1:48 KV-1/KV-2

The real subject

The KV-1 and KV-2 are Soviet heavy tanks of the beginning of the Second World War, built on a common chassis. The KV-1 carries a turret with a gun, whereas the KV-2 has a conspicuous tall angular turret with a howitzer, and it is by that turret that the two vehicles are told apart at a glance. The common chassis is the reason one add-on set covers both subjects: the running gear, the fenders and the tool stowage are essentially the same.

What the set offers

These are photo-etched parts, that is features etched from thin metal sheet and held in a fret by tabs. Photo-etched parts are used where a plastic part is inevitably thicker than the scale would call for: at the edges of the fenders, at the mesh over the engine, at clamps and loops. The difference shows mainly in profile, because a metal edge is genuinely thin. Which features the set holds and which kit it is drawn for is given in the manufacturer's instructions; the target kit is not stated here.

Building and painting tips

• cut a part out of the fret with a sharp blade on a hard surface; do not break it out and do not use scissors
• level the remains of the tab with a file, otherwise the part will not seat
• take the bends over a straight edge or in a bending tool, not with your fingers
• they are glued with cyanoacrylate or with a two-part glue, applied in spots
• before painting, degrease the metal and lay on a primer, otherwise the paint will not hold on the smooth surface

Who it is for

For modelers who want to refine the places on a vehicle in a smaller scale where plastic gives its thickness away. Working with photo-etched parts calls for tweezers, a sharp blade and calm, but the result moves a model a class higher. A beginner is well advised to start with the simpler flat parts and only then take on multiple bends.

Terms of supply

The kit, paints and glue are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.