Tamiya 35372 - 1:35 Russian Heavy Tank KV-1 Model 1941 Early Production

1:35 scale plastic model kit of the Russian heavy tank KV-1 Model 1941 (early production)

When Germany invaded the Soviet Union, the KV-1 was among the most heavily armoured tanks in the world. Tamiya 35372 depicts the early-production Model 1941 version, with its welded turret and 76.2 mm ZiS-5 gun. The kit is made up entirely of new parts from tooling created in 2020.

The armour surfaces reproduce the texture of rolled and cast steel together with the weld seams, which looks highly convincing once painted. The driver's and transmission hatches, as well as the fender bins, can be built open. The tracks are of the link-and-length type and capture the sag of the upper run — a detail that noticeably lifts the realism of the finished model.

What's in the box:

• Plastic parts for the hull, turret and equipment
• Link-and-length tracks with the sag of the upper run reproduced
• Driver's and transmission hatches and fender bins that can be built open
• Figure: commander bust
• Decal sheet for two marking options
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Product number: 35372
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled model length: approx. 198 mm
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate (link-and-length tracks, open hatches)

Note: glue, paints and modelling tools are not included. This kit is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

The kit is approachable for less experienced modellers — the parts fit well and the breakdown is sensible. The link-and-length tracks need the most attention; it is worth taking time over their sag across the road wheels, as this is the detail the eye notices first. If you plan to build the hatches open, the parts visible inside are easier to paint before assembly.

For painting we suggest the Soviet protective green 4BO (e.g. Tamiya XF-58 Olive Green); the instructions give Tamiya paint codes for both schemes. Applying decals over a gloss coat helps avoid silvering, and a matt varnish makes a suitable final finish. A wash and light dry-brushing bring out the weld seams and armour texture, while pigments reproduce mud on the running gear.

Tools you will need:

• Sprue cutters
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Precision modelling tweezers
• Brushes in various sizes
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• A wash to emphasise detail and recesses
• Optional: pigments for dust and mud effects

About the vehicle – KV-1 Model 1941:

The KV-1 entered production shortly before the war as a Soviet breakthrough tank — a heavily armoured vehicle meant to lead attacks against fortified positions. It was powered by a V-2K diesel engine of about 600 hp, weighed some 45 tonnes and carried a crew of five.

In the summer of 1941 its armour proved practically immune to the German anti-tank guns of the period. Single KV-1s could stall the advance of entire units, and the Germans had to bring up anti-aircraft guns and howitzers to stop them.

The early-production Model 1941 version depicted here had a welded turret, a 76.2 mm ZiS-5 gun and DT machine guns. In time, growing weight, an unreliable drivetrain and the arrival of more effective German guns saw the KV-1 give way to the lighter, faster T-34 and to later heavy tanks.

Original vehicle specifications (KV-1 Model 1941, early production):

• Length: approx. 6.75 m
• Width: approx. 3.3 m
• Height: approx. 2.7 m
• Combat weight: approx. 45 t
• Crew: 5
• Main armament: 76.2 mm ZiS-5 gun
• Secondary armament: DT machine guns
• Engine: V-2K diesel, approx. 600 hp
• Version features: welded turret; in the summer of 1941 the armour was practically immune to contemporary German anti-tank guns

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 by Yoshio Tamiya in Shizuoka, a city regarded as the centre of the Japanese model industry. The business began in timber and wooden models, and in 1960 it released its first injection-moulded plastic kit. Two years later came the 1:35 tank that established the scale as a worldwide standard for military modelling. The brand is known for precise moulds and outstanding parts fit, which is why its kits are chosen by beginners and experienced modellers alike. The Military Miniature Series, to which this kit belongs, runs to hundreds of releases and is one of the most comprehensive catalogues of 1:35 military vehicles anywhere. Alongside kits, Tamiya offers a full range of modelling accessories: paints, cements, tools and brushes. Today the company is present in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable names in the hobby.