KIT #:	0758
PRICE:	$1.50 when new
DECALS:	Six options
REVIEWER:	Scott Van Aken
NOTES:	1972 Bachman boxing.

The Kliment Voroshilov (KV) tanks are a series of Soviet heavy tanks named after the Soviet defence commissar and politician Kliment Voroshilov who operated with the Red Army during World War II. The KV tanks were known for their heavy armour protection during the early stages of the war, especially during the first year of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. In certain situations, even a single KV-1 or KV-2 supported by infantry could halt German formations. The German Wehrmacht at that time rarely deployed its tanks against KVs, as their own armament was too poor to deal with the "Russischer Koloss" – "Russian Colossus".

This was a kit that I won at a raffle at the most recent IPMS Gateway swap meet/contest. Typical of what some vendors foist off on club raffles, this one was partially started and not very well done. There are four sprues of olive green plastic and a pair of 'rubber band' vinyl tracks. It was developed at a time when some British and Japanese kit makers were hoping to make 1/76 a standard scale for armor. A lot of kits were produced, but it never gained the popularity that was hoped.

The hull is a bottom, two sides and a top. Most of the small items are molded in place though there are a few items that are left to attach to it. There are a lot of small parts to help make up the running gear. Suspension is molded in place. Fortunately, the KV-1 did not appear to have rubber road wheels so it will make painting a lot easier. The turret is nicely done with no interior detail. Vinyl tracks are the type that are melted together. Probably have some difficulty getting paint to stick to them.

Instructions are in English with generic paint references. The construction steps are well done so no issues should occur during construction. The decal sheet is not in the best of shape, though perhaps coating it with decal film should help. It is difficult to see what's there as white markings on an off-white backing does enhance one's ability to see them. The sheet has a single carrier so even when new one would have to cut out each individual marking.

CONCLUSIONS

So there you have it. This is what most would qualify as a 'nostalgia build' as there are much better and newer 1/72 kits out there. Still, if you have it, might as well build it.

REFERENCES