KV-85 in 1/35 ?

Modeling Subjects Armor
1

Hello all!

I am looking for a KV-85 kit, and the only thing I am finding is by Eastern Express. I have read a few posts and reviews that make it sound like a pretty poor kit. Does anyone have experience with this kit?

Are there any good alternatives out there?

Thanks in advance!

Chris

2

I think that’s about the only option. But I know that royal model makes an update set for it. I think with that, some friuls, some good references and the will to scratchbuild a few items, it should build up to be a respectable model.

3

I also found one from Ark models. Is this the same company (a re-box, or re-branded kit?) My scratch-building skills are weak. [:$] So I am still looking for kits that are mostly ready to go oob.

Chris

4

I think they’re the same kit. If not, I haven’t heard good things about Ark, either. I think the Eastern Express kit will be mostly ready OOB, but it will require the aforementioned PE set and tracks to make it really good. On scratch-building, though, I think you could probably build it just fine with minimal or no scratchbuilding, as long as you get the royal model set and some aftermarket tracks and an aftermarket gun barrel… Oh and you’ll probably need to replace those tools, so you should be fine if you have some spare russian tools sitting around. The eastern express kit isn’t that bad.

5

Chris,

I did mine with the E.E. turret and road wheels and a Trumpeter hull.

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PANZERJAGER

6

Good idea. Which of the several Trumpeter KV-1 kits did you start with? The only problem I see is then I have an extra KV-1 turret and hull. Maybe I’ll finally do a wreck! Never done one of those, but they always look so cool!

Chris

7

Sometimes the KV-85 is confused for an JS-1. If that is indeed what your looking for, Dragon has one that is OOP. Occasionally, they can be found on ebay.

8

Dragon makes a KV-85 or the JS-1? I have seen JS-1 kits. I have only found/seen Eastern Express or Ark make a KV-85.

I am leaning towards using the EE kit for the turret, and the Dragon kit for the hull and running gear. Just not sure which dragon KV-1 kit to use. Are they all pretty similar in hull configuration?

Chris

9

DML has an OOP JS-1. The Eastern Express KV-85 isn’t that bad. The track is horrid, and it would benefit from a PE set as mentioned. With a little TLC it’ll build up just fine. Gotta replace those tracks though.

10

Any idea whose after market tracks would fit the Eastern Express kit? I am looking for a place to buy that kit, but looks like i may have to get is shipped from China!

Chris

11

I used Model Kasten tracks “SK-7”. They come with the sprockets and instructions for making any mods necessary. They are a little expensive though.

12

Wow are they proud of those! $29! I only paid $30 for the EE kit shipped. I also bought a set of indy-link tracks from the same place for $8. I am sure they will not be as cool as the Modelkasten set, but my skill level is not yet at a level where I can justify spending that much on aftermarket goodies! Not on this kit. I am really doing this on a bit of a whim anyway.

Thanks a ton for the help!

Chris