1:35 Grilles for Russian Tank T-55A also for T-55 ENIGMA

Aber 1:35 photo-etched grilles for the T-55A and T-55 ENIGMA tank

A photo-etched metal set that replaces the plastic grilles and louvers over the engine and cooling compartment of the T-55A and of its heavily up-armored version the T-55 ENIGMA. Photo-etched metal keeps the true thickness of sheet and preserves the see-through structure of the grillework, which injected plastic cannot imitate. The package holds photo-etched parts with assembly instructions. This is not a model of a vehicle in its own right but an accessory for a kit in 1:35 scale.

The real subject

The T-55A is a later production variant of the Soviet medium tank T-55 with improved anti-radiation protection for the crew. The designation ENIGMA is used for the Iraqi upgrades of T-55 tanks from the 1980s, which received large add-on armor modules on both the hull and the turret. On both forms the engine compartment with its cooling grilles stayed close in shape to the original T-55, so the photo-etched replacement is usable for both versions.

Building and painting tips

Cut or sand away the plastic grilles from the kit and level the surface. Separate the photo-etched parts with a sharp scalpel on a hard surface and make the bends in a bending tool or between two blades. Glue with cyanoacrylate glue (super glue) onto a degreased surface. Always undercoat metal with a primer, or the paint will flake. On the desert schemes of Middle Eastern vehicles the grillework stands out after dust pigments and a gentle dry brush.

Who the set is for

• Builders of T-55A tanks and of the Iraqi T-55 ENIGMA upgrades
• Modelers who want a faithful engine compartment in 1:35 scale
• Enthusiasts of Eastern Bloc vehicles and Middle Eastern conflicts
• Modelers with experience of photo-etched parts

The set is supplied unassembled and unpainted. It is a detail accessory for a plastic kit, not a model in its own right. The base kit, glue and paints are not included in the package.