SOVIET HEAVY TANK KV-2 TRUMPETER 1/35

It is a standard KV-2. Built in December 2014.

Now I’m making Russian Heavy tank KV-2. I had made a German captured version of KV-2 but never have it. It’s a good chance of adding this tank to my finish up list.

I made KV series many times and able to assemble without seeing instruction manual about the chassis. Very speedy works.

This gun barrel’s hole is not centered, I need to adjust it later.

Easy assembling, (though took a couple of days). I attached tool boxes more than the instruction, 3 right side and 3 left side, and shorten the metal wires a little.

KV’s partial consolidation caterpillar tracks are excellent even its older kit. I recommend you to choose this, not belts caterpillar which also included in this box.
(11-November-2014)

I tried to use Tamiya light-curing putty for 3-dimensional mud expression.

Rear, also sticking putty.

Before painting, I took a shot from the other side for memory.

I added two figures from Tristar Russian tank crew set. I adjust the gap between body and arms to use some putty.

So many relaxing poses holding cigarettes, the right side also holding it but I have not yet prepared it.

Back shot. This Russian tank crew helmet is nice mold and shape.

This Tristar Russian Tank Crew set is nice figure but old. Maybe it’s difficult to buy from a hobby shop. I want these nice sets are available long time, though the volume is a few.
(14-November-2014)

This tank has so many large flat surface so I changed 3 colors random painting. Russian green first half of WWII color is lighter than later WWII, but we can choose it by feeling. Only light green color feels not so strong and like a grasshopper.

I added the red star on the left corner for accent. “За Сталина! ” is the meaning of “for Stalin!!”, I suppose.
(21-November-2014)

Here’s the KV-2 completed. While working, this tank basic color is lighter but now subdued color.

Because the main armament is 152mm howitzer, there was not an armor piercing power, but would be awful destructive power against fortress and pillboxes.

Washing repeatedly and the plain surfaces are changed. Too much use of rust color is something artificial though catchy eye points.

KV-2 weight is 52t. It was awfully heavy and was able to make only 15km/h on the non-leveling of ground running. It might be careful about the weak ground almost as same as German tanks.

Many welding lines and big rivets are used and these are made impression of burliness. It is not detailed like German tanks which is one of the appeal points of Russian tanks.

My most favorite point of KV series is a wide and heavy caterpillar. I have drybrushing and made shine, attracted attention. I shaded off the side of the chassis in various ways not to become monotonous.

Headlight clear parts is excellent of this KV series kit. I hope all of the other tank kit headlight parts are same as this quality.

Tank crew is out of the hatch. He is looking left side.

Another tank crew. I can paint the injection figure’s face not so bad these days. This guy looks like western people….

Tank crew’s blue coverall is a good accent on this green tank. I think having rust on the wires first, but other many areas already rusty and it’s enough.

I attached dimensional mud to use putty. In recent days, I think it’s not a diorama so no need too much effect of weathering all time.

There were two marks on the side of this turret which is some kind of hooks but it’s not suitable for this kit and removed all. I should have done it earlier, before the painting process…..

These photos are taken based on ISO 400 for a try. But noises are many, I suppose. The ISO 200 setting is better. Anyway I need to research, try and error.

KV-2 is simple shape and very nice presence. I made many KV series, fully enjoyed myself.
(23-November-2014)