1:35 T-55 POLISH PROD.

The T-55 of Polish production in 1:35 scale from MiniArt

A plastic kit of the T-55 medium tank in the form of Polish licensed production, in 1:35 scale from the Ukrainian maker MiniArt. The brand is known for richly broken-down moldings and for care over the small differences between individual production batches - and this variant of a widespread type builds on exactly that.

The real subject

The T-55 is a postwar Soviet medium tank, the successor to the T-54, and together with it one of the most widespread tanks in history. Besides the Soviet Union it was also built under license in other Warsaw Pact countries; Polish production differed from the Soviet machines in a range of manufacturing details. With its classic hemispherical turret and 100 mm gun, the tank served in dozens of armies around the world and in many of them it lasted for decades.

Building and painting tips

The most laborious part tends to be the running gear - the tracks and the road wheels deserve patience and dry fitting as you go. The basic green scheme is brought to life by washes in the recesses, a dry brush on the edges and dust or mud pigments on the tracks and the fenders. Imitate small paint chips with a sponge and a dark brown paint.

Who the model is for

• For collectors of Cold War and Warsaw Pact equipment.
• For modelers interested in the less usual production variants of well-known types.
• For more advanced builders who will appreciate a finely broken-down kit.
• For builders of dioramas with postwar armored vehicles.

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