1:48 T-55

Tamiya 1:48 T-55 — Soviet medium tank (plastic kit)

An injection-molded plastic kit of the T-55 medium tank in 1:48 scale from the Japanese maker Tamiya, part of its 1:48 military miniature range. The 1:48 scale is smaller than that of the usual 1:35 tank kits, so the model takes less space and has a lower parts count. The low silhouette, the cast hemispherical turret and the characteristic gun are all faithfully captured in the molding. A commander figure and decals for one marking option are usually included.

The real subject

The T-55 is a Soviet medium tank that came about as a development improvement of the T-54 at a time of rising Cold War tension. It is marked by a very low silhouette, a cast hemispherical turret and a 100mm gun; it was powered by a diesel engine. The design was exceptionally well suited to mass production and ranks among the most numerously built tanks in history. It served with the armies of the Warsaw Pact and of many other states and took part in many conflicts, above all in the Middle East.

Building and painting tips

Glue the plastic parts with a thin plastic cement. Finish the running gear — the wheels and the tracks — before you close the hull and fit the turret. A primer, painting with an airbrush and finally weathering are recommended: darker washes in the recesses and engraved lines bring out the detail, and pigments on the lower areas and the running gear create the convincing dust and mud effects typical of a tank operating in the field.

Who the model is for

• Modelers interested in Soviet Cold War armor
• Builders who will appreciate the smaller 1:48 scale and the space it saves in a display case
• Beginners and the advanced alike, thanks to a sensible parts count
• Collectors of Warsaw Pact tanks

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.