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I decided to build an Iraqi T-55A since many of these were encountered in combat by Iranian and U. S. forces. The model is the superb Tamiya kit with some aftermarket items. It fits together beautifully and it would make a nice model straight out of the box. I decided to detail mine since this was such an important and prolific tank.
Painting
All painting was done using Tamiya and Vallejo acrylics as a base coat. The tank was then washed and filtered using Windsor and Newton oils. I paint my armor using a technique very similar to Chris Mrosko’s technique that he describes in his book Panzer Tactics. The dirt and grime were done using MIG pigment powders as was the rust on the spare track and exhaust shroud.
The Iraqis seem to have very little regard for standardized tactical or identification markings. The only exception seems to be a few Republican Guard units. My markings are a close match to an Iraqi T-55 model featured in a model magazine.
The Figure
The figure is a converted resin figure from the Nimrod modern Soviet tank crew set. As a finishing touch I added a bushy mustache using Magic Sculpt. The figure was painted using oils over acrylic bases.
The Base
The base is from Custom Dioramics. I wanted the T-55 to be in an urban setting so I also added some random trash and a modern light pole from MIG Productions. It was painted in acrylics and weathered with oils and MIG pigment powders.
This was an absolute joy to build. More photos of this T-55 and other armor models are at my website: http://www.jarheadmodeler.com
Kits and Aftermarket products used for model:
Tamiya kit # 35257 T-55A
Eduard # 35554 Soviet tank T-55 detail set
Eduard # 34051 T-55A barrel
Fruilmodel #ATL-01 T54/T55/T62 Tracks
CMK Soviet tank T-55A Interior Set
Blast Models T-54/55 Update Set
Verlinden #1933 T-55 photo-etch detail set
Verlinden #1936 T-55 Engine Compartment
Trakz #TX0076 T-55 Damaged Roadwheels
Karaya #TCR06 T-55 Tow Cables
Calibur 35 #35021 T-55 Drop In Engine
Model Point #3545 Soviet radio antenna pot
References
T-54/55 Variants in Detail by Franstisck Koron and Franstisck Sykora, Wings and Wheels Publishing, 2003
AFV Modeller, Issue 26 by AFV Modeller Limited Publishing, 2006
Armor Modelling, Issue 12 by Dainippon Kaigo Co. Ltd. Publishing 2003
Modelling the T-55 Main Battle Tank by Osprey Publishing 2005
The T-54 and T-55 Main Battle Tanks, 1944-2004 by Osprey Publishing 2004
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