Tamiya KV-1 1/35th scale build

[KalebB]

Hello all.
Chose this as my next build





Tamiya KV-1 in 1/35th scale. I will be attempting to build it as the Soviet Tank Ace, Zinoviy Kolobanovs KV-1. His tanks number was 864. I will be using some left over decals from a previous build as this kit does not come with any numbered decals.

Cheers

[Hawkmoon]

Looks a nice kit and have fun with the build

[digger303]

Going to use the vinyl tracks ?

[KalebB]

Going to use the vinyl tracks ?

Yeah more than likely

[Kevthemodeller]

Looking forward to seeing this come together

[KalebB]

Couldn't go to sleep so just stayed up and worked on the newest project. Going together with no problems at all, as expected with a Tamiya Kit. It's a 1988 boxing but the weld detail is fairly nice in my opinion

[digger303]

Couldn't go to sleep so just stayed up and worked on the newest project. Going together with no problems at all, as expected with a Tamiya Kit. It's a 1988 boxing but the weld detail is fairly nice in my opinion

It's going well. I built this kit about 4yrs ago and the decals gave me some grief as they fit over those huge bolts and of course they won't stretch as far as one wants. I didn't solve it and charged ahead. If I was doing it again I might try punching out some holes and
painting in the missing bit free hand and weathering it up some.

[Donkeywalloper]

Lovely solid Russian armour, you cant beat it.
DW

[KalebB]

Couldn't go to sleep so just stayed up and worked on the newest project. Going together with no problems at all, as expected with a Tamiya Kit. It's a 1988 boxing but the weld detail is fairly nice in my opinion

It's going well. I built this kit about 4yrs ago and the decals gave me some grief as they fit over those huge bolts and of course they won't stretch as far as one wants. I didn't solve it and charged ahead. If I was doing it again I might try punching out some holes and
painting in the missing bit free hand and weathering it up some.

I had thought about painting on the tanks designation numbers instead of using decals, of course I suck at brush painting so not sure how well it would come out

[KalebB]

Lovely solid Russian armour, you cant beat it.
DW

Exactly

Thanks for looking in DW

[RangerNeil]

Couldn't go to sleep so just stayed up and worked on the newest project. Going together with no problems at all, as expected with a Tamiya Kit. It's a 1988 boxing but the weld detail is fairly nice in my opinion

It's going well. I built this kit about 4yrs ago and the decals gave me some grief as they fit over those huge bolts and of course they won't stretch as far as one wants. I didn't solve it and charged ahead. If I was doing it again I might try punching out some holes and
painting in the missing bit free hand and weathering it up some.

I had thought about painting on the tanks designation numbers instead of using decals, of course I suck at brush painting so not sure how well it would come out

Just a thought - what about stencils and airbush??
Apologies if thats a lesson to a grandparent on extracting nutrient from an ovoid object.


Are there good alternatives to the kit supplied tracks??

[KalebB]

Just a thought - what about stencils and airbush??
Apologies if thats a lesson to a grandparent on extracting nutrient from an ovoid object.


Are there good alternatives to the kit supplied tracks??

I has thought about maybe a stencil or dry transfer as well. One idea I had was print out the number on paper, cut out the numbers with a hobby knife, and then tap that paper with the number cut out of it to use as a homemade stencil.


I know there are Fruil metal track, and maybe some styrene modelkasten brand workable track links tracks. But I don't know if I really want to dole out the cash for this one. I'm a cheapskate.

[digger303]

Just a thought - what about stencils and airbush??
Apologies if thats a lesson to a grandparent on extracting nutrient from an ovoid object.


Are there good alternatives to the kit supplied tracks??

I has thought about maybe a stencil or dry transfer as well. One idea I had was print out the number on paper, cut out the numbers with a hobby knife, and then tap that paper with the number cut out of it to use as a homemade stencil.


I know there are Fruil metal track, and maybe some styrene modelkasten brand workable track links tracks. But I don't know if I really want to dole out the cash for this one. I'm a cheapskate.

I went with the vinyl track and it looks ok. Fairly neat fit. I find it difficult to justify after market tracks for the prices involved. However Hobbyboss is about the cheapest alternative....not workable, but look ok. I used a set on a tiger and have a few in the stash for those I haven't gotten to yet. It worries me that the DS or vinyl tracks and wheels will some day just crack and fall apart. Had this happen with a Italeri opel blitz and tracks can also shrink and pull the drivers out of shape especially if they are a tight fit to start with.

[KalebB]

Exactly my thoughts Digger, I'm still not at the skill level where I even feel like I want to buy the more expensive aftermarket bits. Maybe a few more builds and I'll feel more comfortable going after it.

[KalebB]

Well, she's been primed now. I tell you, Airbrushing is the least fun bit of modelling for me. I love building and the weathering but even though it's a necessary evil, I just can't stand airbrushing

[digger303]

Well, she's been primed now. I tell you, Airbrushing is the least fun bit of modelling for me. I love building and the weathering but even though it's a necessary evil, I just can't stand airbrushing

ticking along on track ...sorry couldn't resist
I don't really like any of the painting weathering process much. I like to build.

