Hello everyone, I’m currently working on Tamiya’s excellent T-55 but I’d like to finish it in something other than the “typical” monotone Russian armor green scheme.

With the myriad of different users around the world and over the year it stands to reason there should be some unusual schemes for this tank – but I’m coming up short of my internet searches.

Can anyone direct me to some good references?

Thank you,
Noah

Hi Noah,
Have you thought about doing a Syrian T-55? Their three color scheme is kind of colorful.
You can find examples at IDF Modelling. The Syrians paint a white rectangle on the turret, with Arabic numbers. A company called YnoT produces a decal called "Eastern Cocktail Part 2" with markings for various Russian-made vehicles; among them is a Syrian T-55. This decal is sold by Roll Models in Minnesota, and by Jadar Hobbies in Poland. It's not very expensive. It also has markings for Vietnamese and Israeli PT-76Bs, if you happen to be interested in building Trump's new amphibious tank at some point.
Have fun building your T-55. I built one last summer. It's a great kit.

How about a Finnish T-55?
The vehicle behind the link is actually the upgraded T-55M variant, but you get the idea. (Sorry, had to link to the Finnish version of the FDF site, I couldn't find the T-55 info page in the English version)
Also check this out for an outstanding build blog of a Finnish regular T-55, albeit in Finnish: http://www.pienoismallit.net/galleria/malli_1224/
The pics speak out for themselves though.
Decalcomaniacs makes a decal sheet for Finnish postwar AFV's.
Registry markings could also be composed from Wiking-decals sheet(s) and roundels sourced elsewhere (the sheets have the earlier swastikas).

Thank you both,

Two very good ideas!

Thanks,
Noah

Noah,
My company, Decalcomaniacs! makes a bunch of markings that work well on your T-55. We have Arab Armies 1 & 2 (for Egytian and Syrian vehicles), Yugoslavia at War, Finnish Markings (postwar) and Pakistani (although more appropriate for T-54's and Type 59's). So anyway, come check us out. Hopefully, we'll have what you're looking for.
Regards,
Georg Eyerman
Decalcomaniacs!

Well, there are some interesting Afghan Northern Alliance cammo's:

My favorite, spray can: Yeah, it is a BMP-1 w/ZSU-23-2, but I swear I have seen a T-55 in the smae cammo, I just cannot locate it right now. (figures... )

Next, splotchy:



and the same scheme on a BRDM to help you figure it out better:


These are legit schemes from the 2000-2002 ish Northern Alliance group that eventually won Afghanistan back from the Taliban.

Tell me that ain't different looking.

That's some pretty cool camo. I've never seen anything like it. But seeing those militiamen sitting on top of their vehicles makes me wish someone made Afghan, African, or Arab tank rider figures (as opposed to tank crews). Third World countries and armed groups often lack APCs, and send their troops into battle clinging to their tanks.
The only tank riders I've ever seen are WW2 guys, which is unfortunate. They would really add a lot to modern armor kits.

Georg,

Your decals look great and I will be ordering some in the near future for future T-55 / T-72 builds!

But for this project…

Jacques Northern Alliance references are the WINNER – absolutely just what I was looking for!

Thank you very much,
Noah