Hi guys, I've just managed to get a NIB Tamiya 56030 KV-2 1/16 full option kit at a great price (for us in the UK at least). I don't really know much about this tank and was wondering if anyone knew of any reference sites or books (I already have KV-1 and 2 Heavy Tanks, 1939-45 (Osprey New Vanguard)) I could get? I dont even know which variant/yar to build.

Also, what about upgrades? I've already ordered wheel bearings, Aber Upgrade Set #16043 and Aber fuel tank set. Anthing else? I see there is an Aber early and late tool kit set - no idea which to get Any advice whatsoever would be appreciated.

Thanks

I think if I were you I might PM Rivetcounter and ask his advice about the books. He knows quite a bit about WWII reference material (among other things).

Thanks for that!

Hi Stumpy Nice to see you back , hope things are well with you .

regards pete

For what it's worth I remember from my KV2 build that you'd be limited to the early KV wheel types, if that's an option!

Thanks Pete, yes all good ta

Sorry for the delay in replying - I didn't know there were any responses

Yup, you're absolutely right...so thats the one I'm doing. Just trying to fit the speaker unit but the screw holes neither reach nor match-up!

I did a couple things that really made the tank more realistic(IMHO), I added the ETO 3:1 gear downs and then put a set of Impact metal tracks on it. Makes it go nice and slow, and the metal tracks sag nicely.

It's a great runner, and has many hours of run time on it.

Thanks Jeff. I've got the metal tracks already Even though I don't run my tanks, I love the metal tracks anyway. Did you have any issues mounting the speaker unit? The holes in the hull bottom (four of them) don't line up properly with the offset holes in the speaker, nor do the screws reach.

Rich,

I had to remount the speaker...because the 3:1 geardowns needed some extra room (about 1/2 inch). I had to drill, and plug the original holes.

ah ok. No idea whats going on with mine. Its as though the speaker is meant to sit on some mounting plate or some such and then screwed in to the hull.

FYI, you might want to consider a screw in the rock guards just forward of the drive sprockets. I've lost a couple. They just don't hang on, despite copious amounts of glue (i.e. the bigger the glob...the better the job).

If you need a pic, I'd open up my KV 1 and take a few pics. Planning some tank maintenance today. It's pretty much stock, and the deck down is identical to the KV2.

Rock guards? Do you do you mean these?

Sorry sorry sorry, I've just found my mistake by looking at the actual instructions - novel idea hey! LOL

I've missed out the mounting brackets!!

Not to often one see a kv2 build . Great . Following for sure .

I only have a HL, but here is how it turned out

Yep, that's them

Glad to hear you've got the speaker solved.

I wanted to add that if you wanted to do a later style, I believe the asiatam wheels can be used.

I have this Tamiya kit, and really like it. I added metal tracks to mine, and noted that the front hull (where the idlers mount) is as weak on the Tamiya kit as it is on the Heng Long or Asiatam hulls. I added an idler brace to mine, which is available from Forgebear http://www.ebay.com/itm/161747560676. Guido Henn of Henn-Tec also makes one that works very well. As far as references on the KV-2 go, there are a couple of good Tankograd books on it, or you can really splurge and buy the Neil Stokes' "KV Technical History & Variants" book by Airconnection (560 pages of everything you ever wanted to know, but were afraid to ask).

That looks awesome!

thanks for the replies guys

The photos above show what I have done so far: thinned out the fenders as the moulded ones are ridiculously thick. Added some Aber PE parts including rear light, and other rear parts. Added detail to the stock rock guards which are missing the extra bracing and brackets.

Guys, my tank is lower on the left hand side than the right - i.e. its lopsided. The point at which the suspension bars catch is definitely higher on the left (therefore the tank sits lower that side) than the right. Its got the battery and all equipment in it so its not that. If anyone could see what theirs does I would really appreciate it. Thanks

EDIT: having done a bit of research it looks like the low side is at fault. I have no idea how to stiffen the suspension on that side!

You can try bending the leaf spring to provide more tension. I did this using needle nose pliers on the spring and just holding the suspension arm by hand to prevent torquing it backwards.