[KalebB]

Well, she's been primed now. I tell you, Airbrushing is the least fun bit of modelling for me. I love building and the weathering but even though it's a necessary evil, I just can't stand airbrushing

ticking along on track ...sorry couldn't resist
I don't really like any of the painting weathering process much. I like to build.

That gave me a good Chuckle

I did remember I have some styrene tracks from my KV-2 build. They aren't individual links but sections of track preformed and you just glue them together. Might use those if they fit. They're from a trumpeter kit

[KalebB]

Got a little something done on my day off



Sprayed two coats of Vallejo Model Air Russian 4BO green



After that was dry I applied some Alclad Aqua Gloss to the places where the decals would go to help with silvering. After it dried I applied the decals and then sprayed a Mig Matte Varnish over all pieces. Decals still slightly silvered which sucks but I will probably weather them up to help hide it.

Cheers all

[digger303]

Got a little something done on my day off



Sprayed two coats of Vallejo Model Air Russian 4BO green



After that was dry I applied some Alclad Aqua Gloss to the places where the decals would go to help with silvering. After it dried I applied the decals and then sprayed a Mig Matte Varnish over all pieces. Decals still slightly silvered which sucks but I will probably weather them up to help hide it.

Cheers all

Walther solver set would have helped with the decals....gets them to flatten down and stick to the surface.

[KalebB]

Got a little something done on my day off



Sprayed two coats of Vallejo Model Air Russian 4BO green



After that was dry I applied some Alclad Aqua Gloss to the places where the decals would go to help with silvering. After it dried I applied the decals and then sprayed a Mig Matte Varnish over all pieces. Decals still slightly silvered which sucks but I will probably weather them up to help hide it.

Cheers all

Walther solver set would have helped with the decals....gets them to flatten down and stick to the surface.

I have some solvaset, and solvasol, don't know their brand name, I try to use them but I only used Solvaset this time thinking it would be enough. But alas it wasn't

[Hawkmoon]

Looking good and nice work. Sometimes its better to add another coat of gloss clear before adding the decals and also use the cecal solutions, I think Paul did a vid on how to use and theres loads on youtube too

[KalebB]

Looking good and nice work. Sometimes its better to add another coat of gloss clear before adding the decals and also use the cecal solutions, I think Paul did a vid on how to use and theres loads on youtube too

Thank ya sir

I've always had problems with decals haha, they still look better now than when I previously built kits

[CygnusX1]

I do like a bit of Russian armour... all those surfaces and nooks and crannies to get into with your weathering... looks great so far.

[KalebB]

Did a bit more on the ole girl

Did another coat of matte varnish as I felt I hadn't got a uniform coat over the entirety of the kit. Then after it was dry, proceeded to do a few washes, a extremely dark almost black pin wash and then a more broad burnt umber wash to lightly discolorate the green and break up the monotony slightly.



Just need to do the tracks and some more weathering, rust and chipping, etc

[Donkeywalloper]

Spot on chap, spot on.
DW

[RangerNeil]

Looking very good indeed!!!

[Kevthemodeller]

looking good, the colour has gone on very smooth

[KalebB]

Did some more weathering to the KV-1.

This is probably the best I've done yet, I kept myself from going over board with the chipping and the rust wash, which I tend to do I've noticed



Only things left to do are paint and weather the tracks, and to add some mud pigments and dust effects to her and she will be done! This is my favorite build I've done so far

[Stokesy44]

Looks great. Got to admire the engineering on those Rusky tanks. No frills, just slammed together, cheap as chips so they could make so many so quickly.

[digger303]

pat yourself on the back old boy cracking build and paint....

[KalebB]

Looks great. Got to admire the engineering on those Rusky tanks. No frills, just slammed together, cheap as chips so they could make so many so quickly.

Definitely one of the reasons I enjoy Soviet vehicles. I like how rough and raw they are.

[KalebB]

pat yourself on the back old boy cracking build and paint....

Appreciate the kind words Digger

[CygnusX1]

Looks really good. Be great to see it when it's done. Love some Russian armour.

[KalebB]

Looks really good. Be great to see it when it's done. Love some Russian armour.

Thank ya!
Soviet armor, best armor da?

[Hawkmoon]

She's looking good and nicely done

[Stokesy44]

Looks really good. Be great to see it when it's done. Love some Russian armour.

Thank ya!
Soviet armor, best armor da?

Stronk tenk, brute of tenk. Tenk even stronger when with many many comrade tenks da?

[Kevthemodeller]

Some very nice weathering detail

[KalebB]

Some very nice weathering detail

Thank ya Kev

[RangerNeil]

Looks great. Got to admire the engineering on those Rusky tanks. No frills, just slammed together, cheap as chips so they could make so many so quickly.

Definitely one of the reasons I enjoy Soviet vehicles. I like how rough and raw they are.

