Could someone please fill me in on whether it would be easier to use Trumpeter's Type 69 as a foundation to making a more "realistic" representation of the actual tank or should I start by using the Tamiya's T-55? Or is this like comparing apples and oranges?

Thank you in advance!!!!

Kurt

It's all a matter of finances. The Trumpeter kits can be had for as little as $5.00 since the Tamiiya kit came out. They will build into nice models, albeit a little soft on detail in some areas. Problems like a 1mm difference in height don't bother me, especailly since it's easily fixed. The main problem you're going to run into is that although the Trumpeter kit says "Type 69" on the box, it does not have the fan bulge on the lower rear hull, similar to the one seen on T-62's. Whether going Tamyia or Trumpeter, you'll have to add the bulge.
At least the Trumpeter kit supplies a semblance ot the correct lights, light guards and additional access covers on the top rear hull. . They'll need work, but if you're just building for fun and not super accuracy, you can use them. The Trumpeter kit has more of what you need in it. Otherwise, go for the Tamiya one, and scratch the missing parts. It'll have better detail and in the long run only cost about $20.00 more.

Well, it's been three years, so maybe I did go with the Tamiya when I built it. I built a fair enough number that they seem to blur together. At any rate, the kit is no longer in my possession, but I know I took the time to add the bulge fashioned from a section of 1/25 truck gas tank.
As for differing measurements on the height difference, I'm measuring just the height to the fenders. Perhaps the hull or turret heights are different, but I don't have a problem with the fender height difference. Come to think of it, if you're going to use the Trumpeter kit, you can adjust the suspension slightly and you won't see a difference at all Had I cared at the time, I may have done the same. This pic shows the Trumpeter and Tamiya kit side by side. It also shows the bulkiness of the Trumpeter detail on the plow attachments. Both kits have been rotated to the bottom of the "to do" list and haven't been worked on in almost three years.

I also build the trumpeter version, the T69 was the cheapest I could find,10 euro's and that a bargain, tracks are bad ,plastic, dark green, was rebelling against the glue's i used,but it sticked in the end.
I just wanted to depict a "dead" T54 left at Kabul airport/armour boneyard, I saw some pics and said Heck why don't I try that.





greetz Tha Pit

Nice job on your bone yard dog. I really like it. I think you did a great job on the rust and faded paint. Greg.

Aloha guys!!

Sorry its taken me forever to get back with you. Thanks to all of you for your wise advice. Advice that is well taken.

Happy Modelling!!!