#72017 KV-2 Heavy Tank

This kit represents a KV-2 Model 1940.  Since the kit shares a number of common parts with other PST kits however, it includes a mixture of early and late production features and will require some modification in order to correctly represent the common combinations of features seen on real KV-2s of either the early (1940) or late (1941) production batches.

The kit provides a hull with regular curved rear overhang and early pattern radiator intake screens.  This combination of features was seen on the early production batch in November/December 1940 but the late pattern screens were introduced at approximately the same time as the second production batch began in May 1941 so the late screens were most common on those vehicles.  You therefore have a choice of modeling an early production hull by using the kit parts as-is, or depicting a late production example by replacing the radiator intake screens with late pattern items from Extra Tech or Part.

Like other PST kits of early KV variants, this kit includes cast steel two-part resilient road wheels.  These were seldom if ever seen on the KV-2 and should be modified to represent the earlier pressed steel wheels that were most common on KV-2s.  This is a relatively easy, though tedious task.  The kit’s pressed steel rubber rimmed return rollers without reinforcing ribs are appropriate for a KV-2 Model 1940, and the correct early pattern drive sprockets are provided.

The hull hatch and transmission maintenance hatches appear to represent the late pattern hatches with raised lips as commonly seen on the KV-1S.  These are not appropriate for the KV-2 Model 1940, which typically featured the early pattern hatches with rounded edges.  The kit hatches should therefore be filled and sanded to represent the correct pattern, or replaced by styrene discs with rounded edges.

The domed engine access hatch includes an inspection port in the center of the dome, which should be removed for accuracy.  You should also remove the two outer lifting eyes from the rear corners of the hatch to correctly depict the early pattern domed hatch with a single lifting eye between the latches.

The MT-2 turret is molded with a separate turret hatch allowing the hatch to be posed in the open position.  The steps/grab handles on the turret sides are a little thick and would benefit from replacement with thin wire, but this is excusable in 1/72 scale.  The turret roof plate includes flanges around the episcope and ventilator covers.  These are appropriate for a vehicle manufactured in May/June 1941, but not for one completed in November/December 1940.  If you use the kit turret as is, you should replace the radiator intake screens on the hull to more accurately represent a 1941 production example.  Alternatively, you can remove the flanges with careful carving and sanding to represent a 1940 production example.

The kit provides shares a decal sheet with kit #72014, and offers a single marking option for the KV-2 with large patriotic slogans on the turret sides.  Check your references however, since most photographs of KV-2s show no markings whatsoever.