Lion Roar have released the metal 152mm KV-2 barrel from their recent update set #LE35060 for the Trumpeter KV-2 kits as a separate set with just the one piece metal barrel to correct the kit barrel and add additonal details such as the fine rifling included.

The large metal barrel is the correct length when compared to the 1:35 plans in the Tankograd KV-2 book while the Trumpeter kit barrel is about 3mm short. The metal barrel is a straight replacement for the kit barrel without any kit alterations required with the fit of the barrel being perfect with the small notches in the muzzle lip included and the subtle rifling inside the barrel which is quite noticeable on this large calibre gun.

Conclusion:

A very simple update for the Trumpeter KV-2 kits with excellent details and not requiring any alterations to the kit.

Highly recommended 8/10

Lion Roar metal barrel compared to the Trumpeter kit barrel

Metal barrel fitted to the kit and close up of the muzzle rifling

The KV Sublects page lists other reviews of sets available for the available KV-1/2 kit

References:

Soviet Heavy Breakthrough Tank KV-2 Tankograd Soviet Special No 2001

KV-1 & 2 Heavy Tanks 1939-1945 Osprey New Vanguard 17 ISBN 1-85532-496-2

Ground Power Magazine #75 - 8/2000 Published by GALILEO Publishing Co.,Ltd.

Thanks to Lion Roar for the review set.