Just got the Tamiya T-55 and was wondering which option I should choose to get as close as possible to an Iraqi T-55 OOTB. Also, what color should I use for the exterior? Thanks for any replies!

The Iraqi T55's that I saw (which had not burned) were painted in a greyish sand color.

Some time ago someone posted a picture of the line of captured Iraqi tanks on one of the forums I read. There were no two tanks in this group with the same paint color on them. So you can use any sand color you want - faded, greyish shade preferred.

Rgds,
Pawel

I also made an Iraqi tank but it is the T72. For it I use Desert Yellow. Commonly, tanks in the desert are painted either in Sand, Desert Yellow etc. - anything that would blend them with the desert. Check my site to see my finished T-72.

Blank:
From photos I've seen you can pretty much build the kit OOTB, change the markings, paint the tank a sand color and paint the tow hooks red and you'll be OK. There are more elaborate versions of the T-55 as well, but I have seen photos (and built one) that is pretty much stock russian equipment.

Here is a link to the T-55 I built.

https://armorama.kitmaker.net/forums/19181&page=1

I DO NOT attest to be the IRAQI armor expert but..... I dont think that the Iraqui's got T55M's
T55M1's or M2's. These were saved for more finacial stable customers. They did receive a
lot of Chinese built T69 based tanks tho. The best book I have found on the T-55 series is by Zaloga. he also has one on the T-62 and T-64, and T-72. They are magazine type format
w/ B/W and color photos.
The ALL BEST T-55 is by Tamiya now, and there are 4 companies that are making
Irqui update sets so do some web searches and check your referances and you should be pretty safe. Good Luck