#35109 Russian Self-Propelled Gun SU-152 (KV-14) [September, 1943 Production]

Built out of the box, this kit represents an SU-152 manufactured after August 1943, when dome-shaped ventilators were added to the superstructure roof to alleviate the build-up of fumes in the fighting compartment, which was a problem noted during the vehicle's first combat actions at Kursk in July. The kit also includes the late-style armored exhaust covers.

The lower hull is comprised of a conventional tub with a separate curved lower rear hull plate. Both front and rear towing eyes feature circular mounting plates, which is correct for an SU-152. The lower hull tub includes the shell loading port molded integrally into the right-hand side.

The suspension swing arms are separate parts, and the kit includes full length torsion bars so the suspension can be made to 'work' if you so desire. The road wheels are the 33-69 variant with eight small lightening holes, which were fitted from December 1942 onwards and are therefore correct for an SU-152. The lightening holes are somewhat small compared to published drawings but they will look fine once a suitable amount of dirt is applied to the model.

The drive sprockets feature the correct 8 hub retaining bolts.

The kit includes individual link tracks molded in styrene, with separate track pins, in a similar approach to that used by Modelkasten. The tracks are the split link type with a guide tooth on every second link, which was the most common type seen on the SU-152. The kit includes a jig to assist in assembling the tracks. Tale care when assembling and fitting the tracks because they should be fitted with the heads of the track pins closest to the hull, and the 'collar-and-clip' end facing outwards.

The kit provides a partial interior, in the form of a driver's seat and controls (which will be invisible when the model is complete) along with a partial engine, main gun breech and crew seats for the fighting compartment. This gives you the option of posing the hatches open, but many details such as fuel tanks, ammo stowage etc. are missing, so the interior is by no means complete.

The engine access hatch is the correct 'reversed' type with the hinges at the rear, as fitted to the SU-152, and includes the V-shaped handle to assist in opening. The transmission access hatches have the raised lip as seen on all SU-152s. The transmission hatches include the counterbalance springs on the inside and can be positioned open, but no transmission is included.

The engine exhausts feature armored covers as seen on the SU-152 from August/September 1943 onwards, and also on the KV-85. The mounting plates are also correctly shaped - they were different than those for the earlier unarmored exhausts.

The superstructure features sides with their tops parallel to the roof of the superstructure, which was common on later production examples. Some early production vehicles had the plates cut very roughly with the edges perpendicular to the face of the armor. This resulted in a raised edge which was ground down to allow visibility for the roof-mounted periscopes.

The joint between the front and rear roof plates features the twin lines of rivets (front) and bolts (rear), which is appropriate for a September 1943 production example.

The superstructure roof includes the two domed ventilator covers as separate parts.

Photo-etched parts are provided for the numerous tie-downs on the superstructure and fenders.

The driver's visor includes the mounting arms and interior vision block, allowing it to be mounted in the open position.

The main gun mantlet includes the horizontal bar of applique armor seen on many late production SU-152s, but check your references for the vehicle you are modeling since not every vehicle had this armor. The contours of the cast mantlet are 'softer' compared to the Trumpeter kit, and more in line with those of the real vehicle.

The kit includes spare track links for the rear fenders and four 90-liter cylindrical fuel/oil tanks. The tanks are molded in three sections each, eliminating the need to fill a longitudinal seam. The handles on each end are supplied in styrene but are rather thick, and you may wish to replace them with etched brass items.

The kit provides braided copper wire for the tow cables, with styrene parts to replicate the cast ends. You have two options for the ends - parts Ga13 feature raised rims where the castings meet the tow cables, while parts Ga14 lack the raised rims. Take care during assembly, since the instructions direct you to add tow cable ends to both the front and rear towing shackles. SU-152s carried only two cables. Stowage varied and both configurations shown in the instructions are correct, but there should be only two cables.

The kit includes markings for four Soviet and one captured German vehicle, all cited as 'unidentified unit'.

In summary, the kit assembles without any major issues and will build into an accurate replica of an SU-152 completed from August 1943 onwards.