introduction

Hauler continue to make a reputation for making very high quality detail sets for 1/48th kits, both in resin and photo etch. This two fret set of PE is for the Tamiya KV-1 kit.

the set

As mentioned this set consists of two frets of PE, both chock-full of finely detailed parts to upgrade the Tamiya KV-1. The instructions are simple photocopies, which is an area I think Hauler need to improve, as they're easy to read, but very crowded indeed. In the set we get new grills for the two side vents on the KV-1 engine deck, plus the frames that held them. Each of the frame that goes beneath the mesh has tiny segment shaped inserts that support the mesh. These are supplied as separate parts and will require a certain amount of skill to install. It also of course, requires the moulded ones to be removed from the kit first.

The mesh that is fitted to the under hang at the rear of the engine deck is also supplied, but looks a lot easier to install! We're also offered lot's of small improvements to the inside of the turret hatch, requiring the construction of a working hinge, the driver's visor gets new hinges, new headlight bracket, brackets for the various fixtures and fittings around the vehicle, and of course new triangular support brackets for the fenders. Lastly, we're offered a new mount for the Machine or AA gun on the turret.

There's no doubt that if you manage to install this set completely, you'll have a stunning model of the KV-1. Installing it however, is a difficult task. It's a complicated fiddly set, made worse by the fact that it's in the smaller quarter scale.