my heng long kv-1 as it stands while awaiting upgrade parts to become avalible,converted to a different production model i didnt like hls Ehkranami armour as all the nuts were off center and i prefer the cleaner turret
turret done with the exeption of a scratchbuilt pistol port plug,periscopes and new gun mantle(waiting on order from tankzone) hull still needs lots of work yet and im not happy with the upper hull welds the upper deck welds should be higher not level
opinions welcome

Nice work so far! Yeah, the HL KV-1 is a great blank canvas to start with. When I get up the nerve I want to start cutting up mine too!

Nice pics!

from what i have information wise there were a huge nuber of variations just to production models let alone the prototypes/projects ....lots to be working with

It makes me cry to see your KV up on blocks.

I can't decide if the KV or a Tiger will be next for me. How does she run in the grass?

its a great running tank. The RX18 board provides alot of speed so I replaced the stock 10t pinon gears with 8t ones to slow it down and increase the torque (It runs smooth and powerful now)

That's great to hear. I love romping my Bulldog thru the muck, but my PIII just can't keep up in the burb's lawnscape. Is the KV-1 better than the Tiger in the grass?

with the RX18 board I suspect the Tiger would be an awesome tank. I have a heavey tiger with metal tracks and a 3/1 gear box (speed 400motors) This tank can climb a mountain it has so much power and plows through grass because of its weight. The KV1 has lots of power but it does no have metal tracks nor a 3/1 gear box

The only initial problems I see with the stock HL KV-1 is the weak idler system and the springs are a bit weak, especially in the rear. But at least you don't have to lengthen the barrel or flip over the mantlet like on the HL Tiger I. It's a good runner, even stock!

With my current (Camo) HL Tiger 1 that I received from RCC, includes RX18, metal gearbox, the mantel is in correct position as is the pistol port. The commanders hatch is still incorrect but it opens to the rear now. I’m not sure on the correct barrel length, what should it be?

I am thinking about the KV-1 as my next tank and I watching this thread with enthusiasm. I sure like what you've done so far dasiycutter.

Yes, the front and back springs need to be tightened

just a note on springs the upgrade springs for the jagdpanther will fit the kv i borrowed a couple from my jag to try

how did you replace the jagdpanther's springs?

i didnt i just removed a roadwheel/sus arm to get a spring to try out then put it back ,ive got enogh tanks in bits as it is without attacking the completed ones

I love my new Asiatam Panzer 3 hull with the torsion bars and might just have to go with the Tiger for this reason unless the KV-1 gets the same treatment before I'm ready to buy. Of course Bill needs to get some Tigers instock first. :P

i have my eye on the kv metal hull too,but it wont be out for a while

Like what you are doing here. I am back dating mine to a first production KV-1, by stripping the EK. armor, grinding off bolt heads that should not be there, filling lots of slots and holes, and looking for other small details to get it looking as right as possible. Glad HL chose not to go overboard with glue when they stuck on the armor.
I have put in a 6 volt gel cell battery, and modified the springs to make it move better and slow it down. It works super. still plenty of torque and a more ponderous suspension movement. Added in the HL strobe, larger speaker and waiting to finsh up the RCC battle unit installation, then it is final paint and off to war. I have also ordered some of the Modellbau track adjusters and front shaft bearing mounts as well as a few other items. It should be a great tank.

ok another update on my kv-1
filled in those holes behind the armour plates,with the armour plates cut to fit the holes
replaced all the nuts with styrene hex rod that got sanded off in the process
fixed the odd arrangement of the front fender supports
added more styrene nuts
finished off front plate minus working headlight im trying to get hold of and horn which will go on together as i want to see were all the wires go
widened engine decks
beefed up weld seams to look more like photos

not much more to do before i have to stop and wait for parts to become avalible i may add the "hump" to the rear rounded plate depending on which model i complete the tank as