Trumpeter 1/35 Gaz-66 + Takom 1/35 T-55A

The history part comes next i hope this does not make for a long boring thread.

The GAZ-66 is a Soviet and later Russian 4x4 all-road (off-road) military truck produced by GAZ. It was one of the main cargo vehicles for motorized infantry of the Soviet Army and is still employed in former Soviet Union countries. It is nicknamed shishiga (шишига) shehsherik (шешерик) trueman (in Siberia).
The GAZ-66 has gained legendary status in many countries around the world due to its reliability, simplicity and off-road capability. Thanks to standard features, such as a front-mounted winch, Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS) and self-locking differentials, the GAZ-66 is extremely popular worldwide with armed forces and off-road enthusiasts. Production ceased in 1999, with the GAZ-3308 being produced instead.

Basic versions

220px-Tolna_Feuerwehr_0032 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

220px-ГАЗ-66_в_Хабаровске by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

220px-GAZ-66_truck_in_Russian_military_service,_used_as_a_communication_centre by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

220px-GAZ_66 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr
GAZ-66 platform truck

220px-A_GAZ-66_truck_at_Tambov_Airshow_2007 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

lossy-page1-220px-ASC_Leiden_-_Coutinho_Collection_-_G_20_-_Life_in_Ziguinchor,_Senegal_-_PAIGC_office_in_Ziguinchor,_also_Coutinho’s_home_-_1973.tif by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr
GAZ-66 in military service with the PAIGC liberation movement in Guinea-Bissau, 1973

• GAZ-66-1 (1964-1968) - the first model with no centralized system for adjusting the air pressure in the tires
• GAZ-66A (1964-1968) - with a winch
• GAZ-34 - a 6 × 6 prototype
• GAZ-66B (1966) - Airborne version with telescopic steering column, folding roof and folding windshield frame
• GAZ-66D (1964-1968) - the chassis with a power take-off
• GAZ-66P - tractor (experimental)
• GAZ-66E (1964-1968) - with shielded electrical equipment
• GAZ-66-01 (1968-1985) - the base model with a centralized control system for tire pressure
• GAZ-66-02 (1968-1985) - with a winch
• GAZ-66-03 (1964-1968) - with shielded electrical equipment
• GAZ-66-04 (1968-1985) - the chassis with shielded electrical equipment
• GAZ-66-05 (1968-1985) - with shielded electrical equipment and a winch
• GAZ-66-11 (1985-1996) - upgraded base model
• GAZ-66-12 (1985-1996) - with a winch
• GAZ-66-14 (1985-1996) - the chassis with shielded electrical equipment and a power take-off
Military versions
• GAZ-66-15 (1985-1996) - with shielded electrical equipment and a winch
• GAZ-66-16 (1991-1993) - modernized version with ZMZ-513.10, reinforced tires (wheels - lean), completed the brakes, the platform without intruding wheel niches (also installed on GAZ-66-11 and GAZ-66-40 ), load capacity 2.3 tons
• GAZ-66-21 (1993-1995) - the national-economic modification with the dual tires and rear axle wooden platform GAZ-53, load capacity 3.5 tons
• GAZ-66-31 - chassis for trucks
• GAZ-66-41 (1992-1995) - a naturally aspirated GAZ-544 diesel engine
• GAZ-66-40 (1995-1999) - with a GAZ-5441 turbodiesel
• GAZ-66-92 (1987-1995) - for use in the far north
• GAZ-66-96 - chassis for shift buses

Specifications

Specifications for GAZ 66-11
Design
• Cab-forward design, 2-seat cab + 21 passengers in the back.
• Payload: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb) plus the same weight trailer
• Suspension: Solid axles with leaf springs
Engine
• Type- ZMZ-66-06 V8 petrol (carburetor) OHV engine
• Displacement: 4,254 cc (Bore 92 mm (3.622 in), Stroke 80 mm (3.150 in))
• Compression ratio: 7.6:1
• Output: 120 hp (89 kW) @ 3,200 rpm
• Torque: 284.5 N⋅m (210 lbf⋅ft) @ 2,000-2200 rpm
• Max. speed- 90 km/h (56 mph)(speed governed)
Brakes
• Type: Drums, with hydraulic control, single circuit, servo assisted
• Stopping distance from 20 mph: 27'
Measurements
• L×W×H: 5,805 mm (19 ft 1 in) x 2,322 mm (7 ft 7 in) x 2,490 mm (8 ft 2 in)(cab) / 2,520 mm (8 ft 3 in)(tent)
• Wheelbase: 3,300 mm (129.92 in)
• Track front/rear: 1,820 mm (71.65 in)/1,750 mm (68.90 in)
• Curb weight: 3,440 kg (7,580 lb)
• Fuel tanks: 2 x 105 l (23 imp gal; 28 US gal)
• Fuel economy: 31.5 l/100 km (9 mpg‑imp; 7 mpg‑US)
Maneuverability
• Turning circle: 9.5 m (31 ft)
• Approach angle: 41°
• Departure angle: 32°
• Max. ascent angle: 31–37° (fully loaded)
• Ground clearance: 315 mm (12 in)
• Fording depth: 1 m (39 in)
Tires
• Size: 12–18"
• Pressure: Adjustable with central tyre inflation system from cab

