KV-85 Heavy Breakthrough Tank (1/72)

A few words to the KV-85:
KV-85 was the last version of the KV tank series to be produced (mid 1943) and was intended as an interim solution until the IS-1 tank, which was still under trial, was put into service.
The latter IS-1 was intended to replace the KV series as heavy tanks as these no longer met the requirements of the time.
The D-5T cannon, which was also installed in the SU-85 (D-5S), was used to increase the combat value.
In order to create better space conditions in the turret, the already finished series turret of the IS-1 was used, which resulted in an increase in the diameter of the turret slewing ring.
The hull of the KV-1S was adapted to the larger turret, but this resulted in the elimination of the driver´s hatch and the radio operator.
Only 148 KV-85s were produced, most of which were used on the southern front lines of the Soviet Union.

The kit:
I used Trumpeter´s 07127 kit as base which then provided with more and better details.
The main component for this is the PE detail set from Part (PE72-029 for PST kit), Aber gun barrel (72L-39) and a tow cable set from Eureka (ER-7214).
Other small details and conversions are scratch built (copper wire, plastic sheet and profiles etc.).
I also drilled up some holes, made new weld seams (Tamiya epoxy putty) and casting surface structure.

The kit built out of box is typical a Trumpeter- good fit, sharp molds, relatively few components and the simplified or missing details.

I built all components of the small diorama myself.
Mainly plastic sheet and profiles, left over PE parts and for the roofing I used natural material made of hemp yarn.
Only the static grass, the self-adhesive grain ears and the PE sunflowers from Voyager Model (PE7215) were purchased.

The figurines are by Peddinghaus (72F013, 3D print) and White Stork Miniatures (F72010, resin cast).
I slightly changed and revised the posture of all figurines so that they are a bit better adapted to the scene.
The animals are taken from Pegasus Hobbies Farm Animals Set (7052).

When all main elements were in place, I added some more details to the tank such as crew equipment and tarpaulins, small wooden planks, the famous Soviet recovery beam and an infantry machine gun (Firma49, A048, 3D print) to create a little more liveliness.

19 additional images. Click to enlarge.