This is a build of a KV-1 Model 1941 with Reinforced Cast Turret. Production of this turret began in the later part of January 1942 and ended in June 1942. This turret differed from the Cast Turret by adding additional armor at the base of the turret sides and adding a cast ring around the turret’s rear machine gun ball mount.
The model was painted in a disruptive winter whitewash scheme based on a grainy reference photo. The base 4BO Green was slightly modulated even though most of the color will not be seen. After the base color was applied, I applied a Satin clear coat, then I sprayed two coats of MIG Chipping Fluid Scratches Effects. (Note - I do not like how this stuff sprayed. It formed droplets on the surface that affected how the paint chipped. I will stick with aerosol hair spray from now on.) I used Blue Tack rolled into noodles to use as masks for the winter pattern. Tamiya Flat White was thinned with Mr. Color Leveling Thinner and lightly airbrushed onto the surface. A damp brush was used to chip back the white. Over this I airbrushed a second coat of Flat White and repeated the process. I did this an additional time and then switched to Ammo Washable White to add additional layering of the whitewash effect and tighten up the edges. A final airbrush round was used to smooth out some of the transitions. Weathering a winter vehicle on snow packed ground can be challenging. Too much and the surface gets murky and lacks points of interest. Too little and it looks factory fresh and boring. The model was weathered primarily with oil paints and a scant amount of pigments. The snow is my custom mix of Woodland Scenic Snow, Marble Powder, Micro Balloons and Acrylic Gloss Medium. The figure is Alpine and painted with Vallejo Acrylics.
The build uses the turret from the Trumpeter KV-1 Lightweight Cast Turret combined with the hull from the Beutepanzer Pz.kpfw. KW 1b 756 (r). The Lightweight Turret description is incorrect given the new turret was heavier than the Cast Turret version. The basic kit was detailed with the following.
Jordi Rubio turned aluminum main barrel
Majic Models turned brass MG barrels
DEF Models 3D printed intake screens and horn.
Eduard PE for exhaust screen and horn and light mount
Eureka XXL tow cables
RTM 3D printed tracks
Spare brass sheet, rod and tube was used for the various smaller details.
All welds were replaced with epoxy putty.
The kit turret has details for an interlocked welded roof plate. These started production in March-April 1942. I reworked the kit part to represent the mitered and butt-welded roof plate more commonly seen.
