introduction
The T-55AM2B was a Czech-built ATGM missile-firing variation on the T-55 that was used by the East German army.
I could not find out a whole lot about the T-55AM2B - suffice to say that it appears to be one of the last variants produced. The most notable difference from its earlier variants is that it mounts a laser range finder and a wind sensor, as well as extra turret armor and rubber skirts. I believe it also has a better fire control system and other upgrades.
This kit was
announced here in September last year.
contents
The box art shows an East German variant in solid green and to me shows a cool looking over the shoulder stance. Once the box is open there is a whole bunch of plastic. A whopping 24 sprues total along with individual tracks the lower hull and the upper turret. Also included are 2 metal tow cables and markings for 4 different variants.
review
As I did my research and cross-referenced the sprues I learned that there are 2 engine decks in the kit. This coincides with all the questions on the web about correct engine decks, though I am far from being an expert to say if either one is completely accurate. Also note that the instructions do not give options for the 2 engine decks so be careful in choosing which to use. The instructions say to use one of them while discussions on here say that the Polish and possibly the DDR version uses the engine deck that is not supposed to be used.
Moving on the road wheels are molded with the rubber being separate from the steel.
The external fuel tanks have the retaining bolts and the plumbing as well.
The cheek armor is molded with the top, bottom, sides and rear for a more realistic mounting.
The search lights appear to have all the mechanical attachments.
Sadly the barrel is in 2 pieces but appears to be easy enough to get the seams out.
The headlight guards look pretty accurate to scale as does most of the rest of the kit.
Lastly the upper turret has nice looking texture to it.
conclusion
The whole kit looks pretty sharp, with hardly any flash noted. It will allow the modeller to build an accurate model of this variant of the T-55.
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