10. KV-1
Soviet Union - 1939
With its thick armor and powerful gun, the Soviet heavy KV-1 tank shocked the German Army in June 1941 during Operation Barbarossa. Virtually impervious to everything the Germans could throw at it, accounts persist of small numbers of KV-1 tanks holding up large German forces. A host of problems like small numbers, poor maintenance, and low levels of training all limited the KV-1's impact on the campaign however.
(Build notes down at the bottom)
Tamiya #35372, 1/35 KV-1 Model 1941, Early Production
Kit #: 1/35 Tamiya #35372, KV-1 Model 1941
Decals: Used decals provided by kit
Aftermarket Accessories: Eduard #TP084, 1/35 KV-1 Mesh
Panzer Art #RE35-128, Soviet Cylindrical Fuel Drums
Build Notes:
The model was built out of the box with the following modifications:
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Added Panzer Art resin fuel tanks mounted on scratch-built brackets.
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Added Eduard photo etch engine deck screens.
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Added resin bedrolls and tarps made from Milliput.
Painting:
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Primer: Mr. Mahogany Surfacer 1000
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Basecoat: Soviet 4BO made from Marcus Nicholls’ ratio of Tamiya paints from Tamiya Model Magazine #137:
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Olive Drab XF-62: 3
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Buff XF-57: 1
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Yellow Green XF-4: 2
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Red XF-7: 1
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Yellow XF-3: 1
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Airbrushed highlights and modulation with basecoat lightened with a few drops of Buff XF-57 & Yellow Green XF-4.
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Hairspray
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Chipping of basecoat with tap water
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Vallejo Satin Varnish coat
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Decals
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Pinwash: Tamiya Panel Line Accent Color Dark Brown
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Build-up of dirt/dust on running gear, hull, turret, and tracks: MIG Ammo Heavy Mud Thick Soil & Splashes Turned Dirt.
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Dust effects: Mig Pigments
References:
- Osprey Publications, New Vanguard #17, “KV-1&2 Heavy Tanks 1941-45”
- Schiffer Publishing, “Stalin’s Giants, KV-I & KV-II”
- Tamiya Model Magazine #137, Tamiya 1/48 KV-2
- Wikipedia, the online Encyclopedia
The model is based on this picture:
