I have the Trumpeter T-54 and T-69 along with the Italeri T-55.
I have been donated by Andreas some decent spare track and will use a left over Tamiya Turret for the T-55 (maybe)

Which will I do first?

I also know these kits are not perfect.

Regards
Phil

here

you can find a topic on a t55 Esci (the same kit sold by italeri )

Whit a lot of works the modeller has obtained a very nice model

I hope tht will help you

Cheers

The Trumpy T-69-II isn't horrible OOTB - not 100% accurate....... The Esci(Italeri) T-55s have their own issues (Suspension, soft or missing details, turret off center, etc...). If you not too concerned about accuracy I'd say build them all for practice; they all look the part intended for them.
Its really hard to beat the Tamiya T-55..... but for the afflicted it has issues too!

Heres Rob's Esci T-55 reworked - I think it looks great and shows what can be done with the kit.

http://site.scratchmod.com/Rusty_T55.php (Sorry i edited the post)
Chris

Hi Phil....
if you use a tamiya turret you can easily correct the hull..and if you do a wreck following Rob Ferreira site you can obtain a nice model.
As pointed out by Mauro and Chris some work is required but it's also true that all depends from how much you want it detailed.
If you're looking for accurancy you'll have a big work to do...and if you want to do this.....well....welcome on board!!!
Feel free to ask me,I'll try to help you.
Regards
Ciro

yes, it has some issues in the engine deck....i'm afficted

Phil.
firstable in the italeri kit the turret shape is incorrect. It's about 2 mm too flat. It'll be rather easy thicken it whit a piece of plasticard mounted on its base
The second issue are the last suspension brakes. In the kit are rear oriented, actually they are forward oriented. It's not so visible so you can ignore this problem (however it's very difficult to correct it. You have to rebuild the lower hull to do it...)
The engine deck is almost good to represent a Type 59 or a T54 tank, but is wrong for a t55, so you have to change the hinges, the hatches and so on.
When you'll change the engine deck, you'll have also to draw back (4 or 5 mm) the exhaust on the fender (so you have tu cut a fender portion and rebuild it)
One of the extra fuel tank is smaller than the others two. You should rebuild it whit a resin cast.
Some details are "soft" and rough and you have to chenge it (f.e. the search light)
The gun is horrible, you surely have to get an allumium barrel but to put it on the model, it'll be required pierce the turret
The wheels and the Mg, are almost good.
The tracks aren't made in vinyl. They are in soft styrene so you can use the plastic glue. They are almost good, you can use it if you don't want to get the Friulmodel track links

In my opinion, to make a good work, it'll be necessary have a lot of references pics and mostly GOOD DRAWINGS IN SCALE

cheers...and good luck

Mauro....engine deck?!?!don't say me this!!
I think that you're scaring our common fellow.....
See you tomorrow ;-)
Ciro

A while time ago I'd tried to improve an Esci kit bought on special offer

I rebuilt the lower hull





And i'd begun to modify the upper hull




....after then.... I bought the Tamyia kit

If you need some pic or drawing ask me ... i have about 1GB of T54-55 references on my pc

But if you have some doubt, ask to Ciro. Is the most t55 expert that i know

Cheers to all

See you

HERE

You can find some t55 user manual drawings. It'll be helpful for your work
BE CAREFUL, is an EARLY t55 version manual

Cheers