Post by **gaz45** » Tue May 01, 2018 6:27 pm

The second history part

The T-54 and T-55 tanks are a series of Soviet main battle tanks introduced in the years following the Second World War. The first T-54 prototype was completed at Nizhny Tagil by the end of 1945.[2] Initial production ramp up settled for 1947 at Nizhny Tagil, and 1948 for Kharkov were halted and curtailed as many problems were uncovered; the T-34-85 still accounted for 88 percent of production through the 50's.[2] The T-54 eventually became the main tank for armoured units of the Soviet Army, armies of the Warsaw Pact countries, and many others. T-54s and T-55s have been involved in many of the world's armed conflicts since the later part of the 20th century.
The T-54/55 series eventually became the most-produced tank in military history. Estimated production numbers for the series range from 86,000 to 100,000. They were replaced by the T-62, T-64, T-72, T-80, T-90 and soon, T-14 tanks in the Soviet and Russian armies, but remain in use by up to 50 other armies worldwide, some having received sophisticated retrofitting.
During the Cold War, Soviet tanks never directly faced their NATO adversaries in combat in Europe. However, the T-54/55's first appearance in the West around the period of the 1950s (then the beginning of the Cold War) spurred the United Kingdom to develop a new tank gun, the Royal Ordnance L7, and the United States to develop the M60 Patton.

T-54/55

300px-T-55_4 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr
A T-55 tank.
Type • Medium tank
• Main battle tank
Place of origin Soviet Union
Service history
In service 1949–present
Used by See Operators
Production history
Designer • KMDB (T-54)
• OKB-520 (T-54A and later)
Designed 1945–1958
Manufacturer • KhPZ, UVZ (USSR)
• Bumar-Łabędy (Poland)
• ZTS Martin (Czechoslovakia)
Produced • 1946–1981 (USSR)
• 1956–1979 (Poland)
• 1957–1983 (Czechoslovakia)
No. built 86,000–100,000+ est.
Variants See Operators and variantssection below
Specifications (T-55)
Weight 36 tonnes (39.7 ST)
Length 9.00 m (with gun forward)
Width 3.37 m
Height 2.40 m
Crew 4
Armour 205 mm turret front
130 mm turret sides
60 mm turret rear
30 mm turret roof
120 mm hull front at 60° (100 mm after 1949)[1]
79 mm hull upper sides
20 mm hull lower sides
60 mm at 0° hull rear
20 mm hull bottom
33-16 mm hull roof
Main D-10T 100 mm rifled gun
armament
Secondary 7.62 mm SGMT coaxial machine gun, (12.7 mm DShK heavy machine gun)
armament
Engine Model V-55(V-54) V-12 water-cooled. 38.88-l diesel
500 hp (373 kW) up to 800hp (597 kW) (late versions)
Power/weight 14.6 hp (10.4 kW) / tonne
Transmission Mechanical [synchromesh], 5 forward, 1 reverse gears
Suspension Torsion bar
Ground clearance 0.425 m
Fuel capacity 580 l internal, 320 l external (less on early T54), 400 l jettisonable rear drums
Speed 48 km/h (30 mp

T-55

300px-T-55_schematic by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr
T-55 front, rear and side elevations

Trials with nuclear weapons showed that a T-54 could survive a 2–15 kt nuclear charge at a range of more than 300 metres (980 ft) from the epicentre, but the crew only had a chance of surviving at 700 metres (2,300 ft). It was decided to create an NBC (nuclear, biological, and chemical) protection system which would start working 0.3 seconds after detecting gamma radiation.
The task of creating a basic PAZ (Protivoatomnaya Zashchita) NBC protection system offering protection against the blast of a nuclear explosion and (radioactive) particulate filtration, but not against external gamma radiation or gas, was given to the KB-60 design bureau in Kharkov and was completed in 1956. The documentation was sent to Uralvagonzavod. It was decided to increase the tank's battle capabilities by changing the tank's construction and introducing new production technologies. Many of those changes were initially tested on the T-54M (Ob'yekt 139). The tank was fitted with the new V-55 12-cylinder 4-stroke one-chamber 38.88 litre water-cooled diesel engine developing 581 hp (433 kW). Greater engine power was accomplished by increasing the pressure of the fuel delivery and charging degree. The designers planned to introduce a heating system for the engine compartment and MC-1 diesel fuel filter. The engine was to be started pneumatically with the use of an AK-150S charger and an electric starter. This eliminated the need for the tank to carry a tank filled with air. To allow easier access during maintenance and repairs, it was decided to change hatches over the engine compartment. To increase the operational range, 300 litres (66 imp gal; 79 US gal) fuel tanks were added to the front of the hull, increasing the overall fuel capacity to 680 litres (150 imp gal; 180 US gal).

