I finally finished the Czech T-55A I've been working on for my father-in-law. This was my first go with friul tracks, my first time working with resin parts (to correct the engine deck), and my first time using brass to add detail and/or replace kit parts. Hope you like it - and all comments are welcome.

Nice work, Bill. Those Friul tracks are alot of work, but the results are worth it. I think the slogan on the turret is a nice touch, too. I'm guessing your father-in-law was a Czech tanker?

Chris

Bill, I like it. the log on the rear looks good, nice touch, as well as with the tow cable. good job. I'm sure your F.I.L. will be happy.

Nice kit bill what am kit did you use Dave

Hi Bill , looks great I reckon .

Chris - I have agree on the friul tracks. They were time-consuming to assemble, but they gave the right sag. They also gave the model extra heft (although I added still more weight by placing hex nuts inside the hull). The slogan is a joke - it means "Evzhen (his nickname) will overcome" and is a take on the slogan "Truth will overcome" seen on Czech tanks in the past. And yes, my FIL was a tank commander in the Czechslovakian army ... I believe he commanded a T-54M and then a T-55A.

David - I used the Blast Models update kit (BL35036K) because it provides the correct engine deck and cupolas for a Czech T-55A. Some of the parts arrived warped and was only partially successful straightening them out with a hair dryer. The main engine deck part was warped and did not fit as intended onto the kit, so I had to grind down the kit quite a bit. No big deal for an experienced modeller, but harrowing when when you're doing it for the first time.

This looks awesome. The painting and especially the weathering is very well done. Are the fenders kit parts or PE ?? Does anyone make a set of PE fenders for the Tamiya kit??
Sorry for the questions but I have finally started my T55 and am building it as a wreck. The PE fenders may be easier to mangle than the kit fenders.
Again very nice looking T55.

Rob
www.scratchmod.com

Rob - Thank you for the kind words. I've visited scratchmod, so I'm familiar with your skill level (high). As for PE sets, there are a lot of options. Aber makes three different sets: #35128 - the "basic" set which provides every conceivable piece of PE you can imagine, #35129 - the fenders, and #35130 - the various storage boxes. Eduard also makes a nice set (#35554) akin to Aber's #35128, but it doesn't have the fenders you're looking for. Hope this helps and good luck with your build.

Thanks Bill. I'll have to see if I can get the basic Aber set. I may also just scratchbuild the fenders out of thin Alu or plastic card. I'm on a roll right now with the T55 and don't think I will get the PE before I finish. I'll be posting some pics up soon on the Russian forum here. I'll will probably get the PE for the next T55 wreck.

Thanks again

Rob
www.scratchmod.com

Nice finish on that model, I like the dusty yet not filthy appearance of it, very subtle.

looks great, as per above love the weathering.