Zebrano SEA029 - 1:72 KV-13 Medium Tank

Model kit of the Soviet prototype KV-13 tank in 1:72 scale

Zebrano SEA029 is a self-assembly kit reproducing the Soviet prototype KV-13 medium tank — an experimental 1942 design combining the thicker armour of a heavy tank with the mobility of a medium tank. The model illustrates a little-known chapter of Soviet armour development.

The kit combines plastic sprues with precise resin parts.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with the hull and running-gear parts
• Resin parts
• Decals
• Assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Catalogue number: SEA029
• Manufacturer: Zebrano
• Assembled length: approx. 92 mm
• Difficulty level: intermediate

Note: This kit does not include glue, paint or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

The model combines plastic parts with resin parts, so both plastic cement and cyanoacrylate glue will be useful. It is worth washing the resin parts before painting and cleaning off any casting-block remnants carefully.

Soviet armoured vehicles were usually painted in a uniform protective green (shade 4BO). Details are best emphasised with a wash, and the whole sealed with a matt varnish.

Required tools:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Brushes in various sizes
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Modelling wash to emphasise details and recesses

About the vehicle – KV-13:

The KV-13 is a Soviet prototype tank developed in 1942 at the design bureau of the Chelyabinsk works as an attempt to create a 'universal' vehicle. The aim was to combine the thick armour of the KV heavy tank with the mobility and lower weight of the T-34 medium tank.

The design was tested with various running gear, but the work was not taken to series production. The experience gained with the KV-13 was later used in the development of the IS family of heavy tanks and in upgrades of the T-34.

Original specifications (KV-13):

• Length: approx. 6.65 m
• Class: prototype medium tank
• Main armament: 76 mm gun
• Concept: heavy-tank armour with medium-tank mobility
• Status: prototype, not series-produced
• Period: 1942

About the manufacturer – Zebrano:

Zebrano is a manufacturer of model kits and modelling accessories based in Minsk, Belarus. Its range focuses primarily on World War II vehicles and weapons as well as Soviet designs, offered in various technologies — from injection moulding through resin casting to photo-etched parts. Zebrano specialises in niche subjects and less common vehicles absent from the catalogues of the large manufacturers, which makes its kits attractive to collectors and enthusiasts of rare designs. The company also runs an extensive line of small accessories and weapons in 1:35 and 1:72 scale, and a series of small 1:100 resin models intended for wargaming.