Hi all,

I have a question about the possibility using Modelkasten T-72 workable tracks on Tamiyas T-55 drive sprocket.
I want to build a T-55 AM2 Kladivo (CMK conversion) on Tamiyas T-55 and I want to buy the MK T-72 track because it is cheaper in Germany than the Friul tracks.
Whats up with the fitting on the drive sprocket?


Greets from Germany

arne

Hello Arne,
I could answer in German, but this is some quite important information.
You cannot use the T-72 tracks and the T-55 drive sprockets as the T-55 was rebuilt with T-72 drive sprockets when fitted with T-72 tracks.

So you need to get Friuls T-72 drive sprockets, too.


Thomas

PS: Wenn du noch Fragen bezgl. des T-55AM2 hast, dann kannst du mir auch eine email oder PM schicken.

short answer: Thomas is right.

Long answer: The MK T-72 tracks will wrap around *most* of the T-55 sprocket. Only about 2-3 teeth won't line up.

So, if you are building a AM2 with side skirts, you can hide the part where the track jumps the sprocket under the rear skirt.

Other answer: The CMK conversion is horrible. If its not too late, do not buy it. Although well cast, it simply does not fit in many places and looks as it if were designed for another kit. I'm in the middle of building it now, and if I could start over, I'd scratchbuild or use a PZ shop conversion.

check out my gallery for some of the CMK issues...

Hi Storm,

first thanks for reply.
The CMK conversion kit is really worse? Is the casting ok?
Whats up with the Real Model conversion?
Can I use this for the Tamiya T-55?
I´m also thinking about Panzer Shop, but they are not available in Germany so I have to order this kit in the Czech Republic. I have mailed Libor Matejka of Panzer Shop and he told me that it´s best sending the money with registered letter but I´m afraid loosing my money on the way.

Greetings
Arne

Hi, I I can't say for sure if the CMK kit is worse than any other Kladivo conversion as its the only one I have. I can only say that on the CMK kit that:
-side skirts didn't fit
-barrel was difficult (no groove for jacketing, get the MP barrel instead)
-gun mantlet cover was a fair bit undersize
-etch deck screens were not a great fit

The parts were however casted very well, which is probably why the kit has got such good reviews. In the box, it looks terrific. On the model, its a different story.

Like I said, its not that hard to scratch build one. Once you have the turret armour done, you're home free. the rest is not that difficult.

Wow thats pretty interesting about the CMK kit...I heard from a fairly well known modeller that it blew the Panzershop offering out of the water. I almost got it because of this, but I already had the Panzershop kit in my stash.

Arne, I usually pay with my credit card.

I print out the order form, fill it out, scan it and mail as a jpeg.

Thomas

Hi Thomas,

thats ok, but the problem is that I have no Credit Card and a registered letter is too unsafe for me.

Greetings
Arne

Hi Scott,

I read the same thing in the Track-Link review page but I´m a little bit confused.
Which conversion kit is the best for the Tamiya T-55??????????
What´s up with the Real Model T-55 AM2 kit?
I saw a Real Model conversion kit called T-55 A5M!
It looks like the AM2 but without the Tucha 902 smoke discharger and I found nothing in my reference materials.

Greetinggs

Arne

I did the same Scott; picked it up on good word of mouth. Click on "my pictures" and you'll see a few photos that are indicative of the general fit quality.

I just finsihed building the kit about 20 minutes ago and will shoot the paint tomorrow.

Hi Storm,

huh, thats not good. I saw your pictures and I think also that the CMK kit was not developed for the Tamiya T-55.
Real Model has two kits available. One AM2 Hammer (for Tamiya? I don´t know!!!!) and another kit called A5M Hammer. This one looks like a Hammer but has no smoke discharger system attached on the turret side. Hmmmmm?


p.s.

Your AS-90 and especially your OPFOR BMP looks very well and I downloaded it for my reference.

Greetings
Arne

I didn't know Real Model made an AM2 ~ I'll have to check that out.

I'll U/L a pic of the Kladivo so you can see the drive sprocket. The side skirts will cover the T55 sproket to an extent that you won't have to worry too much about the tracks, or, go with Fruil right from the start!

Note that this picture I'm using the Modelpoint barrel, smoke grenades, an AMU. I also scuplted the soft stowage (the CMK stuff looked like a resin casting of tissue paper)

Hi Storm,

your Kladivo looks great.
I like the MK Tracks because they are easy to assemble and working like the Friul tracks.
With MP I have some delivery problems.
In Germany is no distributor available.

Greetings
Arne