This is the second conversion Legend released and recommends using the T-55 Tamiya kit as a starting point. This one also lists the Friul/Model Kasten T-72 track as a needed component for the full conversion. We reviewed the other T-55 Enigma release a few days ago. This kit is a little more complex and slightly more costly.

The T-55AM2B is a post-cold war export from the Czech Republic. It has several modern upgrades including turret brow armour, laser rangefinder over the main gun, rubber side skirts, and thicker front hull armour than the T-55A.

There appears to be a good amount of photo reference online for the AM2B, however not a lot of textual reference was found. There is a section in Osprey book Modelling the T-55 Main Battle Tank on this tank though. That section and model was done by Graeme Davidson. We actually reviewed that book as well.

The Kit

There is a considerable amount of resin in this kit. As you can see from the photos of the instructions below the side armor, back deck, turret, and front glacis plate are all replaced with resin. As with the other Legend conversions I have been reviewing this one is no different in terms of the quality of the resin castings. There is a lot of detail to be observed here and should be evident in the accompanying photos. I would like to point out that this is not likely a project for first-time resin modelers. However I think most of the challenges in this type of kit will be with more simple part prep. Meaning getting some of the pieces removed from their casting bits and getting them sanded and ready for use on the model.

This kit comes with a large photo-etch sheet. There are a lot of small straps and mounting parts for the extra fuel tanks and other add-ons. There are also several lengths of wire, and string for tubes, hosing and cables.This conversion has no decals.

The instructions are in two full color sheets (front and back). For the most part Legend shows the modeler the final location of parts without a lot of info about assembly or order of operation.

Conclusions

Since I am not seeing much in the way of alternate conversion kits for this variant, I am going to go out on a limb here and theorize that Legend has beaten everyone else to the punch on this one. If so this will obviously be a bit of a no-brainer for modelers interested in doing this one up. As with most Legend sets, cost may be an issue for some. But unless your goal is to scratch-build the conversion this kit will likely save you loads of time, money and energy on making an AM2B.