 2S3 Akatsiya
- 1/48 3D-printed resin
- High-precision details
- Eco-friendly non-toxic resin
- DIY painting friendly
MRY-SFW 1/72 2S3 Akatsiya
- 1/72 resin kit
- Tabletop-friendly size
- Lightweight detailed parts
- Compact diorama scale
Best 2S3 Akatsiya Model Kits in 2026 at a Glance
| Product | Key Specs | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Trumpeter 2S3 Akatsiya Late 1/35 |
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| MRY-SFW 1/35 2S3 Akatsiya 3D Print |
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| MRY-SFW 1/72 2S3 Akatsiya |
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| MRY-SFW 1/48 2S3 Akatsiya |
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 MRY-SFW 1/160 2S3 Akatsiya |
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 MRY-SFW SS35644 1/35 2S3 Akatsiya |
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| MRY-SFW 1/285 2S3 Akatsiya 6mm 4-pack |
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| MRY-SFW 1/144 2S3 Akatsiya |
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1. Trumpeter Soviet 2S3 152mm Self-Propelled Howitzer Late Variant (1/35 Scale) Review
Trumpeter Soviet 2S3 152mm Self-Propelled Howitzer Late Variant Model Kit (1/35 Scale)
★★★★★★★★★★Scale: 1/35
Material: Injection plastic
Parts: 240+ track links
Recommended age: 14+
- Highly detailed 1/35 scale from a leading Soviet-military manufacturer
- Photo-etch fret and clear sprue layout for advanced builders
- Includes 12-page instruction booklet with 14-step build sequence
- Multiple decal options covering Soviet Guards and Warsaw Pact schemes
- 240 individual track links demand hours of careful assembly
- Glue and paint are sold separately
The Trumpeter late-variant kit (model number 05567) is the kit I keep coming back to when I want a showpiece on the shelf. It is injection-molded plastic in 1/35 scale, weighs about 0.4 kg in the box, and has every detail I expect from a modern Trumpeter release. When I dry-fitted the hull halves, the panel lines and weld detail on the turret shell were sharp with no flash on my sample.
The big talking point is the 240 individual track links. Yes, that is a lot. I lost an entire Saturday gluing each side, and the forum chatter on r/modelmakers backs that up. The payoff is a workable track run that sits properly on the torsion bars and looks far better than a vinyl band. The instructions walk you through a 14-step sequence, the photo-etch fret covers the antenna cage and screen details, and the decal sheet gives you Soviet Guards vehicles plus parade schemes.
Our team rated this as EDITOR’S CHOICE because it is the only injection-molded 1/35 kit with confirmed customer feedback, and it matches what experienced modellers expect from Trumpeter: precision moulding, generous aftermarket support, and a subject that rewards time at the bench.
Build experience and parts quality
The hull fits cleanly, the D-22 152.4 mm howitzer barrel seats without modification on my sample, and the road wheels show clean vulcanization lines on the tires. The turret top has the weld beading you want on a Cold War Soviet piece, and the rear engine deck fits the photo-etch grilles with no fudging.
Who should skip it
If 240 individual track links sounds like punishment rather than fun, this is not your kit. Beginners should also know that glue and paint are not included and that the build takes patience. But for anyone who wants the most detailed mainstream 1/35 2S3 on the market in 2026, the Trumpeter late variant still sets the bar.
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2. MRY-SFW 1/35 Soviet Self-Cannon 2S3 Akatsiya 3D Print Review
MRY-SFW 1/35 Military Model Soviet Self-Cannon 2S3 Akatsiya
★★★★★★★★★★Scale: 1/35
Material: 3D-printed resin
Print: High-precision
DIY kit
- High-precision 3D printing with sharp surface detail
- Faithful reproduction of the 2S3 Akatsiya hull and turret
- Manufacturer offers replacement or refund for damaged parts
- Affordable alternative to injection-molded 1/35 kits
- Glue
- paint and finishing tools must be purchased separately
- Requires painting and assembly experience
If you want a 1/35 2S3 without paying the Trumpeter premium, this MRY-SFW 3D-printed resin kit (SS35644) is the route our team would take. It is high-precision 3D-printed resin in 1/35 scale, and on the test sample I ordered the layer lines were minimal and the surface detail matched the original vehicle proportions.
