Heavily Armoured WWII Breakthrough Tank
The KV-1 Model 1942 represented the heaviest development of the original KV-1 family. Its thick armour, wide tracks, rounded cast turret and 76.2 mm ZiS-5 gun gave it a powerful and unmistakable battlefield presence.
Built to survive intense enemy fire and support Soviet infantry, the KV-1 could withstand weapons that would destroy lighter tanks. However, every additional layer of protection increased its weight, reducing speed and placing greater strain on its engine, transmission and suspension.
This model’s massive cast turret, heavy hull and broad tracks make it an impressive centrepiece for Eastern Front displays, defensive battles and Soviet armoured formations.
The Story Behind the Tank
A KV-1 Model 1942 rumbles toward a German defensive position, its tracks grinding through deep mud. Anti-tank rounds strike the turret and hull while Soviet infantry advances behind its armour.
Inside, the crew fights a different battle. Visibility is poor, the turret is cramped and the driver struggles with the tank’s weight and difficult transmission. The KV may be heavily protected, but a broken track or mechanical failure could stop it as effectively as an enemy gun.
This tank tells the story of Soviet engineers pushing the original KV design to its limit—adding more armour to improve survival while sacrificing mobility and reliability.
Historical Background
Named after Soviet Marshal Kliment Voroshilov, the KV-1 was designed as a heavy breakthrough tank. Its thick armour shocked German forces during the opening stages of Operation Barbarossa, when many standard German tank and anti-tank guns struggled to penetrate it from the front.
The Model 1942 featured increased armour and was commonly fitted with a thick cast turret. It carried the 76.2 mm ZiS-5 main gun together with hull and turret machine guns.
Production was concentrated at the relocated Kirov works in Chelyabinsk, part of the vast industrial complex popularly known as Tankograd—Tank City.
Although the Model 1942 offered formidable protection, it was slow, mechanically demanding and expensive to manufacture. Its main gun provided little advantage over the lighter and more mobile T-34. These limitations led to the lighter KV-1S and eventually to the development of the IS heavy-tank family.
Perfect for Dioramas Featuring
Eastern Front battles during 1942–43
Soviet infantry advancing behind heavy armour
German anti-tank ambushes
Muddy roads and mechanical breakdowns
Winter offensives and snow camouflage
Tank recovery and field-repair scenes
Railway loading and military depots
Abandoned or battle-damaged Soviet armour
German examination of a captured KV-1
Soviet tank crews refuelling or resting
Interesting Fact
By 1942, the KV-1 carried much heavier protection than the T-34 but used a gun of similar power. Soviet commanders increasingly questioned whether the extra armour justified its slower speed, higher cost and mechanical problems.
Fun Fact
The KV-1 Model 1942 was heavily armoured enough to worry the enemy—but so heavy that hills, mud and its own gearbox could be equally dangerous opponents!
Model Features
KV-1 Model 1942 heavy-tank configuration
Thick, rounded cast turret
76.2 mm ZiS-5 main gun
Hull and turret machine-gun details
Six large road wheels on each side
Wide tracks and detailed suspension
Detailed engine deck and external 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, markings 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 heavy mud around the suspension, dust across the upper hull and fuel or oil staining near the engine deck.
For a winter vehicle, apply an uneven field whitewash over the green base. Scratches, brush marks and exposed patches of green will create a convincing temporary camouflage finish.
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.
