KV-1 Model 1941 w/ Simplified Welded Turret (January to April 1942)

The simplest way to depict this sub-variant is to cross-kit the hull from Trumpeter kit #00359 Russia KV-1 Model 1942 Heavy Cast Turret Tank with the turret from Trumpeter kit #00358 Russia KV-1 Model 1942 Simplified Turret Tank.

Begin with kit #00359.

Prior to step 1, follow the kit instructions to open up the holes in the hull top (part A27) and the hull sides (parts B1 and B2).  Carve away the bolted flanges for the fender brackets, since by this time the brackets were welded to the hull sides.

Be sure to open up the hole in the domed engine access hatch (part F23) for the inspection port (part A18).  The inspection port was fitted to all domed hatches from January 1942 onward.  Note however, that the flat engine access hatch was common in the spring of 1942, and can be found in kit #00358.  Check your references for the vehicle you are modeling.

Follow step 1 of the kit instructions.

In step 2, note that the applique armor for the driver's front plate (part D18) is the short pattern fitted to hulls manufactured by UZTM.  Hulls manufactured by Factory No.200 used a taller plate.  If you wish to depict a vehicle with a hull from Factory No.200, you must fabricate your own applique armor plate from 0.8mm styrene sheet, using the kit part as a guide but extending the upper edge of the plate by approximately 3mm.

Follow step 3 of the instructions.

In step 4, the hatch surround (part F15) in the upper hull must be faired into the hull top (part A27).

The transmission maintenance hatches (parts F12) are the raised pattern with beveled edges, typically seen on Model 1942 hulls.  Model 1941 hulls in the spring of 1942 however, typically carried inset hatches.  For accuracy, you should replace the kit parts with scratch-built hatches made from discs of stryene sheet, 13.5mm in diameter, using the drawing on page 85 and the photograph on page 86 of KV - Technical History and Variants.

Follow steps 5 thru 10 of the instructions.

Skip step 11 since you will use the simplified welded turret from kit #00358.  More on this below.

Follow step 12 of the instructions to construct the tow cables.

In step 13, modify the spare track links (parts F13 and F14).  The kit parts include four attachment brackets, rather than the correct three.  Carve away the forward outermost bracket using the drawing on page 165 of KV - Technical History and Variants as a guide.

Switch to kit #00358.

In the instruction sheet, above step 1, DO NOT open up the holes in the sides of the turret shell.  However, DO open up the two holes in the floor of the turret bustle on part P6.

Now skip to step 11.

Modify the turret roof by carefully removing the two rear-facing episcopes and filling their locating holes.  Divert momentarily from the prescribed assembly sequence, and attach the rear-facing episcope covers (parts P5) further aft, so that their rearmost corners touch the edge of the turret roof plate (NOT the top edge of the turret sides).  See the drawing on page 315 of KV - Technical History and Variants for guidance.  Locate the episcopes themselves inside the covers. Note that the spacing and angle of the covers and episcopes is unchanged.

Check your references to determine the appropriate gunner's sight for the vehicle you are modeling.  Either use the gunner's sight shown in the kit instructions (parts F17 and F20) or use parts F18 and A20 (two of each part are provided in the kit).

DO NOT add the reinforcing fillet (part P2) beneath the turret bustle.  This was only fitted to early turrets without the interlocked joints.  The kit turret represents the revised design with interlocked joints, introduced in October 1941.

Attach the side-facing episcope covers and assemble the rear-facing machine gun (parts D11, D12 and D2) as indicated.

You may wish to replace the grab handles on the turret sides (parts D15) with brass wire, and fill their locating slots.

Fill the socket in the center of the turret hatch (part D19).  KV-1 turret hatches did not include the socket, though KV-2 turret hatches did.