1/35 Rye Field Models T-55A

[Frank3k]

Getting there. Still need more dirt/scratches/rust and the tracks need weathering and some attention, plus some extra detailing.

[Story]

Nailed it.

[Frank3k]

Thanks - it's still too pristine. It needs more chipping, rust, dirt, etc. I also need to adjust the track tension, which is a bit off.

[Old Wombat]

it's still too pristine. It needs more chipping, rust, dirt, etc.

No argument here ..... But, then, I'm known for weathering the cr@p out of most of my builds (especially armour).

I also need to adjust the track tension, which is a bit off.

I'm pretty sure, if you find The Chieftain's YouTube clips on the T-55, Nick will have a quick segment on the T-55 tensioning system.

[GTX_Admin]

 

[Story]

I also need to adjust the track tension, which is a bit off.

I'm pretty sure, if you find The Chieftain's YouTube clips on the T-55, Nick will have a quick segment on the T-55 tensioning system.

 

More than you'll collectively ever want to know, with me having to go up to a filing cabinet, pull a manual and take a photo of the track-tensioning illustration.  https://thesovietarmourblog.blogspot.com/2017/01/t-54.html

[Story]

Thanks - it's still too pristine. It needs more chipping, rust, dirt, etc. I also need to adjust the track tension, which is a bit off.

1) You know what I meant - you bring it up to *that* level, then your tweaking begins.

2) Just add another link to each side, that'll give you the slop you want.

For the peanut gallery, this is WAY too loose (which means then tank could shed it's tracks if turned too hard, particularly on soft ground)
Also, note the amount of stowage - and that's BEFORE the so-damn-sad tank riders.


See the 'droop' between the top of each roadwheel? That's your sign that 1) the track tensioners for the idlers up front are busted somehow or 2) the crew is just too lazy to perform PMCS.  Look at any given T55 kit, the tracks are horizontal across the top of the roadwheels w/o 'droop'.

[Frank3k]

Either this TC keeps tight tracks, or I'm going to have to go back and droop some track.

Almost done with the tank (^see above) just need some stowage and spare tracks:

The color almost looks like a faded olive drab after the weathering:



Tank # is the year and month:



decal is from some random decal sheet:



Skull and cross bones also from another random decal sheet:



The fender is just taped on. I'm not sure if I'll keep it.

I'm also working on some figures to go with this.

[finsrin]

Looking good-n-right 
Ripe to be sitting on Acme used tanks for sale lot !

[Buzzbomb]

Big tick from me

[Story]

Either this TC keeps tight tracks, or I'm going to have to go back and droop some track.
 

Nah, you nailed it already.

The fender is just taped on. I'm not sure if I'll keep it.

One vote for KEEP

I'm also working on some figures to go with this.

THIS. Can not wait for the animations.

[Old Wombat]

Big tick from me

And me. Great work, Frank!

The fender is just taped on. I'm not sure if I'll keep it.

One vote for KEEP

Same here! So, two votes!

[Frank3k]

Thanks guys. Just noticed that the right track is high over the second wheel - the track tooth isn't in the grove all the way. I'll get the mechanic to fix it...

I still have to fix the antenna, which I've broken off three times.  I was thinking of making rubber skirts for the sides, but not sure yet. I also have the fully built but unpainted DShK for the loader's hatch, but don't want the tank to appear too "professional"

This RFM T-55A kit has been great, so far. It takes a while to build (many, many parts) but it doesn't become a slog. Only a couple of errors or unclear steps in the instructions but the molding is excellent and the details really make the tank stand out. The movable tracks are the first that I've built that actually hold together and are fairly robust.

[apophenia]

... The fender is just taped on. I'm not sure if I'll keep it...

Looks great to my eye. Nothing is going to say third-rate African force quite like sloppy tracks and a well banged-up fender 

[Dr. YoKai]

 Came out looking like it ought to, Frank.  Great work.

[Claymore]

Looks great! 

[Old Wombat]

I'd fit the DShK. Most African T-55s seem to have them (even when covered in people). All you have to do is make it look dusty, rusty & poorly maintained.

[LemonJello]

That is definitely a tired and worn, but still functioning T-55.

Well done!

[Frank3k]

I added the DShK, in original green. Hard to see in this picture - the Sun was behind a structure. Here's the T-55A with its TC:



I need to add more ammo boxes to the tank and replace the antenna.

[Kerick]

Awesome!!

[Claymore]

 Nice build and awesome paint job - looks great! 

[Old Wombat]

A child-soldier TC ... That's scary!

[Story]

[Frank3k]

I started to add stowage but:

1 - this is turning into a Mr. Creosote project - just one more tiny morsel... I got other things to do
2 - the stowage hides the details and lines of the tank, which is one thing I don't want to hide. Maybe on a Lindberg T-55 or even a Tamiya T-55 without PE it would be worthwhile.

[raafif]

Be very careful of how much stowage you add, pics I've seen of T-55s in Africa show almost no stowage.