Tamiya 35142 - 1:35 KV-1B

1:35 scale plastic model kit of the Soviet KV-1B heavy tank

Tamiya 35142 is a model kit for self-assembly depicting the Soviet KV-1 heavy tank in its version with additional armour screens. With its bolted-on plates the vehicle looks raw and massive — exactly like the machines that in the summer of 1941 could bring entire German columns to a halt.

The kit was released in 1988. It reproduces the characteristic screens bolted to the hull and turret, while the decal sheet features the propaganda slogans painted on the sides of Soviet tanks and allows you to build three 1941 vehicles: one from the Luga area near Leningrad (August 1941), one from the summer of 1941 and one from September 1941.

What's in the box:

• Plastic parts for the hull, turret and appliqué armour
• Vinyl band tracks
• One figure
• Decal sheet with propaganda slogans for three marking options
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Item number: 35142
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: approx. 193 mm
• Skill level: beginner

Please note: The kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

The breakdown is simple and the parts fit well, so this kit works nicely as a first Soviet heavy tank in a collection. The armour screens deserve the most attention — how evenly they sit on the hull and turret defines the look of the whole model. The vinyl band tracks let you finish the running gear quickly.

For painting we suggest the dark green typical of Red Army vehicles (e.g. Tamiya XF-58 Olive Green); the instructions provide paint codes for all the schemes. The propaganda slogans are best applied over a gloss coat, which reduces decal silvering. Military vehicle models are usually finished with a matt varnish, and the rough character of the armour is nicely brought out with washes and pigments.

Tools you will need:

• Model sprue cutters
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up sprue gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Brushes in a range of sizes
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Wash to bring out details and recesses
• Optional: pigments for dust and mud effects

About the vehicle – KV-1 with appliqué armour (KV-1B):

In 1941 the KV-1 heavy tank was one of the toughest opponents the German panzer forces had to face. Its armour made it virtually immune to the German anti-tank guns of the day, while the 76.2 mm F-32 gun could deal with every enemy tank then in service. Power came from a 550 hp V-2K diesel engine and the crew numbered five.

From July 1941 some vehicles were additionally fitted with 25–35 mm screens bolted to the hull and turret armour. This further increased protection, though at the cost of weight and mobility.

A naming detail is worth knowing: the designation KV-1B comes from German intelligence documents, while Soviet sources refer to the vehicle as the KV-1E (s ekranami, meaning with screens). Both names describe the same tank — the one reproduced by Tamiya 35142.

Original vehicle specifications (KV-1 with appliqué armour):

• Length: approx. 6.75 m
• Crew: 5
• Main armament: 76.2 mm F-32 gun
• Powerplant: V-2K diesel engine, 550 hp
• Appliqué armour: 25–35 mm screens bolted on, from July 1941
• Protection: virtually immune to the German anti-tank guns of the period

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 by Yoshio Tamiya in Shizuoka, regarded as the centre of the Japanese model industry. The company initially traded in timber and produced wooden models, and in 1960 it launched its first plastic model kit. Two years later came the 1:35 scale tank that set the worldwide standard for military modelling. The brand is known for precise injection moulds and excellent parts fit, which is why its kits are chosen by beginners and experienced modellers alike. Tamiya instructions are clear and easy to follow, and the painting diagrams provide specific paint codes. The Military Miniature Series, to which this kit belongs, comprises hundreds of items covering vehicles, artillery and figures from across the twentieth century. Alongside plastic kits, Tamiya offers a full range of modelling accessories: paints, cements, tools and brushes. The company is present in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable brands in the industry.