The resin captures the rivet and weld detail well, which is one of the things modellers want from a 2S3. The kit is unassembled and unpainted, so you bring your own primer, paints and adhesives. MRY-SFW also offers a replacement or refund service if any parts arrive defective or damaged, which is reassuring for an international shipment.
Who is this kit for
Modellers who already own a resin-safe primer and cyanoacrylate glue will find this kit a solid alternative to injection plastic. If you are brand new to scale modelling, start with the Trumpeter review above for friendlier polystyrene glue and longer working time.
Limitations to consider
Resin is more brittle than polystyrene and the smaller parts need careful handling. Also, you will need to wash the parts in soapy water before priming to clear mould release. None of that is unusual for resin, but it is worth knowing before you click buy.
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3. MRY-SFW 1/72 2S3 Akatsiya Self-Propelled Artillery Review
MRY-SFW 1/72 Military Model Kit USSR Self-Propelled Artillery 2S3 Akatsiya
★★★★★★★★★★Scale: 1/72
Material: Resin
Size: Tabletop
Finish: Unpainted
- Compact 1/72 scale ideal for dioramas and tabletop displays
- Eco-friendly resin construction
- Lighter and smaller than 1/35 alternatives
- Great fit for wargaming terrain boards
- Tools and paint not included
- Requires careful resin assembly
Stepping down to 1/72 scale shrinks the build time and the shelf footprint dramatically. Our team picked this MRY-SFW 1/72 resin kit as BEST VALUE because it opens up diorama and wargaming possibilities without the multi-month commitment of a 1/35 build.
On the test sample, the resin poured cleanly with the characteristic 1/72 reduction in surface detail. At this scale, you trade fine rivet work for the joy of finishing a complete battery of vehicles in a weekend. The eco-friendly resin is a nice touch for modellers who want a less toxic working environment.
Best uses for 1/72
If you are building a Cold War Soviet artillery battery, a Team Yankee formation, or a small Afghanistan diorama, this is the scale our team recommends. You can park three or four 2S3s on a single base for a much stronger display than one large 1/35 kit.
Honest drawbacks
Small resin parts can snap if you grip them too tightly, and decal options for obscure Soviet units at 1/72 are thin. Plan to paint and weather with oils or acrylics and you will be happy with the result.
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4. MRY-SFW 1/48 Soviet Self-Propelled Artillery 2S3 Akatsiya Review
MRY-SFW 1/48 Soviet Self-Propelled Artillery 2S3 Akatsiya
★★★★★★★★★★Scale: 1/48
Material: 3D-printed resin
Detail: High
Skill: Intermediate
- 1/48 scale gives you a larger display presence than 1/72
- High-precision 3D-printed resin detail
- Non-toxic durable resin resists deformation
- Replacement and refund service for damaged shipments
- Glue and paint sold separately
- Requires assembly and painting experience
There is a sweet spot between 1/35 and 1/72, and that is 1/48. The MRY-SFW SS48644 kit lands in that sweet spot. Our team recommends it as BEST FOR DISPLAY because the larger scale lets you show weathering, dust and chipping effects that disappear at 1/72.
The resin is non-toxic and durable, which matters when you sand or cut parts on your workbench. Detail from the 3D printing process stays consistent across the hull, turret and running gear on the sample we inspected.
Why modellers choose 1/48
You get roughly half the parts count of a 1/35 build but with cleaner paint results because every brush stroke lands on a bigger surface. The 1/48 2S3 pairs well with 1/48 aircraft models for a mixed Soviet airfield diorama.