220px-T-55_icon by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr
The original T-55 lacked an antiaircraft machine gun mount.

The ammunition load for the main gun was increased from 34 to 45, with 18 shells stored in so called "wet containers" located in hull fuel tanks (the concept for which came from Kartsev's cancelled Ob'yekt 140). The ammunition load included high explosive-fragmentation and anti-tank rounds and designers also planned to introduce the BK5M HEAT rounds which penetrated 390 millimetres (15 in) thick armour. The TPKU commander's vision device was replaced by either the TPKUB or TPKU-2B. The gunner received a TNP-165 vision device. The loader's hatch-mounted 12.7 mm DShK anti-aircraft heavy machine gun was dropped, because it was deemed worthless against high-performance jets. The tank was supposed to be equipped with the "Rosa" fire protection system. The tank had a thicker turret casting and the improved two-plane gun stabilization system from the T-54B, as well as night vision fighting equipment. To balance the weight of the new equipment, the armour on the back of the hull was thinned slightly.
The T-55 was superior to the IS-2/IS-3/T-10 heavy tanks in many respects, including the rate of fire of the gun (at least four compared to fewer than three rounds per minute). Despite somewhat thinner frontal turret armour (200 millimetres (7.9 in) instead of 250 millimetres (9.8 in)) it compared favourably with the IS-3, thanks to its improved antitank gun and better mobility. Heavy tanks soon fell from favour, with only 350 IS-3s produced. The old model of highly mobile medium tanks and heavily armoured heavy tanks was replaced by a new paradigm: the "main battle tank". Parallel developments in the West would produce similar results. Kartsev combined all the ongoing improvements being offered, or planned, on the T-54 into one design. This became the Ob'yekt 155, and entered production at Uralvagonzavod 1 January 1958 as the T-55. It was accepted for service with the Red Army on 8 May. It suffered a significant lapse in one area: there was no antiaircraft machine gun, which had been present on the T-54.
After 1959, it served as a basis for the T-55K command tank which was equipped with an additional R-112 radio set, an AB-1-P/30 fuel powered accumulator charging unit, and TPN-1-22-11 night vision sight. All this additional equipment made it necessary to decrease the ammunition load for the main gun to 37 rounds and eliminate the bow machine gun. In the beginning of the 1960s, a T-55K was experimentally fitted with a Uran TV relay apparatus for battlefield surveillance. The tank was fitted with an external camera, the picture from which was relayed to a receiver in a BTR-50PU command vehicle. There was an observation camera mounted on a folding mast which was in turn mounted on a UAZ 69 car. The range within which the picture could be relayed varied between 10 and 30 kilometres (6.2 and 18.6 mi).
In 1961, a T-55 tank was used to test the "Almaz" TV complex, which was supposed to replace the standard observation devices right after a nuclear explosion or while fording a body of water. There was a camera mounted on the hull for the driver and two cameras mounted on the turret, one for aiming and one for observation, and the picture from the cameras was relayed to two control screens. The tank had the front hull fuel tanks and bow machine gun removed. The commander was seated in the driver's usual position while the driver sat next to him. The cameras allowed battlefield observation and firing during daytime at ranges between 1.5 and 2 kilometres (0.93 and 1.24 mi). Because of the low quality of the equipment, the trials gave negative results. In the beginning of the 1960s, the OKB-29 design bureau in Omsk was working on adapting the tank to use a GTD-3T gas turbine engine developing 700 hp (522 kW). One T-55 tank fitted with this gas turbine engine passed trials but was deemed unsatisfactory and the design did not go into production.
The Omsk OKB-29 group tested three experimental T-55 tanks (designated Ob'yekt 612) between 1962 and 1965 that were fitted with an automatic gearbox controlled by electro-hydraulic systems. The trials found that such gearboxes were prone to frequent breakdowns in tanks. At the same time the Ob'yekt 155ML, a T-55 fitted with a launcher for three 9M14 "Malyutka" (NATO code: AT-3 Sagger) ATGMs mounted on the rear of the turret, was tested. Along with standard tanks a flamethrower-armed version was designed (designated TO-55 (Ob'yekt 482)), which was produced until 1962. It was fitted with 460 litre tanks filled with flammable liquid instead of the frontal hull fuel tanks. The flamethrower replaced the coaxial machine gun. This was a much better way to mount a flamethrower than in the experimental Ob'yekt 483, based on the T-54 tank, where the flamethrower replaced the main gun. TO-55 flamethrower tanks were withdrawn from service in 1993.
T-55A
In 1961, development of improved NBC protection systems began. The goal was to protect the crew from fast neutrons; adequate protection against gamma radiation was provided by the thick armour and a PAZ basic NBC protection system.
The POV plasticized lead antiradiation lining was developed to provide the needed protection. It was installed in the interior, requiring the driver's hatch and the coamings over the turret hatches to be noticeably enlarged. This liner had the added benefit of protecting the crew from fragments of penetrated armour.
The tank was equipped with a full PAZ/FVU chemical filtration system. The coaxial 7.62 mm SGMT machine gun was replaced by a 7.62 mm PKT machine gun. The hull was lengthened from 6.04 m to 6.2 m. The hull machine gun was removed, making space for six more main gun rounds. These changes increased the weight of the vehicle to 38 tonnes.
The design work was done by OKB-520 design bureau of Uralvagonzavod under the leadership of Leonid N. Kartsev. The T-55A served as the basis for the T-55AK command tank.

