KV-1 Model 1942 w/ Early Cast Turret (February to June 1942)

Modeling this variant requires cross-kitting Trumpeter kit #00358 Russia KV-1 Model 1942 Simplified Turret Tank with their kit #00359 Russia KV-1 Model 1942 Heavy Cast Turret Tank.  Just like the real vehicle, the hulls and turrets from these kits are interchangeable so combining the two kits requires very little work.

Begin with kit #00358.

Prior to step 1 of the instructions, you are directed to open up the outermost slot of the steel conduit that carried the power cable for the headlamp and siren; that is, the slot closest to the hull side.  This is incorrect for a Model 1942 hull.  Instead, open up the innermost slot.

Follow step 1 of the kit instructions.

In step 2, note that the kit provides the short applique armor plate for the driver's front plate (part D18) as fitted to hulls manufactured by UZTM, which is appropriate for a hull manufactured in the spring of 1942 since both contractors were building Model 1942 hulls at that time.  Vehicles with hulls from Factory No.200 used the taller applique armor plate.  To accurately represent 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.

In steps 3 and 4, take care to use the correct torsion bar caps (parts G7) with three retaining bolts, NOT the alternative parts (parts G2) with six retaining bolts.

In step 4, note that the surround for the crew hatch in the forward hull top (part F15) must be blended into the hull top (part A27).  There should be no seam around the outside of part F15.

Follow steps 5 and 6 of the kit instructions.

In step 7, if you choose to model a vehicle with the flat engine access hatch, DO NOT fit the optional flattened dome (part P16) to the hatch cover.

Follow steps 8, 9 and 10 of the instructions.

Skip step 11 since you will use the cast turret from kit #00359.  More on this below.

In step 12, 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.

Follow step 13 of the instructions to construct the tow cables.

Follow step 14 to complete the hull.

Switch to kit #00359, and go to step 11 of the instructions.

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 F18 and A20) or the box-shaped sight (parts F17 and F20).

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.

Add the completed turret to the hull.

By following these steps along with the kit instructions, you will create an accurate representation of a KV-1 Model 1942 manufactured at ChKZ between February and June 1942.