Actual model.....T-55 Enigma
Tamiya kit +
Accurate armour conversion+
aber pe set+
aber gun barrel+
friulmodel tracks

a funny build....and a long build too.
I've some references but any comments and suggestions will be welcome.

Regards

Ciro Riccio

Wow! Looking good.

Hey Ciro,
I have only seen one of these in person- the captured example at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland USA.

The one thing that really struck me was the terrible looking welds- You have modeled this perfectly!

Great work!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Dj and Steve.....hey Steve....I've a question for you....
were you able to see the primer color under the paint?!
did you note some "things" that in a normal and virtual reference cannot be visible?!
Ihave tried to depict the weld lines following my references....it's a very good thing to know by you...that saw this beast in person, that my weld lines are well depicted.
If you remember any particular it will be more appreciate.

Thanks again guys

Regards

Ciro

Hi all...little update....
How do coil-springs look?!?comments and suggestions are welcome

Regards

Ciro

Reworked coil-spring.....
and other items added.....comments are welcome

Regards....

Ciro Riccio

Excellent work, Ciro! She looks the part. Keep up the great work. Dave

Looks really great. This version has the looks of a tough bastard.

Lars

Ola Ciro

I don't know if this comes too late but there is actually a walkaround on this site from an actual enigma. You can find it here
T55 Enigma Walkaround

Dave and Lars...amny thanks for your comments!!!much appreciate....it's a very strange tank.
It's very different from a standard shape of a normal tank...but you need to have a model to appreciate this difference.
Or to see it in person...

Robert,
Thanks very much for your link to the close up.It's intersting....I've just some photos of this particular tank that it based on a polish t54u rebuilt...mine is based on a soviet t55a (you can see it at Mourmelon...in France)so...differences are various but the most significative is the different shape of the engine deck..plus other various things here and there.
Anyway it could help me the same ....so many thank!!!!!!!

Best Regards

Ciro Riccio

Ola Ciro

I am glad the walkaround is of some use to you. I thouhgt all the Enigma's were based on the same tank... but then again I know nothing about modern vehicles. I saw it couple of years ago in a popular museum and the signs ( I believe, it is really some years back) told me it came from Iraq.

Robert,
In effect it's based on a t-54/55 so...the upgrade,referring to the armour blocks,is the same in both version of the tank.
But,if you want depict it correctly I think that you need choose a precise version
T-54u
T-55a
I can say that refferring to my references,then you can go on with the upgrade...and yes,this tank was used only by iraqi forces..if I'm not wrong Iraqi army built about 300 of these....
Anyway,I repeat,your link is very usefull to get all little details that are in commons between the two versions of t54/55 base...Thanks!!!!!
Have a nice day Robert!!!!!!


Warmest Regards
Ciro Riccio

Ciro- Excellent work as usual. I have the Military Orddnance Special #15 and it has a few pictures of one of these beasts. I would say you have it down expect for a couple of things.

First, There should be a slight gap b/w the glacis armored boxes _ though i think the AA resin pc is a single casting.

Secondly, Are you going to add the dust cover to the mantlet?

Small things.
Excellent work Again - I look forward to seeing some paint and weathering.

Chris

Chris....thanks for your reply.These are the things that I need!!!!Thanks
I know that there's gap b/t armour blocks but AA is a single piece of resin...I think to "create" the gap with oil washes that could mark the area....or...I hope.
I want depict an abandoned tank...so No dust cover.....I need to add some more Pe..to complete the turret....
I'll post update soon....Chris...if you can scan some page of your reference it could be very appreciate

Regards

Ciro Riccio

Little update,armour blocks on the upper hull
Regards

Ciro Riccio

Looking really cool! Are you going to make the edges the same as on the turret.

Lars

yes Lars......
they need some attention and work....I like this conversion but there are some thing to do on it.....anyway I'm moderate satisfied.
This beast seems to be come out well.....I hope.

Regards

Ciro Riccio