Concept Representation of the WWII Object 223 Project

The KV-3 was an ambitious Soviet project intended to take the KV heavy-tank family to an entirely new level. Planned with thicker armour, a powerful long-barrelled gun and a larger turret, it represented the Soviet search for a breakthrough tank capable of defeating future enemy heavy armour.

The historical vehicle was never completed, making this model a concept representation of how a KV-3 might have appeared in service. Its oversized turret, long main gun, wide tracks and heavy KV-style hull create an imposing display piece for experimental vehicle collections, factory scenes and alternative-history dioramas.

The Story Behind the Tank

Inside the Kirov factory, engineers gather around the latest KV-3 test vehicle. Workers measure the suspension while officers study drawings spread across a wooden table. A crane stands ready to lift another heavy component into position.

The proposed tank promises immense armour and firepower, but every improvement creates a new problem. A larger gun needs a larger turret; thicker armour adds weight; additional weight demands a stronger engine, transmission and suspension.

Before those challenges can be resolved, the German invasion forces Soviet factories to concentrate on vehicles that can be produced immediately. The KV-3 remains an unfinished vision of a heavier future.

Historical Background

The KV-3 designation was connected to more than one developing Soviet heavy-tank proposal. The best-known later project was Object 223, ordered during 1941 after Soviet intelligence reported that Germany might be developing extremely heavy tanks.

Object 223 was planned with a lengthened KV-derived chassis, very heavy armour and a new turret carrying the powerful 107 mm ZiS-6 gun. Its estimated weight approached 68 tonnes.

A hull was begun, and work progressed on the turret and weapon installation, but the full vehicle was never completed. Germany’s invasion of the Soviet Union disrupted development and forced the Kirov factory to prioritise existing KV-1 production and the defence of Leningrad.

Although the KV-3 never entered service, its development demonstrated the growing Soviet interest in heavier armour and larger guns—ideas later realised more successfully in the IS series.

Perfect for Dioramas Featuring

Soviet experimental tank factories
Prototype testing and inspection scenes
Engineers working from blueprints
Heavy cranes and workshop equipment
Railway transport of secret military projects
Mechanical trials and breakdowns
Alternative-history Eastern Front battles
Secret weapons facilities
Abandoned factory projects
Rare prototype collections

Interesting Fact

The KV-3 was designed partly in response to incorrect intelligence suggesting Germany was preparing tanks weighing as much as 90 tonnes. Soviet designers began planning vehicles to defeat an enemy tank that did not yet exist.

Fun Fact

The KV-3 became so large on the drawing board that the engineers were almost designing a new tank every time they tried to solve the previous problem!

Model Features

Concept interpretation of the KV-3 project
Large experimental turret
Long-barrelled main gun
Commander’s cupola and turret fittings
Six large road wheels on each side
Wide tracks and KV-style suspension
Detailed engine deck and external fittings
Rear storage rails and equipment details
Ideal for factory or alternative-history scenes
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 and paint wear.

Painting and Weathering Ideas

A clean Soviet-green finish with restrained wear suits a factory or testing-ground vehicle. Add chalk markings, measuring marks or a simple prototype number for extra character.

For an alternative combat version, add heavy mud, worn tracks, fuel stains and hastily applied identification markings. Pair it with engineers, officers, cranes, tools and blueprint tables to create a convincing experimental factory scene.

Please Note

The historical KV-3 remained an incomplete experimental project, and no finished production vehicle existed. This model is a creative concept interpretation inspired by Soviet KV-series development rather than a replica of a surviving tank.

This detailed resin model is intended for adult collectors and diorama builders. Figures, cranes, scenery, decals and accessories shown in promotional scenes are not included unless specifically listed in the selected product package.

