1:48 Russian Self-Propelled Gun SU-152 (KV-14) [April, 1943 Production]

SU-152 in 1:48 Scale — a Bronco Kit

An injection-molded plastic kit of a Soviet heavy self-propelled gun in 1:48 scale. The packaging specifies that this is the form built in April 1943, that is from the earliest production, when the vehicles differed in a number of details from one month to the next. The Bronco Models brand builds sets with a rich parts breakdown; the manufacturer states neither the number of parts nor the number of marking options.

The real subject

The SU-152 was a Soviet self-propelled gun that came about through a quick conversion of the KV heavy tank chassis: a 152 mm howitzer, originally an artillery piece, was built into a fixed superstructure. The point was to have a machine that would break up fortifications and at the same time deal with the heaviest German tanks; it was right after Kursk that it earned a nickname derived from the hunting of game. It appeared in 1943 and was built for only a short time before a machine on the chassis of a newer tank replaced it. In 1:48 scale it makes a strikingly angular and massive model.

Building and painting tips

Finish the running gear before you close the hull up. Assemble and paint the tracks separately and fit them onto finished wheels. Soviet vehicles of 1943 tended to have a uniform green finish applied under field conditions, so unevenness is in order: after the base color put a lighter filter on the upper surfaces, a wash into the recesses and plenty of dust on the running gear. Check the massive barrel for alignment, because on this vehicle any deviation shows at once.

Who the model is for

• modelers of Soviet equipment in 1:48 scale
• collectors of self-propelled guns
• more experienced modelers, because of the running gear
• building early production forms

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