KV-1

This time I saw the new KV-1 model 1941 from Tamiya and decided to take a break from súper detailing and got one. The detail is outstanding and the part number is relatively low compared to those 1000+ parts from other manufacturers. Of course, no interior is provided. Not that you can see much anyway. Construction is straightforward and the fitting is superb.... no filling required. This kit had to be designed for the beginner as no PE parts are included. This is a bit frustrating as the engine grills look a lot better with PE, so I substituted the plastic representations for pieces from a PE set from Aber. Also, I had the cannon barrel removed and used a turned aluminum substitute. The “steel” cable provided is a piece of thread that I found inadequate and replaced it with my own cables made from copper wire.
The suspension is nicely detailed although is not workable. The tracks are length-and-link type and well detailed. They sag differently on each side!. Although assembly is easy the links have to be glued thus making installations in the model a bit tricky, as they sag on the rollers and curve on the sprocket and the idler giving a rather rigid three- dimensionality that needs to avoid the fenders. I planned to use metal workable tracks, but is taking so long to receive them that I settle for a little battle with the plastic ones.
This is a very nice and accurate model. A joy to build. I’m very satisfied with the results.