KV-1

See Build Log.

This little 1/48 scale tank was a joy to build. It features a die-cast chassis tub that mounts to the upper deck via screws. Overall, it was pretty nice. The only things I replaced were the corded string tow cables, which I replaced with copper wire.

The scheme represents an emblemless color plate I saw on the side of the box. I also found a few pictures online, but apparently this camo scheme appeared on several vehicles. I opted to leave off any insignia.

The build log covers most of the techniques: hairspray for chipping, dust, dirt, etc. The mud was created with AK dark mud, cinnamon (for texture), and plaster. I also tried out the AK oil stains, which looks fantastic.

The headlight gave me the most trouble, namely that I didn’t want to do it. In the end, I painted it Vallejo Sky Grey. Then I went over that with thinned white glue, which dried giving a glassy look. I added pigments over that to remove the gloss look.

The Kliment Voroshilov series were heavy tanks used by the Soviets during WWII. It was one of the best heavy tanks at the time it was introduced, but the smaller, faster, and cheaper T-34 soon proved to be a more efficient solution.

With terrible results from the multi-turreted T-35, the KV-1 sports a single large turret with 76.2 mm main gun, as well as a 7.62 mm machinegun at the rear. Another MG was mounted next to the driver’s port.

The chassis later saw service for the Joseph Stalin (IS) tanks.