The KV- series has always interested me, no more so than the extra armoured KV-1’ s “Ehkranami”
Trumpeters kit is a fine kit to build, with no real issues. I replaced the barrel with a much more refined turned aluminium one and a set of Eureka XXL’s fine copper tow cable with resin ends. The kit has horrid tow cables made from the same material as the tracks.
I was concerned with the decals over the pronounced appliqué armour bolts on the turret sides but as per usual the decals performed flawlessly with the aid of some microsol. A further wash toned down the white lettering.
The tracks are very nice indeed but suffer from the usual Trumpeter flaw of not being agreeable with any form of adhesive except for clamped or pressure applied CA. I used black thread after cutting off the ends. The black thread is thin and can be hidden under a road wheel and subsequent base features. I used fine wire drilled through the low chassis to allow the track to have some sag, though the result was not exactly as I hoped for.
Painted using Vallejo, followed by oil washes, filtering and dot filters. MIG pigments finished off the weathering.
Cheers
Mike
Great job Mike! I would dare to assume Russian armor is your favorite topic to build? The display base complements the tank well.[H]
Being a very heavy vehicle I would of made deeper impressions in the base for it to sit in, also deep track marks behind the tank. With the inside face of the tracks flush or deeper than the surrounding ground.[2cnts]
I agree for the price you can’t beat Trumpeter’s armor kits. I like that they package only whats required without partial interior details, most seek after market items for interiors anyways[Y]
3000 miles away I have the KV1 with the large turret and 155mm cannon. The box art shows a winter scene with troops advancing. In the back ground is a burning Panzer IV. I have the pictured troops in winter gear as well, thinking I will just build the box art scene.[^o)]
Nice Mike. I know you like braille scale. Is this braille or 1/35. I built one and was quite pleased. It’s kind of refreshing seeing one that isn’t beaten to a pulp, if you know what I mean.
Another fine piece of work Mike[Y][Y].
After seeing this and your Hedgehog I’m itching to get another 1/72 project going. And it looks like it’s gonna be the DML 251/D with pak40.
Mike, good looking build! I am especially fond of the ground work. It makes for a realistic presentation.
Chris
Really nice Build Mike. Thanks for sharing.
Regards, Rick