Zvezda 1/100 KV-1 mod 1940
| KIT #: | 6141 |
| PRICE: | $4.95 SRP |
| DECALS: | None supplied |
| REVIEWER: | Scott Van Aken |
| NOTES: |
| HISTORY |
The Kliment Voroshilov (KV) tanks were a series of Soviet heavy tanks, named after the Soviet defense commissar and politician Kliment Voroshilov. The KV series were known for their extremely heavy armour protection during the early war, especially during the first year of the invasion of the Soviet Union in World War II. Almost completely immune to the 7.5 cm KwK 37 and 3.7 cm KwK 36 guns mounted on the early Panzer III and Panzer IV tanks, until better guns were developed often the only way to defeat a KV was a point-blank shot to the rear. Prior to the invasion, about 500 of the over 22,000 tanks in Soviet service at the time were of the KV-1 type. When the KV-1 appeared, it outclassed the French Char B1, the only heavy tank used in the world at that time. Yet in the end it turned out that there was little sense in producing the expensive KV tanks, as the T-34 medium tank performed better (or at least equally) in all practical respects. Later in the war, the KV series had become a base of development of the Iosif Stalin tanks.
| THE KIT |
This is another of Zvezda's war gaming kits and since it is a vehicle, it is in 1/100 scale. Like others in this series, it is light on parts. Not only is this good for wargamers who simply want a movement piece, but it makes this line of kits perfect for the youngsters. With only six actual parts making up the tank itself, it can be assembled in literally minutes.
Considering their usage, the detailing actually isn't that bad though light on the finer parts. As with others in this series, there is a movement card. As you can see, the kit also includes a flag for either movement or identification.
Instructions are provided and there is some painting information on the back of the box, which basically shows several views of a completed kit. As with many of these items, there are no decals. I should also note that these are snap kits. No need for glue, and while the parts are rather small, it should make an acceptable kit for the youngsters in the house.
| CONCLUSIONS |
This kit is part of a number specially done for Zvezda's 'Art of Tactic' game system. It should make into a very nice and quickly built model in its own right and is really perfect for new modelers thanks to its snap construction.
| REFERENCES |
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KV-1
September 2011 Thanks towww.dragonmodelsusa.com for the preview kit. Get yours at your local retailer. If you would like your product reviewed fairly and fairly quickly, please contact the editor or see other details in the Note to Contributors.