KV-3 Experimental Soviet Heavy Tank

Name: KV-3 Experimental Soviet Heavy Tank
Price: 9.95 AUD
Availability: InStock

$9.95

Scale

Finish

Quantity

Model Accuracy & Variations
Every effort is made to produce accurate, highly detailed scale models. However, the level of visible detail will vary depending on the scale selected.
When a model is reduced to smaller scales, some very fine features may need to be thickened, simplified or removed to ensure the model prints reliably and remains durable.
Extremely small details such as aerials, thin handrails, mirrors, weapon barrels, cables and other delicate components may not reproduce reliably at smaller scales and may not be included in the finished model.
Minor variations in surface finish, support marks, colour tone or part fit may also occur as part of the resin 3D-printing process.
Product images are representative. The final appearance may vary slightly depending on the selected scale and finish.
Orders are shipped throughout Australia using Australia Post.
Customers may choose from available shipping options at checkout, including regular post or tracked Parcel Post, where available.
Shipping costs are calculated at checkout, or confirmed as part of a custom quote, depending on package size, weight and destination.
For tracked services, tracking details will be provided once the order has been dispatched. Regular post may not include tracking.
Additional shipping cover may be applied to higher-value orders where appropriate.
As most products are printed to order, dispatch occurs once production and final preparation are complete.
Customer pickup is not currently available.
All standard base-colour finishes are airbrushed using SMS – The Scale Modellers Supply Premium paints, an Australian model-paint range formulated specifically for airbrushing.
Our standard WWII base colours include:
US – SMS US Olive Drab FS33070
German – SMS Dunkelgelb RAL 7028
British – SMS Olive Drab SCC No.15
Australian – SMS Khaki Green G3
SMS Premium paints are supplied ready for airbrushing and are used to provide a consistent, high-quality base coat.
Custom base colours: Because our models are printed and finished to order, customers may request a different SMS colour or provide a HEX, RGB, RAL, Federal Standard or other colour reference. We will select or mix the closest practical SMS paint match.
Digital colour references such as HEX codes are used as a colour guide only. Screen colours and physical paint finishes can vary, so an exact digital-to-paint match cannot be guaranteed.
Models are produced using high-detail resin 3D printing. Resin models may contain small, delicate components and should be handled with care.
Minor support marks or light surface preparation may be visible on unpainted models. Before painting, gently clean the model if required and use a suitable hobby primer.
Avoid prolonged exposure to heat, direct sunlight or excessive force, as thin or delicate parts may warp, bend or break.
For long-term display, keep models in a cool, dry location away from strong direct sunlight.
Each listing includes the model or model set shown and described in the product listing, supplied in the selected scale and finish.
Unless specifically stated, scenery, figures, vehicles, display bases and other background items shown in product images are not included.
Some larger or more complex models may be supplied in multiple parts to achieve the best print quality, reduce the risk of damage during shipping and allow easier assembly.
Minor assembly, sanding or cleanup may be required depending on the model and selected scale.
Clean Unpainted Resin – cleaned and ready for preparation, priming and painting.
Grey Primed – supplied with an even grey primer coat, ready for painting.
Historical Base Color – supplied in a single historically appropriate base colour selected for the vehicle or equipment:
US – Olive Drab
German – Dunkelgelb
British – SCC 15 Olive Drab
Australian – Khaki Green
Historical base colours are intended as an appropriate starting colour rather than a fully painted or weathered finish. Exact shades varied during WWII due to paint batches, manufacturers, operational theatre, weathering and fading.

Print-to-order colour requests: Because models are produced to order, customers may request a specific base colour or provide a HEX colour reference. We will match the requested colour as closely as practical. Custom colour requests should be noted at checkout or confirmed before ordering. Additional charges may apply for specialised colours or finishes.
Production time: Standard production time is generally 7–10 business days, depending on model, scale, quantity and finish selected.
Please inspect your order as soon as it arrives. If a model is damaged during delivery, incorrect, or has a manufacturing fault, please contact us promptly with your order number and clear photographs of the item and packaging so we can review the issue.
Because most models are printed to order and may be produced in a customer-selected scale or finish, change-of-mind returns may not be available.
This does not affect any rights or remedies available under Australian Consumer Law.

Concept Representation of the WWII Object 223 Project

The Story Behind the Tank

Historical Background

Perfect for Dioramas Featuring

Interesting Fact

Fun Fact

Model Features

Available Scales

Choose Your Finish

Painting and Weathering Ideas

Please Note

KV-3 Experimental Soviet Heavy Tank

Model Accuracy & Variations

Shipping Info

Paints & Base Colours

Material & Care

What’s Included

Production & Finish Options

Returns & Damaged Orders