You can hardly recognize the original gun housing ! Great job on these complicated shaped parts.

Olivier

Some masterful scratcbuilding there Jim, this should be one helluva detailed model!

Another weekend update! Chapter - The right side fender and front glacis. I discovered I'm not a fan of adding the fuel lines, but it has to be done! I suppose a 'regular' T-55 wouldn't be too bad but it seems the Polish built hulls have some sort of fuel shut-off valve, it was tough trying to decipher where all the lines came and went but I think I got close. The Voyager p.e. is helpful for a lot of the small details I didn't want to try scratch building.







Cheers,
Jim

Outstanding indeed Jim !

According to my reference pictures you've made a great job on fuel pipe lines. In fact, unlike Russian and Czech models,sometime on Polish exemplars there's a third smaller tube which connets inner fuel tanks to external fuel cells

I really like the details which you've added, such as the small grill near the engine hatches and small handles on the deck

That's very inspiring, thanks a lot for sharing

Cheers

Outstanding work Jim. Superb details...

I noticed one little error that you might want to fix.

The tow bar locking latches (dont know their real name) are not correct. You'll see the correct one in the photo attached. One can get it from Eduard's T-55A photoetch set (35554).

" TARGET="_blank">http://www.pienoismallit.net/profiilit/327/kuvat/kuvapankki/kuva_90287/]

Btw. What decals are you planning to use?

Regards from Finland
Olli

Hi Guys, finally some updates (where does the time go?). I've been working on the turret, adding all the unique Finnish bits. Almost there, some smaller details on the hull yet to add, and of course the side skirts. I have been cleaning and assembling the WW2 Productions tracks for this build. If I have time I'll add the second rear stowage box too. Hei Olli!, I changed the front latches, but will leave the back ones as is - tough to see them anyway. For decals I was planning on using a combination of Echelon bits from the T-72.













Cheers,
Jim

Excellent job you've done Jim! I really like your scratch built parts and your "Polish modifications" !! Now I can't wait to see your paint job on it

A silly question. Why do you take the front wheels from a Trumpeter T-62? What happened to the original parts?
Anyway, your pics seem to demonstrate what I've always suspected: the Trumpeter T-62 kit has been made following the T-55 Tamiya as a.... "reference" . Wheels seem to have the same diameter and the same details.

I was thinking that it would be nice to start a "T-54/55 family" campaign here on Armorama. There would be a bunch of interesting subjects which could be made.

I'm waiting for your progresses. Congrats again!!

Wow Jim, thats absolutely stunning! Really top notch work, the details you added are immense, I wish my scratch building was that neat. Cant wait to see it painted.

That is some pure scratch building brilliance Jim! It looks like a total beast of a tank. Real nice work- can't wait to see some paint on it.

Thanks Guys, this has been on my 'to do' list for many years, glad I was able to get to it finally. Mauro, I used the T-62 wheels as they have the larger front hub for the bigger bearing used on the front road wheel; something the Tamiya wheels don't have. (but now I'm missing them from the T-62!). Thanks again,

Jim

Hey Jim, I missed this one! I just figured it would be on the AFV forum. I never even noticed the Russian forum before today

DO you think you'll have it painted for AMPS? Going to enter it into the Junior Category, or have you moved up to Novice now

I was wondering, if there's time, do you think you should ship the models out to Ottawa and then link up with them here on the Wednesday..or are you going to try to get them in the carry-on?

Jim,

Looks great, what did you happen to use for the mesh on the engine deck?

@ Graeme: Of course it'll be done for AMPS . Spring break this week so I should get the building done and then on to painting! I'll be taking it on carry-on, should be all right, only bringing the one thing.

@ Scott, the main grills are from this Eduard set (hard to find, ordered it direct from Eduard) and the smaller ones were cut from a scrap piece of mesh I had laying around. Scale Scenics makes a similar brass or aluminum mesh.


Jim

I usually buy my metal meshes from a well provided hardware store. They look perfect...and they are cheap

jim looking great can't wait to see this one with paint on it!!! One question are the two large boxes on the back for the exhaust ??
dave

Hi Jim. Enjoyed this thread so far ... even though Im not into moderm armor (actually never heard of this before), I can always appreciate good modelling. Your attention to detail is a joy. Keep the energy up on this one ... its a cool and unique model, which will be remembered.

@ David,
Re. the two boxes on the rear fenders; I'm not sure - they have nothing to do with the exhaust as that just exits where the normal T-55 exhaust is. I think they're just stowage boxes but I don't know why they are connected with the piping. Any Finns know?
I've gone as far as I can go before painting the lower hull so I can permanently attach the side skirts. Added the second rear bin and final details.









Thanks for looking!

Jim

Very nice job Jim;
This Marksman turret reminds me of some Star Wars walkers

I'm eager to see it with some paint on.
Olivier

Wow Jim,

looks awsome! Even without paint! Excellent job so far!

Andreas

Fantastic work on this great looking AFV! There's just something irresistible with dual barrel SPAAG's!

Cheers,
/E

Just a quick update, got the tracks on and everything base-coated - tracks look a little too red/brown but will be lightened up with dry-brush/dust. Side skirts finished up (with all 250-ish rivets!) Ready for final painting now...





Jim

Outstanding.

Jim, my hat is off!

Andreas

Amazing detail!
I cannot wait to see it painted.
I have always wondered why the US Army did not
go with the Gepard turret to replace the Sgt.York
failure.

John

What an outstanding job!