Modeller Build Logs

T-54 Model 1949

When the T-44 came into service in 1944, it was beset with technical issues that prevented its wide scale production, with the major issue being the lack of turret space to fit a larger caliber gun into it. The T-44 was further developed into the T-54 MBT, which entered production in 1946/47 time frame. It incorporated a new turret and a 100MM gun from the SU-100, which solved the shortcomings of the T-44 Turret Design. The problem with the T-54 Model 1946 was the shape of the turret; the front of the turret provided a shot-trap due to its shape. The T-54 m1949 introduced a new dome shaped turret which was the basis of the now classic T-54 M1951/T-55 Series tanks turret shape which is a further simplification of the Model 1949 turret on the T-54. I will be using Tamiya’s T-55 kit as the basis of this conversion. The turret is from Modelpoint and the road wheels and engine deck are from The Tank Workshop. I will also be using an Eduard Photo etch set, bits from the spare parts box and scratch built details to further accuratize the kit.