This is an update on Tamiya's KV-1B built from the box. Rustall has been added to the fender damaged areas, and the base is almost complete.

To save display space I skimped on the size of the display base, and unfortunately as a result, the KV really dominates this small scene. As an example, a pic showing a little TriStar Panzer 1 is attached showing how a smaller piece of armor just seems to fit this scene's scale a lot better. I will be sticking with this base for the KV however, but have learned a lesson.

It was sprinkling during the pic taking session resulting in some wet armor splotches on a couple of the pics.

Still to do, Model Kasten indi links.

As usual, helpful comments are appreciated. Thanks.
Steve

This first pic shows the effect of several applications of Rustall to the damaged areas.


A pic showing the KV approaching a broken utility pole.


A closer view of the broken pole.


A nose on view of the KV moving up this lane.


An overhead view showing how the KV dominates the small base. The rain is evident on the tank in this pic.




The TriStar Panzer 1 -- this small vehicle just seems to fit this base better.

Martin,
as usual your work is really impressive. Anyway I've got some points for you:
- under an operational point of view I'd say that the rigtht fender is too dangerous for the crew in the position it was left. When it happened to "destroy" or heavily damage a fender on my tank the firt thing was to take an big hammer (sorry but I cannot find a more appropriate english word) and try to take it off, shape it or bend it in a position less dangerous for my men. By the way I love the work you made on the left one! In the case you agree with me if you drybrush very lightly one or two points of the big damage you can give the impression that the damage got worse during the present "run".
- Are the towng cables made ot of some rope? I'm not an expert in russian armor but it looks like there are some "hair" from the rope left on the cable itself...
- If the towing cable are so rusty don't you think that also the ends need to appear a bit more worn?
I really love your groundwork. Whi don't you explain in an article or in another post how did you made it?
Ciao

Hey Steve your base is coming along great ...I'd cut that grass down a bit if I were you...If you place a figure beside that hay it is over his head .... the fenders look great ..now get them tracks on . Oh I like you base just fine with the KV ..it's a base not a dio. Keep up the great job .

Rick

Steve - I don't really see a problem with the size of your display base. Many modelers make the mistake of adding bases that are too large, detracting from the central subject - the model. If you follow recent Japanese modeler vogue, the trend has been going to smaller and more compact display bases. The models stand out more actually, and they do look nice and tight. Your model looks good where you've got it, maybe you can position it a tiny bit forward - towards the busted pole. The base is pretty nice as is too...

On the model, is it possible for you to adjust the right-side Idler Wheel? From the front-view it appears to off line with the rest of the road wheels and would likely misalign your track run when you attach it later on. Maybe that's intended - I dunno.

Gunnie

Steve,very awsome looking tank so far I aggree with Scoccia on the right front fender IMO,it would pose a danger to the crew

Steve,
Looking very cool.
I too think you should give the gras a bit of a "mow" if you wanna put those awesome figures of yours on #:-) ( AND yes they will be awesome) please post some pics of them when you start.

Steve that is a supurb model and the the base....man I wish I could paint and make the bases to the same high standard as you do.

Excellent looking model. Love the rustall.
Does the final paint job have a filter on it? I do not know much about them, but i love the way it looks. (if of course this is what i am really refering to.)
marc

Fabio, the tow rope is made of thread, and unfortunately there are tufts showing on it. I've tried using picture frame hanging wire, but that gives the appearance of not being "wound" tight enough to represent cable. Any suggestions on what to use for scale tow cable?

Also, the ends of the cable should show more wear, -- they will be drybrushed.

Rick, the grass will "get a trim" to lower its height compared to the KV.

Regarding the damaged fenders - I defer to those with actual experience pointing to this piece being either removed, or hammered somehow so it is not a danger to the crew or riders - (this is good information to know). However, in the instance of this model, I was really seeing how far I could go in shaping/malforming a stock plastic kit's fenders to replicate heavy fender damage. The front fenders are almost a "signature" of what I was trying to accomplish with this oob kit, so even though its probably not prototypical, the fenders will stay as is. We can assume the crew "intends" on fixing this safety hazard as soon as possible (hehe).

Andy, I did pick up some Dragon tank riders for this scene. I may have to lean on you for some information on proper paint colors to represent faded Russian troop uniforms.

Thanks to all those who have replied. I appreciate the helpful comments.

STeve

Excellent work as always.. Love your drybrushing.. also your 'lightening passes in the middle of the panels.. rust.. damage.. it all came out awsome!

Steve, have you tried waxing the thread by drawing it over a candle..? This can stick wayward threads down - you might like to try pastels on the thread before waxing, I got some good effects that way but it is a bit hit and miss.

Steve dude....

Temendous job on the rust - it looks really good!!! My solution to the tow cable question is to leave 'em off :-) Kinda my trademark... lol

I am gonna have to get me some of that Rustall, the results certainly are convincing. Top notch job to say the least!

Humbly-
Lord Guitar Hack :-)

Very nice. Replace towng cables. They look like rasty ropes.

They just keep getting better and better!
I love the base as is. The size is perfect.
Your finishing style has almost become your trademark. I guess, I could pick out your armor now without knowing who the builder was. Every last bit of detail pops out. The great thing is that it is so consistent over the whole model. And also the usual and excellent shifting beams.
The fender damage ... looks realistic to me ... especially the right side. As the tank is buttoned up, maybe its a recent happening, so I guess weathering would need to be appropriate to show this.
the addition of tracks will lift this higher, but from what Ive read, those modelkasten tracks are a nightmare, because of all the little parts.
Nice one buddy!!

When I make tow cables I use picture hanging wirw. To tighten it up I put one end in a vice and the other in a hand drill, then slowly twist it further under tension. This puts in more twists and it looks better than thread. Great model though!!!

Superb as usual.
I also don't see any problem with the base but the grass does look a little bit long.