1:35 Russia KV-2 (1939) Tank

The Russian KV-2 (1939), the big turret, 1:35 (Trumpeter)

Injection-molded plastic model of the Soviet KV-2 Model 1939 heavy tank in 1:35 scale from Trumpeter. It captures the early form of the KV-2 with its tall, angular big turret and the massive 152 mm howitzer, which moves up and down in the turret. It includes a choice of tracks (vinyl or link-by-link), a metal tow cable and decals for several machines. A later form of the KV-2 also exists and is worth comparing.

The real subject

The KV-2 was a Soviet heavy tank of the beginning of the Second World War, created on the chassis of the KV-1 tank. Its hallmark was the tall turret carrying a 152 mm howitzer intended to destroy fortifications and bunkers. The early Model 1939 form had a taller and more angular big turret, which later machines replaced with a lower, simplified one. In its day the KV-2 was among the most massive and best armored tanks, but it was heavy and slow.

Building and painting tips

On a tank it pays to assemble and paint the running gear, the wheels and the tracks before the hull is closed. Glue the plastic parts with liquid modeling cement for plastic and the metal cable with cyanoacrylate glue (super glue). Apply a base of primer before painting and spray the base finish with an airbrush in thin coats. Edge highlighting (drybrush), dark washes in the recesses and pigments for dust and mud effects on the chassis and the tracks add volume.

Who the model is for

• Modelers interested in Soviet armor of the Second World War
• Collectors of heavy tanks of the KV series in 1:35 scale
• Builders who want to tell the early big turret apart from the later KV-2

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