I'm going to model a destroyed (but not burned to the ground) T-55 for a dio. I know the Tamiya T-55 is the kit of choice, but how does the Trumpeter kit stack up to it? Is it reasonably accurate? Especially the overall shape and proportion?

Thanks-

Jim

If the kit was meant to look somewhat destroyed, would accuracy really matter?

Jazza-

Agreed...but it at least has to be close. Proportions, outlines and so forth.

Jim

I'm guessing you are asking this question because the Tamiya kit is 3-4 times the price of the Trumpeter kit?

Also bear in mind that the Tamiya kit is the T-55A whereas the Trumpeter is the earlier T-55 (the original 1958 version). I'm not sure is this is an issue...

The noticable differences between these two versions being the T-55A added an NBC protection system. T-55A used a new anti-radiation lining and PAZ/FVU chemical filtration system upgrade on the same turret. The lining caused the turret hatches to be thicker and no longer flush with the turret surface. Notable features are much larger combing on the commander's and gunner's hatch, and a large blister on the driver's hatch. The T-55A Model 1970 did begin to receive the 12.7mm MG again, but in a different position than on the T-54.

~Kitty

Decide for yourself...

T-55 kit review (minus Tamiya kit).

Tamiya T-55A review.

Personally, I would go with the Trumpeter one. If you are making it burned out, save some money and chaulk any inaccuracies up to the destruction and scavengers. I actually have an old Skif one that I plan on doing as a burned-out hulk. It comes with a partial interior to work with as well. My personal favorite for a destroyed T-55.

The biggest noticeable issues with the Trumpeter kit are the misshapen lower rear hull (to accomodate the motor) and the sprockets. The rear hull is easily fixed with a little cutting and replacing of the lower plate with sheet styrene. The sprockets can be replaced by Esci parts, left off entirely, or just bent and mangled. If you do have an Esci donor kit, it wouldn't hurt to replace those tow hooks as well.
If you're wondering why someone would have a dozen "donor" lying kits about, there was a time when the cheapest/best way to obtain proper T-62 wheels was to make them from the Esci wheels.
As for the Skif kit, IMHO, it doesn't even make for a good wreck. The wheels are horrendous and the lack of undercutting on the turret race armor make it far too toylike. Trumpeter kits can be found for $5.00, and with the engine from one of their Chinese howitzer kits, you can get a lot of bang for the buck at far less than Tamiya prices.

I think the Tamiya kit is top notch. far too nice to tear up as it builds into a beautiful OOB . I only added a metal gun tube to mine. That having been said. If you are going to destroy it then go with Trmpeter it's less than half the price

then again, mig productions has a special burn out kit for the tamiya T-55.

Hi Jaster,
Check out the new(ish) Osprey "Modelling the T-55 Main Battle Tank" by Nicola Cortese, Graeme davidson and Sam Dwyer. Mr. Dwyer builds a very nice burned out T-69 ( Iraqi), he uses the Tamiya T-55 and Trumpeter T-69. Check it out, well worth the price of the book.
HTH
Joker

I agree as well, the Trumpeter kit is just fine for a wreck, and just a bit more work for a good one...

All,

Thanks for the input...

I think the $ factor is going to win out here. I can get the Trumpeter kit for less than 1/2 the cost of the Tamiya, and it seem slike a shame to trash the Tamiya kit.

However I will take a look at the Osprey book a well as the Verlinden "burned out" kit.

Jim

Hello friends:

About the Skif kit, not is bad, only something of patience is needed to obtain good result although the plastico is something soft and fragile.
This is my workj with Skif - T55 Libyan Version. I hope you like it



From Tamiya and Trumpeter, I think that Tamiya is the best choice

Regards,
Rodolfo

Just to let you know great Models has the Trumpeter T-55 on sale for 14.05, just thought you might like to know.



Herky

Rodolfo- Nice looking build.

Jeremy- Thanks for the tip. My LHS (Great Lakes Hobbys) has it in stock for about $15.

If your going for a wreck, then go after the trumpeter kit. Tamiya's is a beautiful kit to destroy, trust me, if you wreck it, no one will notice if the stowage door is off by a quarter inch or whatever. They will only notice the beauty of your work.

Go here:
http://www5b.biglobe.ne.jp/~TANK-GUY/KIT-REVIEW06.html