Hi All.

I'm building my first T-55t. The kit I've selected in the Tamiya T-55. I'd like to add some detail sets to this one but keep it as a basic T-55. I'm aware of sets such as Verlinden engine and CMK engine but I'd like to know your thoughts of which detail sets to get. From the photos the CMK engine looks nicer than the VP but it's only a photo.

If you've built a basic Tam T-55 and added some update / details sets, which ones did you add and c I get your thougths.

Regards
Shane

Thanks Gary.




Well, I'm from Australia but I fail to see how that's relevent. Sorry. I couldn't resist that one.

I was thinking Russian.

I have the Fruil tracks already. I didn't want to do a conversion so replacing kit items with "better" ones was the way I wanted to go. I looked at the Aber sets including the barrel. Thanks on the heads up on the VP engine. The CMK one does look nice and they have a turret interor.

T-55? I'm learning a lot and plan to use this build to learn more ready for a conversion or two down the track.

Thanks again for the feedback.

Cheers
Shane

There are also some VERY nice resin click together T-55 tracks from a company in Australia of all places, they are a nice addition as well.

Gary pretty much hit on everything else relevent to non-conversions.

Though fiddly as hell you might want to consider the ModelKasten tracks for your T-55. They are the most accurate and yet the most difficult to work with but patience will rule the day and they will look nice. There is a comparison review at Perth Military Modeller site.

Also from the review of a friend the CMK interior and engine sets are very nice too.

I guess it all boils down to what you are willing to spend.

Hey,

I have used the CMK interior and engine set for my T-55.

They are very comprehensive with a poop load of small parts! Be carefull to check the contents of the box as my interior set was missing parts! .





cheers

as of posting these pictures i have repaired the engine grills!!!!!!

wow. wouls you have more photos of this model? I'm saving up for buying the CMK interior (and engine)... it really looks awsome.

You could try Blast Models T-55 update set. Lots of nice options and gorgeous casting. They also do a Tiran conversion as well.

sure, here you go....







cheers

Did you really light the interior there sauceman? Nice job.

Now I've got T-55 on the brain. I've done 1 so far and it is a super nice kit. I will replace the rubber bands next time though along with other stuff to add on. Just wish that Tamiya had gone one step further and put some extra parts in to do the Czech/Polish made types. What, an extra buck on the price would have been worth it.

Thanks, i added a small bulb behind the drivers hatch and ran the wires thru the hull in the dead space in the right front corner...



and ran them thru the base to the switch and battery....



this seems to light up the interior nicely...



cheers

Muy bueno! I really like the internal light.

Just my 2¢ worth...here's what I have for T-55 updates:

1) Lionroar #35011 PE update set - it includes full replacements for the fuel barrels (tough to work with but nice if you have the patience). However it is pretty basic compared to others. You can see photos of my WIP T-55 using this kit at http://armorama.com/forums/70686&page=6

2) Eduard #35554 PE set - seems much more comprehensive, but honestly the Tamiya kit is really nice OOB and it may be overkill.
3) Royal Model #349 - I have one but haven't used it yet.
4) CMK #3045, T-55AM2 "Kladivo" conversion kit
5) Verlinden #1944, Iraqi Enigma conversion kit.
6) Legend LF1052, IDF Tiran-5 conversion kit.

There is a dozer blade on the market but I'm going to use the one included in the Trumpeter #313 T-55 Model 1958 kit.