WWII Transitional Heavy Tank with 85 mm Gun
The KV-85 was a rare transitional Soviet heavy tank created to provide the Red Army with greater firepower while the new IS-series tanks were still under development. It combined the proven KV-1S chassis with a larger turret and the powerful 85 mm D-5T gun.
Produced for only a short period during 1943, the KV-85 marked the final major development of the original KV tank family. Its rounded turret, broad tracks, external fuel tanks and powerful gun create a distinctive vehicle linking the early-war KV-1 with the later IS-1 and IS-2.
The Story Behind the Tank
A KV-85 sits secured to a railway wagon, ready to be transported toward the front. Workers tighten the chains around its tracks while the commander watches a steam locomotive approach through the smoke.
The vehicle has left the factory in a hurry. Soviet forces need a tank capable of facing the latest German armour, and every KV-85 is urgently required. Its 85 mm gun gives the crew far greater confidence than the older 76.2 mm weapon, but they know their tank is only a temporary solution.
Within months, production will move on to the IS series. For now, the KV-85 must bridge the gap and carry the KV name into one final battle.
Historical Background
By 1943, the KV-1’s 76.2 mm gun no longer provided sufficient advantage over the lighter T-34. German Tiger and Panther tanks had increased the demand for a Soviet heavy tank with greater firepower.
The KV-85 was developed by fitting a modified KV-1S hull with a larger turret derived from the new IS tank project. It carried the 85 mm D-5T gun, also used by the SU-85 and early T-34-85 variants.
The larger turret required changes to the upper hull and turret ring. The finished tank offered improved firepower while retaining much of the KV-1S chassis, allowing production to begin before the IS-1 was ready.
Only 148 KV-85s were built during 1943. It served as a short-lived but important link between the KV and IS heavy-tank families.
Perfect for Dioramas Featuring
Soviet railway transport operations
Late-1943 Eastern Front battles
Heavy-tank loading and unloading scenes
Factory delivery and acceptance inspections
Encounters with German Tiger or Panther tanks
Winter offensives and snow camouflage
Muddy roads and field repairs
Refuelling and ammunition resupply
Tank crews resting beside their vehicle
Rare Soviet armoured formations
Interesting Fact
The KV-85 was one of the rarest production variants of the KV family. Its short production run lasted only until the more advanced IS-1 could replace it.
Fun Fact
The KV-85 was a genuine stopgap tank: by the time crews learned all its habits, the factory was already building its replacement!
Model Features
Distinctive KV-85 transitional configuration
Rounded IS-style turret
85 mm D-5T main gun
Commander’s cupola and turret details
Six large road wheels on each side
Wide tracks and KV-1S suspension
Detailed engine deck and external fuel tanks
Hull and turret machine-gun details
Ideal for railway or battlefield dioramas
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 vehicle in Soviet military green with dark steel tracks and polished wear across the raised track surfaces. Add grime around the suspension, dust across the turret and fuel stains below the external tanks.
For a railway scene, keep the upper surfaces relatively clean while adding dirt and rust tones to the tracks and lower hull. Chains, timber blocks and railway workers will create a convincing transport display.
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, railway wagons, scenery, decals and accessories shown in promotional scenes are not included unless specifically listed in the selected product package.
