Hi all,

I am looking to build Tamiya's T-55 as a Soviet version (one of the two on the instructions) and wanted to know if there are any glaring errors with this kit. I don't expect the same sort of mistakes like with the T-72 turret but I was wondering if I go OOB, am I 98% there?

Thank you!

John

The most glaring mistake is the turrent vent, Tamiya left it off.



It's on the right side of the turrent near the front.

Otherwise it's a very good kit OOB and for the most part dead on correct. I did one shortly after it was released. The only thing that I would add to a mostly OOB is ModelKasten T-55 tracks and fuel pipes for the external tanks. Also Tamiya should have done the Czech/Polish style fan opening.

Just add a little extra putty or such to various weld beads too as they are somewhat lacking. If you are careful while gluing the gun barrel together you should have to do almost no filling and very little sanding for glue ooze and be watchful for the weld seam on the fume extractor as it's quite delicate.

Just add glue and paint to the box and shake. It's that easy of a kit.

It's a very good kit indeed. For the fuel tubes on the outside: don't add them to the barrels at the rear (they were only used on the AM2 and AM2B versions)

Ah yeah, I can just confirm the thing with the tracks: buy some new ones, it's absolutely worth it. (either ModelKasten or Friul or whatever)

Thanks Joe. Glad to hear Tamiya's biggest boo-boo was a small vent. I do plan on adding Fruili (sp) track and maybe a barrel. After all it's just not a modeling project until you have spent $60 on after-market crap.

Thank you,

John

Marian

The drums in the back were NOT plumed? Interesting. How were they used? Transferred by hand?

John

For adding the fuel lines, see:
http://www.network54.com/Forum/47209/message/1140700627/Here+ya+go

The commander's cupola periscopes are also missing. See for good pics: www.primeportal.net.

As stated, the kit only comes with russian engine deck details, so you can only build a russian (built) version OOB.

Yes, the crew had to pump them to the other external tanks by hand. They added the fuel tubes only when they used them. As I said: from version "T-55 AM2" they had the automatic system like the T-72.

One omission I can think of is the lack of plain T-55 loader's hatch. The one included has the MG mount.
Fortunately JS-models came out with a resin update set including the hatch. The bad thing is probably availability outside Finland. Blast model's comprehensive update set also has this hatch, but the set is somewhat expensive if you want just the hatch.
Another, although minor error is in the tires, the recessed radial lines should be raised instead.
This pic is from a T-34, but you get the idea of the details.

[quote]It's a very good kit indeed. For the fuel tubes on the outside: don't add them to the barrels at the rear (they were only used on the AM2 and AM2B versions)

What do you mean, the kit doesn't even have the fuel return lines in the kit? or the mounts....

As others have said its a great kit OOB. Indy tracks would be a great start ( I reccomend the MasterClub tracks - great product!
The weld line along the front Glacis could be better, fuel lines on the fender mounted spare tanks are missing and the mounts, the engine deck is really more like the later T54s.

Blast makes an excellent update set that is worth every penny and has a range of hatches/cupolas to model different variants - but alas - nothing to changethe engine access dorrs to represent a Polish/Czech/Warsaw Pact vehicle.

I love the T55 Tamiya kit- I have built 4 of them and want to do more!!!!

Chris

Thanks all. Helpful posts.

John

Gary,
The Blast set 35036K doesn't have the rectangular forward access doors. It does have the replacement rear and middle -as you have pointed out. I don't have my engine decks mixed up.

You were also quick to jump on me regarding the IDF use of mortar halftracks----

Are you a genuinely miserable guy or what?

Chris