I'm getting back into armor modeling after a 20 year absence, and the kit on my Christmas list is the Tamiya T-55. I would like to do one of the T-55's featured on the Bison T-55 "Balkan T-55" sheet. My question is can one of these be built in the Soviet configuration as the kit comes, or does some kind of update set need to be used? I understand Polish or Chech T-55's were different from Russian ones and I'm not sure what the various Balken factions used. TIA for the help

Personally, I haven't built the Tamiya T-55 yet (I know, I know) so I can't speak from experience regarding the Czech/Polish versions, but this subject has been discussed on the boards before. Go here to check it out.

BTW, that Bison sheet is nice. Any idea what tank(s) you want to build?

-YL

For a polish/ czech version you need to change the engine deck a little, Tamiya forgot this. (Eduard makes an update set TP043; T-55A grill and armoured plates)
You can also make it yourself, see fe:
http://www.primeportal.net/apc/jussen/t-55a.htm

Image 29 gives a good look.

Looking at the page for this decal set on Bison's site I am leaning towards the one pictured third from the top, which is the Serb one in overall green with the white band on the gun tuce and the "TO" lettering painted on the turret sides and glacis plate.

If you are interested in this sheet PM me as I have it in the "spares" box. Have only used the markings for the M36 off of it.

Doug

Serb T-55s were not marked with "TO" which indicated "Teritorialna Obramba" (Territorial Army). This marking was used early in the Yugoslav Wars in order distinguish vehicles from JNA vehicles.

Also, on the decal sheet, the white/blue/red insignia is a dead giveaway. The T-55 with "TO," the white band and this insignia is Slovenian.

http://sl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teritorialna_obramba_Republike_Slovenije

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_of_Slovenia

I believe TO stood for Territorial Army; that was a Slovene tank, not a Serbian. The Territorial Army was a Slovene fighting force.

Thanks for the info; I read the writing on the picture wrong...in that case I'm doing a Slovenian T-55, not a Serb one, LOL

Gary, that's a nice build. I take it that it's a Tamiya T-55?

A friend gave me a few Bison sets, and I have the "GROM / Croatian Tanks, 91-95" decals. I'm wondering if my first Tamiya build should be something of the Croatian persuasion...

So many tanks, so little time.

-YL