KV-85 Conversion (ESCI'S KV-1C)

Kit Background: The KV-85, KV-1 hull and JS-1 turret, was a stop-gap tank until the JS-1 Stalin's were available in suitable numbers. Before PST's kits came out you had to convert if you wanted a KV-85. The basis for my KV-85 is ESCI's KV-1C kit. This kit has been around a while, reissued several times. I also had an after-market KV-85 conversion turret but it was a DOG! This set into motion a HUGE challenge for my modeling skills. The end result has been one of my most satisfying models that I have ever crafted. It has been acclaimed by other modelers as you can see in the first image above. I am grateful for the acknowledgement but I just like my KV-85 because it turned out the way I wanted it to. PST would have saved me time but I liked converting it.

Construction Notes: The hull needs to be converted to the KV-1S which most KV-85s started from. This requires the rear engine deck to slope downwards to the final drives.
HULL modifications:
   * Repositioned driver's hatch    * Additional periscope   * Bow MG plated over   * Weld cuts and seams
HULL details added:
   * Brass gas cap covers   * MV lens head/tail lights    * Grandt-line bolt heads   * Brass lifting eyes
   * Scratched jettisionable external gas tanks   * Copper wire tow cable w/kit ends   * Deck railing from sprue
   * Brass electrical conduit
TURRET modifications:
   NOTE: Threw out all conversion parts (gun barrel, cupola, hatches, railings, etc.) except 2-piece resin turret!
   * Removed turret of detail with Dremel!   * Commanders cupola from Elephant tank road wheel
   * Railing from sprue   * Loader's hatch from Stug III commander's hatch   * Weld seams from putty
   * Loader's hatch spring/arm copper wire/sprue   * Coaxial MGs from syringe needles
   * Ventilator 1/35th gas cap   * 85mm gun turned down from 88mm Flak   * Scopes / lifting hooks scratched
   * Antenna base brass RR detail part   * Everything else cannibalized from the KV-1C kit parts
FINISH notes: Painted in Humbrol's British Bronze Green. In my opinion, the best Russian armor base color around. Decals are out-of-print Micro Scale 1/72nd Russian WWII armor markings. Weathered with Guache water colors. Dry brushed with chalks and then applied scuff of 2D artist pencil lead.

Modeler's Summary: To me, other than the tracks, ESCI's kit rivals PST's. Instructions are easy to read and follow. Unused kit decals markings are unique and accurate but sometimes lack quality. Tracks are a major flaw, they are too thick and are not easy to mount. I went farther than any modeler should have to make this conversion. I hope you enjoy looking at the model as much I have building it.