Comparing Dust Tactics Models to WH40K Models

I was looking for alternatives for my Imperial Guard since that's kind of what I'm doing with this force as an experiment in frugality. I had come across a Fantasy Flight tank model that looked like it could be a good substitute for a Hydra, (infamously tough to get outside of kit bashing or overpriced Forge World purchase). I found the IS-5 Heavy Tank on Amazon for about $20. Not too steep a price I figured I would take a chance and if I didn't like the look. quality or scale I would use it for conversion or scrap.
It came this weekend just 2 days after I ordered it (thanks Prime) and I was blown away by what I found in the box. A decent sized tank, ready to use with just a couple of pieces of plastic to snap on. Decals already applies, but easy enough to paint yourself if you wanted to.

Here's some photos of the size comparison between a Chimera based Basilisk and Hell Hound.

So the IS-5 is more of a Colossus Siege Mortar in look, environmentally sealed.

The little detals blew me away, the hand holds. The antenna is for the anti-aircraft version, I forgot to take it off. 

Every wargamers dream, buy one model and to be able to easily swap out the main weapon.

So the body of the IS-5 is a little bit longer than the Basilisk, but they are the same width, so the Fantasy Flight pice does have a bit more of a side profile.

I think it would make an acceptable Hydra.

Against the Chimera base that the Hydra would use though the IS-5 is a quite a bit longer, almost 1.5 times the length.

I'm just impressed with the accessibility Fantasy Flight is giving to new players, some would argue that this is a dumbing down of the hobby, the equivalent of snap-together models compared to "real" models. But the price is less and you're ready to play as soon as you open the box.