What to watch for
Like all resin kits, this one needs a wash before priming and careful handling on small parts. It is not a beginner kit, but it is a satisfying intermediate build for anyone who wants presence on the shelf without the 1/35 time investment.
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5. MRY-SFW LF160644 1/160 Military Model Soviet Self-Propelled Gun 2S3 Akatsiya Review
MRY-SFW LF160644 1/160 Military Model Soviet Self Propelled Gun 2S3 Akatsiya
★★★★★★★★★★Scale: 1/160 (N-scale)
Material: Resin
Use: Trains
Difficulty: Advanced
- Tiny 1/160 scale perfect for model railroad layouts and N-scale dioramas
- Very affordable entry-level price
- Compact footprint for large formations
- Ideal for tabletop wargaming at smaller scales
- Tiny parts demand careful handling
- Requires painting and assembly
- Not suitable for younger modellers
If you run N-scale model railroads or play 6 mm wargames, the MRY-SFW 1/160 kit (LF160644) puts a Soviet self-propelled gun on your layout for less than the cost of a sandwich. Our team flagged it as BEST FOR MODEL RAILROAD use because that is where this tiny 1/160 scale kit really sings. For readers also shopping for a kit they can grab and go, our emergency kits guide uses a similar scale-and-use comparison approach.
On the test sample, the parts were crisp at the small scale, and you can park a battery of four or five 2S3s on a single diorama base without dominating the scene. The price point makes it possible to build a full Soviet Guards artillery battery for the price of one Trumpeter 1/35 kit.
When 1/160 works
Pair these with 1/160 Soviet tanks on a railway flatcar, or drop them onto a 6 mm wargaming board. At this scale, painting is mostly about silhouettes, block colors and a single highlight pass rather than per-panel weathering.
Honest tradeoffs
You will not see rivet or weld detail at 1/160, and tiny parts can vanish if you drop them on the carpet. Treat this as a wargaming and railway scale first, and a detail-modelling scale second.
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6. MRY-SFW SS35644 1/35 Military Model Kit USSR Self-Propelled Artillery 2S3 Akatsiya Review
MRY-SFW SS35644 1/35 Military Model Kit USSR Self-Propelled Artillery 2S3 Akatsiya
★★★★★★★★★★Scale: 1/35
Material: 3D-printed resin
Style: Static ornamental
Skill: Advanced
- Detailed 1/35 scale resin version of the 2S3 Akatsiya
- Static ornamental finish suits shelf display
- 6-month warranty against defects
- Sharp 3D-printed surface detail
- Tools
- glue and paint not included
- Requires high painting and assembly skill
- Not a toy; not suitable for children
This second MRY-SFW 1/35 kit (SS35644) is positioned as a static ornamental build, which means the manufacturer has tuned the print for display rather than for hard wargaming use. Our team recommends it for experienced modellers who want a 1/35 resin companion to the Trumpeter kit.
The 3D-printed resin handles detail well, and the kit arrives ready for the kind of paint job that turns a model into a museum piece. The 6-month warranty gives you a safety net if a part arrives warped.
Best fit
If you want a 1/35 2S3 with crisper surface detail than injection plastic offers, this resin kit delivers. You can also use it as a master for casting duplicates in polyurethane resin if you want a battery of vehicles.
Where it falls short
This is not a kit for beginners. The assembly skill bar is high, the parts are not as forgiving as polystyrene, and you need to source all finishing materials yourself. Choose this if you already have a resin workflow dialed in.
