1:35 KV-1 mod. 42 Cast Turret - Part 1 (trumpeter)

KV-1 model 1942 with the cast turret: photo-etched set, part one

This set of metal parts from the Italian maker Royal Model completes the Soviet heavy tank where injection-molded plastic runs into its limits: thin rims, eyes, brackets and gratings are made in brass at a real thickness. The numbering in the name indicates that this is the opening part of a two-part upgrade and that the second one is offered separately.

The Soviet giant that caught the attackers out

In the summer of 1941 the Klim Voroshilov was an unpleasant surprise: armor over seventy millimeters thick withstood the German 37 mm anti-tank guns and individual machines could hold up whole columns. The 1942 version received a massive cast turret, whose rounded shape was quicker to produce than a welded box and deflected hits better. The price was paid in weight, as the transmission and the already overloaded running gear suffered and the crews complained about the gear change.

Working with brass

Release the parts from the fret with a sharp scalpel on a hard surface rather than by twisting, otherwise they bend. Level the remains of the tabs with a needle file. Pre-bend longer straps dry first, try them against the model and only then fix them with a drop of cyanoacrylate glue.

Who the set fits

• admirers of Soviet armor
• modelers with experience of metal accessories
• builders who care about the faithful thickness of sheet
• collectors building a series of heavy tanks

Get the plastic model, glue and paints separately.