1:100 KV-8

The KV-8 in 1:100 scale from Zebranomodel

A kit of the flamethrower version of the Soviet KV heavy tank in the small 1:100 scale. The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. At this scale the finished tank is only a few centimeters long, so it suits both a collection with little room and a set of miniatures for the gaming table.

The real subject

The KV-8 was a flamethrower conversion of the KV-1 heavy tank. A flamethrower was fitted in the turret and, for want of space, the main gun was replaced by a weapon of smaller caliber, which the designers fitted with a sleeve so that from the outside it looked like the original gun. The purpose of the machine was support in fighting for fortified positions. From a modeling point of view it is a variant that at first glance looks like an ordinary KV but differs precisely in the arrangement of the armament in the turret.

Building and painting tips

The turret is the key detail on this version: before you close it up, check the seating of the barrel and its sleeve, because once glued the position cannot be corrected. Separate the parts with a sharp scalpel and dose the glue in minimal amounts; at 1:100 a surplus drop will flood a whole detail. The running gear is easier to paint before it goes onto the hull. Apply the base shade in a thin coat, bring out the recesses with a dark wash and go lightly over the edges with a dry brush. Dust and mud need only be suggested along the lower edge of the hull; heavy weathering on a model this small blurs the shape rather than emphasizing it.

Who the model is for

• Collectors of Soviet vehicles who want an atypical variant
• Modelers building whole families of derived machines in one scale
• Anyone interested in special engineer and support vehicles
• Players of tabletop games with miniatures in 1:100 scale

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.