Early-War Heavy Tank with 76.2 mm F-32 Gun
The KV-1 Model 1940 was one of the most heavily armoured tanks in service during the opening years of WWII. Developed as a breakthrough tank, it combined thick armour, broad tracks and a 76.2 mm main gun in a vehicle designed to advance through enemy fire and support Soviet infantry.
This version features the distinctive welded turret and F-32 gun that separated it from the earliest Model 1939. Its slab-sided armour, exposed suspension and six large road wheels give it an unmistakably heavy appearance—perfect for Winter War, Operation Barbarossa and early Eastern Front dioramas.
The Story Behind the Tank
A KV-1 stands beside a temporary Soviet camp as its crew hurriedly applies winter whitewash over the original green paint. Snow has already begun settling across the tracks and engine deck.
The tank is expected to move before dawn. Ammunition and fuel have been loaded, but the crew still needs to check the tracks, transmission and engine. They know their armour can withstand many enemy guns, yet mud, ice or a mechanical failure might stop them before they reach the battlefield.
This model tells the story of a tank that offered extraordinary protection for its time while demanding patience, strength and determination from the men who operated it.
Historical Background
Named after Soviet Marshal Kliment Voroshilov, the KV series replaced earlier Soviet multi-turreted heavy-tank concepts with a more practical single-turret design.
The KV-1 Model 1940 replaced the short L-11 gun of the Model 1939 with the improved 76.2 mm F-32. Its heavy armour gave it exceptional protection against many of the German tank and anti-tank guns encountered during the opening stages of Operation Barbarossa.
German crews were often forced to attack KV tanks with mines, artillery, heavy anti-aircraft guns or close-range fire against vulnerable areas. However, the KV-1’s battlefield performance was limited by poor visibility, a difficult transmission, heavy steering and mechanical unreliability.
Its armour made the KV-1 difficult to destroy, but its great weight made recovery almost impossible when it became bogged, damaged or disabled. Later versions received additional armour and improved guns, eventually leading to the heavier Model 1942 and the lighter KV-1S.
Perfect for Dioramas Featuring
Operation Barbarossa during 1941
Early Eastern Front battles
Soviet defensive positions
German anti-tank ambushes
Infantry advancing behind heavy armour
Winter camouflage being applied by the crew
Snow-covered forest camps
Muddy roads and mechanical breakdowns
Tank recovery and field repairs
Abandoned or captured Soviet armour
Interesting Fact
The KV-1’s armour was so effective during the early stages of the German invasion that many standard anti-tank weapons struggled to penetrate it from the front. Immobilising the tank by damaging its tracks or attacking it with heavier weapons was often more practical.
Fun Fact
The KV-1 had enough armour to frighten enemy gun crews—but nobody remembered to make its gearbox equally fearless!
Model Features
KV-1 Model 1940 early-war configuration
Distinctive welded turret
76.2 mm F-32 main gun
Hull and turret machine-gun details
Six large road wheels on each side
Wide tracks and detailed suspension
Detailed engine deck, hatches and fuel tanks
Ideal for standalone display or diorama use
Detailed resin scale model
Made in Australia
Available Scales
1:87 – HO: Model railways and compact scenes
1:76 – OO: Railway layouts and military collections
1:72: Small-scale military displays
1:48: Detailed tabletop and diorama scenes
1:35: Large, highly detailed displays
Custom scaling available on request
Choose Your Finish
Unpainted and CleanedSupplied in natural grey resin, cleaned and ready for final preparation, priming and painting.
Grey PrimedSupplied with an even grey primer coat, providing a clean surface ready for your chosen colours and weathering.
Soviet Base ColourSupplied with a Soviet military-green base coat. Complete the tracks, tools and markings before adding mud, dust, snow and paint wear.
Painting and Weathering Ideas
Finish the tank in Soviet military green with dark steel tracks and polished wear on the raised track surfaces. Add mud around the suspension, dust across the upper hull and fuel or oil stains near the engine deck.
For a winter scene, apply uneven whitewash with visible brush marks and patches of green showing through. Whitewash was temporary and quickly wore away from hatches, edges and areas handled by the crew.
Please Note
This detailed resin model is intended for adult collectors and diorama builders. Minor preparation or assembly may be required, and small components should be handled carefully.
Figures, scenery, decals and accessories shown in promotional scenes are not included unless specifically listed in the selected product package.