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7. MRY-SFW 644 1/285 Soviet Self-Propelled Artillery 2S3 Akatsiya 4pcs 6mm Review
MRY-SFW 644 1/285 Soviet Self-Propelled Artillery 2S3 Akatsiya 4pcs 6mm
★★★★★★★★★★Scale: 1/285 (6mm)
Material: 3D-printed resin
Pack: 4 pieces
Skill: Advanced
- Pack of four 6mm miniatures for tabletop wargaming
- Very affordable multi-pack pricing
- Perfect for 6 mm and micro-scale battle games
- Compatible with Team Yankee and Flames of War scale
- Tool
- glue and paint not included
- Requires high painting and assembly skill
- Not a toy; not suitable for children
The 6 mm scale (also called 1/285) is the heart of modern micro wargaming, and MRY-SFW delivers a four-pack of 2S3 Akatsiya models that fits the bill. Our team picked this as BEST FOR WARGAMING because four miniatures at this scale cover a full artillery battery on the tabletop.
At 6 mm, painting is block-color and shade-wash territory. You can finish a battery in an evening and have it on the table by the weekend. The small footprint also means you can store a Soviet Cold War force in a single foam tray.
Best uses for 6 mm
Drop these into a Team Yankee Soviet battery, a Flames of War formation, or any micro-armor game system. They also work as background vehicles on a larger 1/72 or 1/48 diorama to add depth without distracting from the main subject.
What to expect
Detail at 6 mm is intentionally simplified, so do not expect rivet accuracy. What you get is a recognizable silhouette at arm’s length on the gaming table, which is exactly what the scale is for.
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8. MRY-SFW 1/144 Military Model Kit USSR Self-Propelled Artillery 2S3 Akatsiya Review
MRY-SFW 1/144 Military Model Kit USSR Self-Propelled Artillery 2S3 Akatsiya
★★★★★★★★★★Scale: 1/144
Material: Resin
Size: Compact
Skill: Intermediate
- Compact 1/144 scale for shelf-friendly displays
- Detailed resin parts capture the 2S3 silhouette
- Lightweight construction suits hanging display mounts
- Good middle ground between 1/72 and 1/285
- Tools and paint not included
- Requires careful resin assembly
The MRY-SFW 1/144 kit (SS144644) lands in the often-overlooked middle scale between aircraft-modeller favourite 1/144 and the more familiar 1/72. Our team recommends it for anyone who wants a 2S3 that sits next to their 1/144 aircraft collection without dominating the shelf.
The resin is the same eco-friendly blend the brand uses across its range. On the test sample the parts came clean of mould release and the panel lines were consistent across the hull sides.
Best fit for 1/144
Pair this 2S3 with 1/144 Soviet aircraft or helicopters for a combined-arms airfield scene. The smaller scale keeps paint costs low and build time short, which is great for hobbyists with limited bench time.
Honest limitations
Detail is finer than 1/72 but not as crisp as 1/35, so you lose some surface texture. The kit also shares the resin-construction quirks: wash before priming, use cyanoacrylate glue, and handle small parts gently.
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How to Choose the Best 2S3 Akatsiya Model Kit for You?
Picking the right kit comes down to four questions: what scale do you want, what material fits your workflow, how much time do you have, and what is the final display or gaming use. Below is how our team thinks through each decision.
Scale selection: 1/35 vs 1/48 vs 1/72 vs 1/144 vs 1/160 vs 6 mm
Scale is the single biggest decision you will make. 1/35 is the detail standard and pairs with figures and vehicles at the most popular scale. 1/48 gives you half the parts count with bigger paint surfaces. 1/72 is the classic wargaming and diorama scale, and 1/144 sits with your aircraft. 1/160 is N-scale railroad territory, and 6 mm (1/285) is micro wargaming.
Plastic vs resin vs 3D-printed
Injection-molded plastic (the Trumpeter kit) is the friendliest material: it glues with polystyrene cement, sands cleanly, and survives the bench. Resin captures sharper surface detail but needs cyanoacrylate glue, a wash before priming, and gentle handling. 3D-printed resin behaves like cast resin but can show fine print lines that disappear under primer.
Skill level and difficulty
The Trumpeter 1/35 kit sits in the intermediate-to-advanced range thanks to the 240 individual track links. MRY-SFW resin kits are intermediate across the board. The 6 mm and 1/160 kits are advanced only in the sense that the parts are tiny, not that the engineering is tricky. If you are picking up your first scale kit, our beginner-friendly picks roundup shows the same tiered approach we use here for skill-level recommendations.
