These are some in progress pics of Tamiya’s KV-1B built out of box.

This is a nice little kit build. The KV-1B falls together with minimal flash and excellent part fit. The only needed fix requires the vehicle’s hull motor holes to be filled, --- but other than that, this kit can be put together in a day as it has only about 100 or so parts.

Model Kasten indi links will replace the kit’s band tracks, (a couple of pics showing what you get are attached below). This KV shows some significant fender damage, a couple of wood unditching beams, (made from chopsticks), and some thread towing cables stowed across the fenders. A figure will be placed in the turret hatch opening.

The model was base coated in Model Master Marine Corp Green, and then over sprayed with MM Russian Armor Green. Dark washes and drybrushing with various colors complete the hull and turret. The turret numbers are hand painted.

Rustall will be applied to the heavily damaged fender areas, and in various spots around the hull to make this one look like it’s been around for a while.

This has been a fun little build. Any helpful comments are appreciated.

Steve

Model Kasten's directions showing link assembly


The top link shows the pin marks requiring clean up



A completed series of indi links (about 98 per side required according to instructions)

Steve .....Looking good buddy! You sure are zipping thru your pile of kits lately aren't you !! Think about it you'll have to build more parts just for the tracks than the rest of the kit put together!! Are those punch marks on the MK tracks? You'd think at the price we pay for them that they could at least be no punch marks !! Good job bud!

Rick

Looks great. How did you do your fenders?

I think that pile of wooden beams looks awesome. The heavy rusting and MK tracks will be perfect for a beat up Russian tank. Hurry and get those MKs on!!!

Looking good Steve!

A couple comments:

First, you might want to try to open up those exhaust pipes sticking out of the rear deck. It's a little detail that will dress up the rear deck.

Also, if you build another KV variant, you might want to try Fruil tracks. They cost about the same as Fruil and have much less clean-up. One wire pin between the links holds them together. Plus, because they are metal, you get that nice realistic sag between the return rollers that is such a trademark of those KVs.

great work again steve. the fender damage looks the part considering its plastic. The finished tracks will improve the overall appearance 100% again. Don´t forget some straps for the shifting beams!!

Steve,
Once again you have made short work of the Preshading I LOVE IT!! I can't wait till my T-34-85 gets here.

SteveWWH,

Wow! It comes out real good looking pal! The damaged front fenders look awesome. You did a great job again! Keep us post.

Basically the fenders are warmed with a hand held hair dryer until they are slightly pliable and then "bent" by twistting/turning with a smooth flat tweezers. Other fender pieces are nipped off in small pieces using a spruepart remover.

The unditching beams are currently attached to the tank using small model railroad brads imbedded in the wood (like bolts/nails), and then thread tied to a wire bracket that cannot be easily seen underneath the wood beams.

Thanks to all those that have replied.

Steve

I take it you sprayed the Rustall on the vehicle?

That's a nice looking KV-IB M1940 Matter of fact, those MK tracks look cool too

I really like your painting/drybrush and weathering techniques. Are you planning a crew for it ?

Your Rustall is in, and it will be in the mail 17MAY04

Send us more pics !

Cheers !!

Alpen

Lord Steve :-)

Man..... that is a cool looking Russian beast! You have certainly been busy in my absence... lol

I really like the fender damage - a very nice touch to the kit. It adds an aura of the "tough conditions" these tanks were operated in. I agree that a crew would put this baby over the top :-)

Great job, man... impressive as usual :-)

All the best!
Jeff

Just a quick update on the KV-1B.

The Rustall shipment arrived and the following pics show the results of using this product. Rustall comes with four bottles, a thinned rust wash, a dark (almost India Ink type) wash, very fine powdered dust, and a liquid flat coat.

The damaged fenders on the KV show the results of applying an initial powder and rust wash mix, with subsequent follow up washes of the dark and further rust washes to tone down the dust. When first dried, the dust is pretty light colored and over powering. The washes tone this down quite a bit.

This is turning out beautiful. I think you did a great job with the rust all. The fender damage is good considering how thick the plastic is in this kit. All in all Bravo!!

Wow, that Rustall effect is awesome ! It looks like real rusted metal. I think you did a fantastic job at it. Can't wait to see how you make out with the MK tracks

Keep the pics coming !!

Cheers !!

Robert