On the weekend I found myself with some time and inbetwen projects. So I decided to crack open my KV-1E which I am using for the Tank Ace campaign (Kolobanov). I cracked open the box and started at it. All I can say is WOW. What a great build. The instructions are great. The moldings are crisp and the fit is good. Trumpeter has done a great job. I dont think a day has gone by that I havent been at the bench for atleast a few minute(hours). :-) Im glad I still have the other 5 KV-1's to build along with that KV-2 and Sturer Emil. I recommend this kit most highly.

Well, back to the bench for awhile

I have my eye on the German version with the cupola and the long 75mm. I'll be picking it up soon. Your glowing recommendation has motivated me that much more. I already have several Trumpeter kits but haven't started any yet.

Tom

Oh, ya. The trumpeter KV's are great builds and pretty quick too. I have built the KV-1 E and the Heavy Cast turret. Fantastic.

Considering I've fallen victim to the brutal Trumpeter scheme around the different variants (including the German version) and now have them all in the stash, this is good to hear. :-)

Nice thing is, while Trumpeter is trying to get a lot of mileage out of the tooling, they still have altered the relevent components for each subvariant, and I don't just mean the turret shells. As you work through the series, you find that they have anticipated the need for different engine decks, different driver's hatches, different road wheels and rollers. Very cool. Hope they take a break from 1/48th kits long enough to finish up the series with a KV-1S, KV-85 and SU-152. Also like the link and length tracks with premolded droop between the return rollers, and the soft vinyl alternate track is much nicer than the tracks in the Eastern Express or Tamiya kits.
The only real need for photoetch is the engine deck intake grills, and these are available as mini-sets from both Aber and Eduard. Part has a nice comprehensive set that is also good. The larger Eduard set actually has a poorer grill than their small set. The Lion Roar set does not have correct grills, alas, though they do throw in a turned metal barrel.

Hi all , I am now working on my 11th KV and plan on building the main 15 types of the 64 I have identified so far, they are all variations on turret fit to hull and applique armour or road wheel useage etc . cheers ian