Hi All,

Am building Tamiyas T-55 (one of the Polish versions) and was thinking of adding a few figures riding on top but have not been able to find any Soviet figures from 50 era to early 60's; but was looking at the DML Soviet tank riders set and was curious how long after WW2 did the Soviets wear that style of uniforms and the 1940 pattern steel helmet? Could I use those with the replacement of AK rifles?
Haven't had much luck looking online for photos for Soviet uniforms of this era.
Any help would be very much appreciated. Thanks.

Thomas,

I, too, am facing this dilemma! I am converting a Tamiya T-55 into an upgraded T-54 Model 1951, and want to portray it in the late 60's in a setting somewhere on maneuvers in Russia. I am asking the same question about the tank crew. Maybe we can both get the answers we need!

Ron

Hi Ron,

Well from what I have been able to gather from others who have emailed me, the uniforms were worn till they were replaced by newer models that were simialr to the WW2 designs, alot of the reserve troops were outfitted with WW2 leftovers as well, my T-55 is goign to be the C option in Tamiyas instructions which is the Polish option and countries like that were supplied with WW2 stuff as well.
Tankers I was told wore dk. grey to black coveralls and a mix of the tanker helmets depending on the status of the unit, frontline troops or reserve troops so if this info is correct you could use eitherthe WW2 tanker helmet or the post war model.
I have both of hornets Russian tank helmet head sets and itching to use them as they are nice as usual .

Czech Master has a set of Warsaw Pact tankers. I have never seen the set so I can not comment on the contents or quality. But if you are looking for Eastern Block tankers, especially Polish, it may be your best bet. DML also has a set of modern Soviet tankers that would fit the bill. I know that are available from Great Models.

Thanks for the info, Thomas and Andy. I had the DML Modern Soviet Tankers before, but was not all that impressed with them. I was thinking of using some of the Warriors and Verlinden Russian tankers, as I like their poses and animation for the diorama I am thinking of doing. I will check out CMK's offering!

Thanks!
Ron