T-55A Mod. 1981

MiniArt, 1/35 scale

Reviewed by Jason Woollett

Summary

FirstLook

After MiniArt’s various T-54 releases, they have now moved on to the T-55, with this being the T-55A Mod. 1981, interior kit.

When the Editor opened the box to take some photos, both he and I were amazed at the amount of sprues in the box, and also that we were unable to repack them all in the box and close the lid!

This kit has approximately 1,111 plastic pieces, 26 clear pieces, three frets of photo etch totalling 137 pieces and a decal sheet with five options.

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Thumbnail panels:

This is one highly detailed kit, with a fully detailed interior of both turret and hull. Some of the highlights are a beautifully done V55 engine, hatches that can be in the opened or closed position as well as individual track links with separate track pins that can be made to be workable.

Three frets of photo etch provided for the engine screens and the various handles and brackets throughout the tank.

The kit has options for the torsion bars to be movable or locked, enabling you to have working suspension, as well as the fittings for the mine roller system (mine roller not included). What is included however, is the driver’s rain hood that may be erected on put in the stored position.

The turret offers the option of the main gun mantlet cover being used, as well as the Infrared light being exposed or covered.

Clear parts are provided for lenses and vision blocks.

There are five options provided on the decal sheet. The decals are beautifully printed, are clear and in good register.

Marking options are:

• T-55A – Of a limited contingent of the Soviet troops in Afghanistan (OKSVA), the 40th Army of the Turkestan Military District, during the 1980s.

• T-55A – Unidentified Marine Corps Unit of the USSR during the 1980s.

• T-55A – Recommended colouring of armoured vehicles for desert backgrounds, as published by the Ministry of Defence of the USSR 1977

• T-55A – Recommended colouring of armoured vehicles for plant backgrounds, as published by the Ministry of Defence of the USSR 1977

• T-55A – Recommended colouring of armoured vehicles for snowy backgrounds, as published by the Ministry of Defence of the USSR 1977. Posted October 11

The instruction sheet is well laid out. It includes colour front and side views of the five decal options and also provides the modeller with a colour chart of nine popular paint manufactures to complete your model.
If you want a complete T-55A, then this is the kit for you. Whilst not a weekend build, I believe that Miniart has done an outstanding job in bringing a plastic kit that really needs no aftermarket parts.

Thanks to MiniArt via Creative Models Australia for the sample www.creativemodels.com.au