KV-1 with figures - Tamiya 1/48 - Painted in Winter Whitewash
I have a real soft spot for the T34, but the KV-1 comes a close second. The bulky footprint and heavy-hitting gun are just so menacing and make for an interesting model.
The KV-1 came about after the early, multi-turreted hulled tanks of the pre-war period proved to be less than adequate in combat. Stalin ordered for a single-turret heavy tank to be produced to replace them. That tank became known as the KV-1.
The armour of the KV-1 was up to 75mm in places and carried a 76.2mm main gun. It was powered by a Water-cooled V-2 diesel generating 550 Hp. It weighted 44 Tonne and have a crew of 5.
Constant transmission issues plagued the KV-1 as well as its limited speed.
The KV-1 maiden battle was during Operation Barbarossa in the Summer of 1941. The battle saw the tank taking on Panzer III’s and IV’s which were unable to penetrate its armour. Even the feared German 88 found it difficult to knock out.
Production ceased in July of 1941 however large numbers had been produced. 5219 examples were built and were active during the duration of the war. Along with the T34, he KV-1 played a major role in defence of Russia.
Full Build and Painting review available
ISSUE 201 of Model Military International