I recently bought a package deal consisting of the ESCI T-55 IDF version that had some AEF Design resin parts in it. I just grabbed it without looking really closely since I really wanted the T-55 kit anyway, but upon closer examination, realized I had bought something a little unusual. The AEF parts are for a "T-55 S" conversion. It looks like parts for an engine swap. There's a single armored air cleaner similar to a Magach part, new engine deck and rear plate, a shrouded 105mm gun tube, a few miscellaneous fittings and one tool box.
A quick Google search for T-55 S came up with modernized T-55 pics, but not what this AEF kit is meant to depict.
Personally this is new to me, but looks like maybe a test rig for a Continental engine swap.
Can anyone shed more light on this?
Thanks!

Hi Russel,
It sounds like it may be an I.D.F. project they called "samovar" and if I remember correctly it recieved a M109 engine and trans. in place of the original. PM me your e-mail address and I'll send you a copy of a short article I have on it.

Sean

On the way, thanks!

Here are two related threads :

http://www.idf-modelling.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=2727&p=27042&hilit=samovar#p27042

http://scalemodels.ru/modules/forum/viewtopic_t_39148.html

H.P.

Thanks, Frenchy! That's the exact engine deck in my bag. Now to decide what to do with it....
I had heard of the Samovar but never paid too much attention to it since it was a one-off and I try to do in-service versions of IDF subjects, but who knows, maybe it's time for a change of pace.

Russel,
did you get the article scan ?

Sean

Yes, came in this morning. Thank you kindly!
I was actually kind of surprised at the quality of the parts in this particular bag. I've had some truly horrendous parts in AEF bags and some not quite so bad. These parts actually look pretty good, aside from some slight damage from being inside a plastic kit box that looks like it's been around the world a time or two. The resin is even more like Verlinden's tan color than the normal (to me) AEF greyish stuff.