I was offered the Eduard T-55A interior and exterior photo etch sets for roughly $10 each. Each set normally retails for $20ish so I originally was wondering on whether or not to buy them and use them on another T-55 kit. But have now decided to use them on the Skif T-55 I bought when they first hit the scenes. I've seen the kit get ripped in reviews, but I have never seen one built. I plan on remedying this during the upcoming Cold War Cook-Off. Right after I finish my M1/York conversion.

Much like an Esci HMMWV, the Skif kit may not "look" right to some, but let's see how it builds. We are, after all, modelers, aren't we?

BTW, does anyone know if the Skif T-64 individual tracks will work with a T-55A?

No, it won´t work, the T- 64 tracks are totally different to T-54/55/62 tracks.

Violetrock

PS: Good luck for your "Skif experience"!

talking about SKIF kits, I'm building the T64 BV right now and I'm having fun with it !
The parts look OK, the fit is good (I haven't needed any putty so far). I might just need a bit of surgery for one of the supports of the reactive armor cells on the turret. Now, I'm not all that sure about accuracy...
I was a bit scared of starting building the kit.
I won't be scared of building my SKIF BMP3 (plus Eduard PE, plus CONCORD book for reference pictures)!

well, I think most people are just pissed that Tamiya is not doing all those kits for the same price...

Skif kits are fine, the T-55 is the worst of the lot for accuracy, but it is not that bad...just does not suit the bolt counters. I am still not convinced that the Tamiya T-55, which I have 2 of, is $35 Better than the Trumpeter kit, which I have 8 of. I am building the Trumpeter T-55, and will next do the Tamiya to compare when done.

Overall Skif kits are good, but their tracks, like Trumpeter, are awefull!!!!!!!!!

Good to hear Rob, I respect people whom have the courage to turn a sow's ear to a silk purse. And I am sure it will come out great.

SO how's the M1/Sgt York, coming along? More pictures please...

I am surprised that Skif kit would be a temptation when you have the Tamiya one as well. I look forward to seeing it when it is done. I also am interested to know about the progress on the M1/York conversion. Have you decided on a close in weapon?

Rob

That's just it, I do not have the Tamiya kit, but I got a good deal on the Skif PE, hence my questions earlier on whether or not I could use them on a future Tamiya T-55. Since I already had the Skif kit prior to it being reviewed, I figured I might as well build it since I'd be lucky to get half of what I paid for it. Besides, it's just a model. Not like I'm building a new artificial heart or something.

As far as the M1/York, once that radar set up goes directly behind the TC's hatch, there's not much room to put anything. I'm thinking of making a simple pintle mount to place either the M1 loaders 240 or an M60 from a Mutt kit.

Good luck, with the skif,
in my opinion the only parts that are not usable and not really possible to alter are the wheels, they are of a design I really never saw , first I hoped they were the new lighter wheels used on refurbished t55's , but they don't look anything like them.
A converted Esci wheel or of course the outstanding(in my opinion)CMD wheels are a better choose.
Hope to see the result soon

cheers Kees
ps, I've build some Esci hmmvee's with the hood(?) from italeri,wheels by verlinden , and some overseeable alterations, very nice defenition on most parts.

[email protected]

Rob, sorry I can't help you on your question in this post, but reading SS-74's aka Dave Tong's and Rtwpsom2's aka "Brother Abrams" replies also reminded me of your earlier rear end detailing pics on your converson project.

I too am excited about seeing more pics as you move along in that build. It will be great to see your detailing/build efforts, and Brother Rob's interior M1 as both you guys obviously enjoy and are able to build with a high level of detail. It gives an oob builder like me something to admire.

More pics please
:-) :-) :-) :-) :-)

Time and patience are all it takes, and a little elbow grease also, to turn a sow's ear into that silk purse. I've seen what you can do on just the rear end of an M1. Go for it Rob, I look forward to seeing it.

Dave S.

Thanks, I just bought the Skif KMT-6 mine plow (kit #N-502) for the kit. Figured it needed something to spice it up.

Hey Sabot, were did you get your KMT-6 kit? I have been looking for them for about 6 months...I got two, then the supplies dries right up.

You forget that I have powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men.

Ahhhh, yeah right.

SIGH...and me without my "special" boots. It's gonna take WEEKS to get the smell out...

Hey Jacques, use ducktape to take the smell off. Heck, it works on everything else.

I'd rather just find out if there is a reliable source for the KMT-6...it is a VERY nice kit and I woudl like to get a few more...but noone seems to have them. GreatModels, Squadrona nd even Mission Models do not even have them listed, and Military Models is out of stock.

So again, for the sake of world piece, any help Sabot? :-)

Actually, that kit had been hanging on a peg for well over a year at the local shop. Only decided to grab it since I decided to build the Skif T-55A. They only had two sets of the Skif 122mm ammo and crates with it.

Rob
1. You have a very good hobby shop.
2. Have you posted any pics of the York project yet? Do you plan to? (I hope)

Chuck

And that shop isn't even the best local shop. I am fortunate to have a pair of real good shops near by.

Yes, I plan on having some in progress photos of the York. Right now I'm messing with Trumpeter M1A1 tracks for that kit. Bunch of raised marks on each track pad.

Well sabot, I am definately jelous...more shops keep closing around me, and they are not even very good. 2 shops that have been around a LOOONG time just packed it up and gone before x-mas last year...yikes.

And to have one that actually stocks SKIF products to boot...oh, I'm dreaming...even in Minneapolis the stores carry VERY little of skif stuff, and never the mineplow...

Good luck onthe T-55, and the York.