#72038 KV-T Soviet WW II Armored Tow Tractor

This kit represents one of the KV series vehicles that were converted to armored tow vehicles in late 1944 and early 1945.  The vehicles had their turrets removed and a lightly armored cover plate welded in place over the opening.  Photographs of these vehicles in service are rather scarce, but reveal that both KV-1 Model 1942 hulls and KV-1S hulls were used as the basis for these conversions.

PST’s kit represents a KV-T converted from a KV-1 Model 1942, and includes many parts from kit #72035.  An additional sprue is provided for the cover plate over the turret ring.

The kit includes PST’s Model 1942 upper hull that features the correct late pattern engine access hatch with dome and inspection port.  The crew hatch and transmission maintenance hatches are of the late pattern with raised lip, though most Model 1942 hulls featured transmission maintenance hatches with flat tops and beveled edges.  Since the KV-Ts were no doubt converted from surplus hulls it is plausible that parts were cannibalized from other sources such as KV-1S hulls, so PST may be correct in this regard.

The kit includes early pattern radiator intake screens molded integrally with the upper hull.  All Model 1942 hulls were manufactured with late pattern screens, so the kit part must be modified for accuracy and the screens replaced with after-market items.

The author has been unable to discover any photographs that clearly show the configuration of the cover plate over the turret ring, and therefore cannot comment on the accuracy of PST’s representation of this component.

Combining the turret cover plate from this kit with the hull from either kit #72025 or #72026 will allow you to represent one of the KV-Ts converted from KV-1S hulls.