Warren: That sounds like a great way to approach things, I'll give that a try on my build.

Sal: PE looks great bud, those little bits can be a real pain in the rear. What kind of glue are you using to attach them?

everybody,
I'm pretty close to putting my GAZ-AA (Zvedzda) with MiniArt wheels, PlusModel Maxim M-4 and scratch-built seat/ammo box to bed, which I entered in the 'soft skin campaign' (although very late - I hadn't taken a 'before' picture, had only just joined and was still finding my feet). After that, I'll start on this little lot:

The venerable (OK old) KV-1 by Tamiya - couldn't say no as it was only 10 Euro
Model Kasten tracks
Verlinden engine kit (not too impressed by it: very basic and needing a lot of cleaning considering the cost, but the fuel tanks look good - apart from the welds that looked like casting seams)
Aber barrel
On The Mark PE
Tow-cables by ?
MG mounts and horn by MORI
Welds by E.T.
Dry transfers by MB
KV-1 crew by TANK
Still need to source some hex bolt heads, and some other bits and pieces may be added.
All I've done so far is removing the engine cover and cleaning up most of the resin.
Hopefully, I won't embarrass myself - it's only my second model after over 30 years of doing other stuff.

Sal, what was so hard you made it look easy nice job.

Bob

Here is my contribution, Trumpeter 1/35 KV-2 captured by the Germans. I love these Trumpy kits and look forward to this build. It will be out of the box with the kit supplied link and length tracks. Here is a shot of the unbuilt kit....more to follow as I move along.

I don't know I guess the instructions were a little confusing the fear of cutting plastic off the top of the hull
But it all went on with copious amounts of Super Glue and I may shoot it with primer this afternoon

Hi all,

I'm getting ready to start building Tamiya's KV-2 (updated with some aftermarket PE). I'm not really happy about the tracks provided in the kit, so I want to replace them with aftermarket tracks. I've seen that there are several types of Friul tracks for the KV-2, which ones are suitable for Tamiya's KV-2? And are there cheaper alternatives to replace the tracks?

Greetings,

Max

If you buy a Trumpeter KV-1 or 2 you get a set of link and length tracks and some rubber band tracks. Rubber band ones are good as well so for a measely $14 or so you get another KV to finish AND a replacement set of tracks! Win win!!

Hi Warren,

Thanks for the tip. I did some surfing on the internet and buying a Trumpeter KV is definately a cheaper alternative than buying Friuls! Are there different types of tracks for the KV or can I buy for example a 1942 era KV-1 and use those tracks for the Tamiya KV-2?

Greetings,

Max

My tip would be to buy a Trumpeter KV-2... I believe they will all be the same, but I am definitely no expert.

Hi guys, been making some progress since I got over my PE fears
The build is complete minus the tow cables and the base coat of model masters Dark green is sprayed on Just need to touch up a few more spots with the paint




Found this photo which has the same marking that the kit comes with

Should have some time this Monday to get more work done on this after I fix my snow blower

Way cool to see a rl photo of your KV on the testing grounds
And don't fear the etch, embrace it! Btw, what glue are you using to attach the PE bits to your build?

Hi Warren,




After comparing all the different KV's that Trumpeter offers, I decided to go for the Beute KV-2. IMHO this will be a nice comparison to the standard KV-2 I'll be building for this campaign. I allready need to fight the urge to build the beute KV instead of the regular one...

Greetings,

Max

Progress,
Drilled out the exhaust, made new tow cables, the 1's that came with the kit were too brittle and too short and added a black wash. So this is what its looking like

Also added the decals and put a rust wash on the tracks after the picture was taken. Hopefully I will get some work done on the commander tomorrow

I am finally getting around to starting my build for this campaign and I will have to make a late change as I cannot find the base model for scratchbuild. I have grabbed another KV from the stash which in this case is 00356 KV1 (model 1941) small turret. If I manage to find where I have put the model I need for the scratch build I will build it, if not I will buy another and blog it in the future. So due to my unexpected forced change is there anything I need to watch for as I have done no real research on this specific model.

Great work fellow KVers.

I managed to pick a German KV-2 on Ebay for cheap so I have the full set now.

Cheers
Warren

Sal I want those tow cables, mine broke while trying to bend them to shape .or did I lose them while trying to bend them or maybe the carpet monster ate them to tell you the truth I do not remember so hand yours over and there will be no trouble except when I fall down . Nice job so far I am at the stage of waiting for some inspiration to go paint

Bob

Bob get some picture hanging cable, cut the eyes off of the plastic affair and then drill a hole in each to recieve the cable. Easy.

Bob, all I did was cut the ends off, filed out the back and used some string then I used some elmers glue to stiffen it up. Then added the paint. They are held on by thin brass wire.
Got some more work done on it today maybe get a few pic up later

Sal and Darren, thanks for the tips. I will try them and get back to ya.

Bob

Ok todays up date here is what the beast is looking like now

The figures are from Dragons Soviet Infantry Tank Riders the commander is from the spare parts box

Comments are always welcome.
Need to finish their faces and add weapons and weathering but its time for bed have to work tonight

Warren reshaped the electrons to say:




Thanks Warren and all those that supported the SU-152 being acceptable. I finally had some time from other projects to take some initial pictures. Below is the kit box.



Here is the sprue shots.



Might look like a lot of sprues and parts but it actually builds two vehicles. It's my first exposure to the Pegasus Hobbies kits and I am rather pleasantly surprised. The detail is quite nice and from inspecting it (for an upcoming review) I am mildly amazed at the thought that went into it's manufacture. The suspension is very intricate and has attachment points engineered into it that I never would have though possible in this scale. I hope to get started this evening. It looks quite good as it is so I don't see adding too much other than some wire grad rails.

Cheers,
Jan

I made a dent in the SU-152 kit yesterday and today. It didn't go as quickly as I had anticipated. It's going to require a bit of thought about how to paint the suspension as due to the small size, the spray from the airbrush may not reach all the little nooks and crannies.

The main bogie halves and their suspension arms.



Attaching the above to the suspension piece. The tracks have a natural built in sag and I was surprised to notice that the guide horns have a hole through them (a couple had some flash in the hole and had to be bored out).



Attaching most of the road wheels but the idler needed to be placed before the last one.



The completed suspension pieces. I am putting a green wash on them with a brush prior to spraying the Russian green.



I am quite amazed at all the fine and minute detail on this kit. The cast parts of the superstructure even have a rough cast texture.

Cheers,
Jan