KV-2 Model 1942
Trumpeter, 1/35 scale
S
u m m a r y
|
Stock Number
and Description |
Trumpeter 1/35 Scale Kit No. 00312;
Russia KV-2 Tank |
Media and Contents: |
327 parts (305 in grey styrene, 18
clear vinyl keepers, 2 vinyl track runs, 2 clear styrene, 1 twisted
copper wire) |
Price: |
MSRP USD$24.98
Available
online from Squadron for USD$19.96 |
Scale: |
1/35 |
Review Type: |
First Look |
Advantages: |
Fully eclipses obsolete Tamiya kit;
choice of either styrene or vinyl track will be popular with many
modelers; pretty thorough job of research appears obvious with moldings |
Disadvantages: |
Some ejection pin marks on the
"hard" plastic tracks will be annoying to remove; odd gun barrel does
not match production photos; use of late model hull rear limits options |
Recommendation: |
Highly Recommended for all Soviet
armor fans |
Reviewed by
Cookie Sewell
Trumpeter's
1/35 scale KV-2 is available online from Squadron.com
Trumpeter has matched its excellent KV-1 Model 1942 with an equally good stab
at the KV-2 heavy tank. It also uses what DML calls "slide molding" or using
multipart molds to create such things as hollow molded gun exhausts and inner
fender details on the mudguards. It is also priced very reasonably, and as such
should be a winner in that area.
Detail-wise, this kit uses most of the major components of the Model 1942 kit.
The hull is molded in three basic parts – a central form and two applique sides,
which is unique. The central hull shows a dip on the sides at the rear, so one
can bet that either an SU-152 or KV-1s will follow later on (a check of the
Trumpter sprues identifies them as for kit 00356; since the Model 1942 is kit
00358, at least one more is on the way)
The side applique parts are squared off to replicate the KV-2 hull. But in an
odd choice, Trumpeter has only included the late production "humped" upper rear
plate that was used from July 1941 onward. Nearly all photos of KV-2 tanks show
them with the two-part upper rear plate/engine deck rear, which was the common
one in use. (It was only after the factory made a conscious attempt to speed up
production that somebody figured out a single rolled plate of approximately 120
degrees of arc could replace both parts, speed up rolling and cut welding time.)
This may apply to as few as 30 tanks built out of 191 KV-2 tanks (another 24
were the early model "KV with Big Turret" tanks with the naval-like MT-1 gun
mount.)
All of the jounce stops are separate and correct, and the road wheel arms are
each made up in two parts (there are two different grease caps, so make sure you
do not get them confused.)
The wheels are completely different than the cast metal ones provided with the
Model 1942, and consist of four parts each plus the vinyl "keeper." They are the
correct early model internally buffered variants, and are very nicely done
(including the lightening holes on the back halves of the wheels, a great
touch!) The drivers have both interior and exterior bolt details, as well as the
correct mud scraper.
The separate track is well done, as it "link and length" with a pre-cast "droop"
in the upper runs. As noted, there are two or four injection pin marks on each
link, even the long runs, and while cleanup will be tedious it doesn't seem as
bad as many other single-link sets. But even the vinyl "one piece" set is not
bad, so many modelers will be happy to use them.
Oddly the kit provides interior details for the engine deck air intake grilles
but only two sets of plastic parts and no etched grilles or frames for an etched
grille (one set appears to be for an SU-152 or KV-1s as noted earlier).
The hull details are all separate, including separate front and rear hull roof
sections and fenders. While the fenders come with the track slap deflectors on
the bottom (!) note that the actual fenders came in three sections, joined at
the second and fourth braces on the sides. A choice of early or late model
viewer covers is included (this one takes the earlier models and not the late
ones used on the Model 1942).
The turret is very nicely done, with most of the moldings being added to a
"slide molded" main body for the turret with separate front, rear and base
parts. But the odd thing is that the gun barrel consists of a very bizarre
sectional tube that I cannot match to any references on the KV-2. It does show
up on some factory blueprints, but all production tanks have a smooth tube with
a muzzle protector/reinforcement ring. I suggest replacing it with a Jordi Rubio
or similar turned metal tube.
It also comes with a working rear access hatch, which is a true shame: the $64
Question has been for years – what is the configuration INSIDE a KV-2 turret? To
date nobody has seen it and only tempting bits of destroyed or burned out ones
from German photos. There is ONE KV-2 extant in Moscow, but nobody has seemingly
gotten inside and shot photos.
Only one finishing option is provided – an unidentified tank bearing the logo "Za
Stalina! (For Stalin) but nearly all combat photos of the KV-2 show it having no
markings whatsoever. The sheet does throw in some red stars as well.
Overall like its "little brother" this is a gorgeous kit, and eclipses the
ancient Tamiya kit.
Thanks to Jay Laverty for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Review Copyright © 2005 by Cookie
Sewell
Page Created 07 August, 2005
Last updated 16 September, 2005
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