Trumpeter's T-55 model 1958 with BTU-55 1/35 scale

[Dunhill2005]

Moin!!!!!!!
This is my first time that I show a kit in the manufacturing. So please don’t make me completely down.

Normally I was never disappointed with the quality of Trumpeter models. But that's different in this.
OK, the kit cost only 13 €, but I expected more. There are some parts they do not fit. They are too long, as the steel cables on the dozer and then there are parts which are too short, like the mechanical operation of the IR light on the turret.

In the kit are also rubber tracks which I always have problems to paint. Who has a good method to paint them, please give me a clue.

Incidentally, this is also my first Russian Tank from the time of the Cold War. This will not be my last.
Because I think that Russian tanks have a cool martial look.

The turret is almost finished. Still a few small details in chipping and washing.

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Greetings to all of you
On the hull and the chassis a few parts must assembled and puttied unnecessary holes before I can start with the primer.

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[T3hGuppy]

Even with the fit issues you mentioned she is coming together very well indeed.

[Coen]

Hey Dunhill for those rubber tracks, if you don't want to replace them with some better aftermarket ones, it's all about primer Dude.
I always throw away those rubber ones myself because they're difficult, but if you use a really good primer paint on them and try to handle them a little as possible they should be ok.

The tank itself looks great buddy. She's a real mean looking machine.
Nice job so far.

[Beserker]

Coen....any suggestion for which primer?

[longlance67]

Nice work, the dozer blade really adds to the tank



nice job mate



Shane.

[Coen]

Hmmm Which primer?
Right now I'd have to say either Vallejo surface primer or one of the Alclads. From what I've read, other than automotive primers, those are the best for the difficult surfaces.
I'm not an expert on primers yet. That would be Paul I think. I'm pretty sure that he owns ever paint ever made haha.
If you really want great advice on paints Paul is definitely the fella to ask.

[NovYank]

Looks incredible!!! It breaks the mold on the standard of Soviet armor. That plow makes it have its own unique appearance.

[Paul]

Coen....any suggestion for which primer?

Grey

[Beserker]

Coen....any suggestion for which primer?

Grey

I suspect 'Dunhill' who wrote:

"In the kit are also rubber tracks which I always have problems to paint. Who has a good method to paint them, please give me a clue."

is going to put that 'advice' to good use?

[Coen]

Coen....any suggestion for which primer?

Grey

Smartarse Haha.

[Coen]

If you're looking for a method for painting tracks Dunhill, the best way is with an airbrush. It will cover in the most even and thorough fashion.
After you have the primer on then it's up to you as to what colours to add after that.
Pigments and weathering can be added last with a paint brush.

Each set of tracks is a bit different, as it depends on the setting that you want your model to be part of.
Is it in operation, is it on parade, is it a rusting hulk, is it in combat, where, when... all these things will change how you colour your tracks.
If you want I'm about to do a video soon for my T34's tracks and the weathering.
They aren't rubberband tracks, but I can pull out a set and do a demonstration for you.

[Paul]

Coen....any suggestion for which primer?

Grey

I suspect 'Dunhill' who wrote:

"In the kit are also rubber tracks which I always have problems to paint. Who has a good method to paint them, please give me a clue."

is going to put that 'advice' to good use?

I was answering you though, coen has already answered the question.

I was hoping your lighthearted warm personality would appreciate a bit of humour.

[Dunhill2005]

Of course I mean rubberband tracks.
If I have painted my tracks with the airbrush and let them dry,paint is peeling down if I mount them.
I guess I should probably move the tracks less after painting (with the airbrush).
Thanks for your advice.

[Coen]

No problem Dunhill,
I hope that it works out for you. Good luck.

[Dunhill2005]

A small rubber band-track update.

Yesterday I painted my tracks with acrylic- colors and airbrush. This went totally wrong ...

I have removed the color as good as possible. Then I mounted the tracks. To simulate the slack, I have bound them with needle and thread on the wheels and then primed with Dur-acrylic paint and a brush.
The color is actually made for kids furniture. It is applied not completely covering but that should be no longer to be seen after the right paint and washing.
Wish me luck ...

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[Coen]

Needle and thread... that's clever Dunhill.
I've seen many ways to attach rubber band tracks but this is the first time that I've seen needle and thread used.
Nice tip buddy.

[Dunhill2005]

My third update...

My tank slowly takes the right look.

The base color for the tank is Russian green. The turret was also thin sprayed with olive grab. The hull has been edited with yellow sand. Would I left everything monochrome the painting look boring and contours would be lost.

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Next comes the washing and chipping ...

[Dunhill2005]

I think she's done ...
Personally, I'm satisfied with the result and I hope you also.

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[Dunhill2005]

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[Paul]

Great job mate, the dozer blade looks great, very realistic

[Nige201980]

Great job mate looks mean as and ready for a heavy work load.

[Coen]

Excellent work Dude, that blade turned out perfect too.
Great stuff buddy!