I've seen the reviews stating that the Tamiya T-55 is alot better than the others. But since the reviews seem to focus on the turret, is there much difference in the rest of the kit?

I'm wanting to build one of these Cuban T-55's with a SA-2 rig on top:
http://www.armyrecognition.com/Amerique_du_sud/Cuba/Missile_vehicle_system_cuban/T-55_with_SA-2/Cuban_T-55_with_SA-2_missile_news_02122006_001.jpg

Since I'm leaving off the turret, is the extra price of the Tamiya kit worth it?

John

Well, the Trumpeter/Wasan/Minihobby kits were designed to be motorized, so the basic hull is a bit too deep, to accommodate the electric motors. Wheels on the Skif kit have raised "arm" stampings that are much too square in section. Esci/Italeri kit has better wheels, but the engine deck is apparently based on a Chinese T-59, and may or may not match your T-55 subject. Has link and length styrene tracks. Spacing of the supports on the track guards is incorrect, and the size of the third external fuel tank was altered to fit, so the three tanks aren't the same. Reviews at the time claimed the orientation of the suspension arms was wrong, but I never checked it myself. Lindberg kit was chunky in detail, overall, but it's hard to find now, anyway.
The Tamiya kit has better suspension and wheels, nicely done glueable soft plastic track, nicely detailed headlights and guards.

Thanks very much for the great reply. That pretty much solves my issue. Tamiya T-55 it is then

John

Hi John,

This might be of interest:
https://armorama.kitmaker.net/forums/142117&page=1

Cheers,
/E