In defence of Soviet vehicles - the rough and raw bit is only where it does not matter. Who cares if weld seams aren't pretty?? Or bolt heads don't form a neat row?? Attention to detail kicks in where it counts. Their philosophy seems to be if it does not affect the fighting efficiency of the vehicle - including maintenance - then they don't care how it looks. It should be noted that crew comfort is NOT considered to be an aspect of the vehicles fighting efficiency!!
At one of the W&P shows here in the UK a few years ago we had the OT-90 (a BMP-1 class) parked up and were unbolting the front deck to work on the engine. As we worked we drew a crowd of "experts" all loudly commenting on the crap build quality. That stopped when we raised the front deck. The engine bay was spotless. Everything was clipped into place, all the pipework was colour coded:
Blue for compressed air
Yellow for fuel
Brown for coolant
Green for hydraulics
The wiring loom was colour coded as well with ID tags every few feet. Basically it was conscript proof. A work of art would not be an inaccurate description. Oh - and it didn't leak oil everywhere....

Contrast that to a NATO vehicle which looks pretty on the outside but where none of the pipe work is colour coded so when it goes through bulkheads you have to hope you are following the right one still and the wiring is all one colour - white! Should have ID tags at each end but the print wears off in a very short time. And at the business end its all covered in oil and grease....

[KalebB]

Looks great. Got to admire the engineering on those Rusky tanks. No frills, just slammed together, cheap as chips so they could make so many so quickly.

Definitely one of the reasons I enjoy Soviet vehicles. I like how rough and raw they are.

In defence of Soviet vehicles - the rough and raw bit is only where it does not matter. Who cares if weld seams aren't pretty?? Or bolt heads don't form a neat row?? Attention to detail kicks in where it counts. Their philosophy seems to be if it does not affect the fighting efficiency of the vehicle - including maintenance - then they don't care how it looks. It should be noted that crew comfort is NOT considered to be an aspect of the vehicles fighting efficiency!!
At one of the W&P shows here in the UK a few years ago we had the OT-90 (a BMP-1 class) parked up and were unbolting the front deck to work on the engine. As we worked we drew a crowd of "experts" all loudly commenting on the crap build quality. That stopped when we raised the front deck. The engine bay was spotless. Everything was clipped into place, all the pipework was colour coded:
Blue for compressed air
Yellow for fuel
Brown for coolant
Green for hydraulics
The wiring loom was colour coded as well with ID tags every few feet. Basically it was conscript proof. A work of art would not be an inaccurate description. Oh - and it didn't leak oil everywhere....

Contrast that to a NATO vehicle which looks pretty on the outside but where none of the pipe work is colour coded so when it goes through bulkheads you have to hope you are following the right one still and the wiring is all one colour - white! Should have ID tags at each end but the print wears off in a very short time. And at the business end its all covered in oil and grease....

That's quite funny, all the naysayers can talk crap until they take a look inside of the wonderful piece of machinery

[digger303]

Looks great. Got to admire the engineering on those Rusky tanks. No frills, just slammed together, cheap as chips so they could make so many so quickly.

Definitely one of the reasons I enjoy Soviet vehicles. I like how rough and raw they are.

In defence of Soviet vehicles - the rough and raw bit is only where it does not matter. Who cares if weld seams aren't pretty?? Or bolt heads don't form a neat row?? Attention to detail kicks in where it counts. Their philosophy seems to be if it does not affect the fighting efficiency of the vehicle - including maintenance - then they don't care how it looks. It should be noted that crew comfort is NOT considered to be an aspect of the vehicles fighting efficiency!!
At one of the W&P shows here in the UK a few years ago we had the OT-90 (a BMP-1 class) parked up and were unbolting the front deck to work on the engine. As we worked we drew a crowd of "experts" all loudly commenting on the crap build quality. That stopped when we raised the front deck. The engine bay was spotless. Everything was clipped into place, all the pipework was colour coded:
Blue for compressed air
Yellow for fuel
Brown for coolant
Green for hydraulics
The wiring loom was colour coded as well with ID tags every few feet. Basically it was conscript proof. A work of art would not be an inaccurate description. Oh - and it didn't leak oil everywhere....

Contrast that to a NATO vehicle which looks pretty on the outside but where none of the pipe work is colour coded so when it goes through bulkheads you have to hope you are following the right one still and the wiring is all one colour - white! Should have ID tags at each end but the print wears off in a very short time. And at the business end its all covered in oil and grease....

that is different you would expect western equipment to be to that standard , but not the Russian. Learn something every day.

[KalebB]

Model is finished, the road light is white bc the glue is still drying, it'll be clear once done. Thank you all for checking out the build and the kind words of encouragement and advice

[digger303]

Nice , whats next ?

[KalebB]

Nice , whats next ?

I'm already ready for primer on a SU-122, and thinking of trying out one of the dragon T-34's I got recently after that

[Kevthemodeller]

Great looking KV-1, some excellent weathering skills there buddy

Oh an SU-122 up next

[KalebB]

Great looking KV-1, some excellent weathering skills there buddy

Oh an SU-122 up next

Thank ya sir

[CygnusX1]

Looks really good; nice bit of weathering on the engine deck there. Good stuff.

[KalebB]

Looks really good; nice bit of weathering on the engine deck there. Good stuff.

Thank ya Cygnus