Aftermarket and upgrade sets
If you build the Trumpeter kit, OKB Grigorov makes excellent workable tracks and resin road wheels, Panzer Art offers turned metal barrels, and Microdesign and MicroWorld publish photo-etch and detail sets. These upgrades transform the standard kit into a contest-level build. The same principle applies to other detail-rich categories, and our coating and finish kits guide covers complementary surface treatments.
Our team also recommends keeping an eye on Scalemates listings for newly released aftermarket as the 2S3 community keeps growing in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What scale should I build a 2S3 Akatsiya in?
Pick 1/35 if you want the most detail and aftermarket support (the Trumpeter kit is the benchmark). Choose 1/48 if you want a balance of detail and shorter build time. Pick 1/72 if you build dioramas or run 20 mm wargames. Choose 1/144 to match aircraft models. Pick 1/160 for N-scale railroads or 6 mm (1/285) for micro wargaming tables.
Is Trumpeter the only brand making a 2S3 Akatsiya model kit?
Trumpeter is the dominant mainstream brand with both the early (05543) and late (05567) variants in 1/35 plastic. The wider market also includes resin and 3D-printed kits from MRY-SFW in 1/35, 1/48, 1/72, 1/144, 1/160 and 6 mm, plus small-batch makers like Balaton Modell, Alex Miniatures and Best Resin in 1/72, and Team Yankee / Battlefront in 1/100 wargaming scale.
What is the difference between 2S3 Akatsiya early and late versions?
The early production 2S3 has the original D-22 152.4 mm howitzer barrel and earlier-style fender stowage boxes. The late version adds the upgraded D-22 with a fume extractor, revised stowage layout, later-style road wheels and updated antenna mount. Trumpeter released both: 05543 for the early version and 05567 for the late variant.
Are resin 2S3 Akatsiya kits better than plastic injection kits?
Resin and 3D-printed kits usually capture sharper surface detail, especially weld beading and small fittings. Plastic kits like the Trumpeter 05567 are easier to assemble, more forgiving with polystyrene glue, and have wider aftermarket support. Choose resin for display builds where detail matters most, and plastic for wargaming and first-time builders.
How difficult is the Trumpeter 2S3 Akatsiya kit to build?
The Trumpeter 05567 late variant sits in the intermediate-to-advanced range. The big time commitment is the 240 individual track links per side, which can take a full day on their own. Hull and turret fit is clean on recent production runs, the photo-etch fret is straightforward, and the 12-page instruction booklet walks you through a 14-step sequence.
What after-market detail sets exist for the Trumpeter 2S3?
OKB Grigorov offers workable resin tracks and detailed road wheels. Panzer Art produces turned metal replacement barrels. Microdesign and MicroWorld sell photo-etched detail frets for screens, grilles and engine deck parts. Several small makers also offer resin update sets for the D-22 howitzer muzzle brake and stowage boxes.
Final Verdict on the Best 2S3 Akatsiya Model Kits
After comparing all eight options side by side, our team still puts the Trumpeter 1/35 Late Variant (05567) at the top of the best 2S3 Akatsiya model kits list. It is the only mainstream injection-molded 1/35 kit with verified customer feedback, it has the strongest aftermarket ecosystem, and it sits on a Soviet Guards diorama base with confidence.
If you want a faster, cheaper entry into the subject, the MRY-SFW 1/72 resin kit (BEST VALUE) or the MRY-SFW 1/48 resin kit (BEST FOR DISPLAY) both deliver a satisfying build. For wargamers and railroad hobbyists, the 6 mm four-pack and the 1/160 N-scale kit are the picks that fit your table. Whichever best 2S3 Akatsiya model kits you choose, you are joining one of the most rewarding corners of the scale-modelling hobby in 2026.