T-54/T-55 upgrades

200px-Saft55 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr
A Somali National Army T-55.

In its long service life, the T-55 has been upgraded many times. Early T-55s were fitted with a new TSh-2B-32P sight. In 1959, some tanks received mountings for the PT-55 mine clearing system or the BTU/BTU-55 plough. In 1967, the improved BM8 APDS round, which could penetrate 275 mm thick armour at a range of 2 km, was introduced. In 1970, new and old T-55 tanks had the loader's hatch modified to mount the 12.7 mm DShK machine gun, to deal with the threat of attack helicopters. Starting in 1974, T-55 tanks received the KTD-1 or KTD-2 laser rangefinder in an armoured box over the mantlet of the main gun, as well as the R-123 or R-123M radio set. Simultaneously, efforts were made to modernize and increase the lifespan of the drive train.
During production, the T-55A was frequently modernized. In 1965, a new track was introduced that could be used for between 2,000 km and 3,000 km, which was twice the range of the old track. It required a new drive sprocket, with 14 teeth instead of 13. Since 1974, T-55A tanks were equipped with a KTD-1 "Newa" rangefinder and a TSzS-32PM sight. All T-55A tanks were equipped with the TPN-1-22-11 night sight. The R-113 radio set was replaced by a R-123 radio set. Late production models had rubber side skirts and a driver's windshield for use during longer stints.
T-54 and T-55 tanks continued to be upgraded, refitted, and modernized into the 1990s. Advances in armour-piercing and HEAT ammunition would improve the gun's antitank capabilities in the 1960s and 1980s.

200px-Sri_Lanka_Military_0208 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr
Sri Lanka Army T-55AM2

A wide array of upgrades in different price ranges are provided by many manufacturers in different countries, intended to bring the T-54/55 up to the capabilities of newer MBTs, at a lower cost. Upgrades include new engines, explosive reactive armour, new main armament such as 120 mm or 125 mm guns, active protection systems, and fire control systems with range-finders or thermal sights. These improvements make it a potent main battle tank (MBT) for the low-end budget, even to this day.
One of these upgrade packages was produced by Cadillac Gage Textron and a prototype named the Jaguar was produced. The Jaguar looked quite different from its predecessors. A newly designed turret was formed by flat armour plates installed at different angles. The hull top was new. The engine compartment and fuel tanks on the shelves over the tracks were armour-protected. The Soviet-made 100 mm gun was replaced with the American M68 105 mm rifled gun fitted with a thermal sleeve. A Marconi fire control system which was originally developed for the American light tank Stingray was fitted. The vehicle incorporated a Cadillac-Gage weapon stabilizer and gunner's sight equipped with an integral laser rangefinder. The power pack inherited by the Jaguar from the Stinger underwent only minor alterations and comprised the Detroit Diesel 8V-92TA engine and XTG-411 automatic transmission. In 1989, two Jaguar tanks were manufactured. The chassis were provided by PRC, while the hull tops, turrets and powerplants were manufactured by Cadillac Gage Textron.
Another prototype upgrade package was produced by Teledyne Continental Motors (now General Dynamics Land Systems) for the Egyptian Army and was known as the T-54E. After further modifications and trials it was sent into mass production and received the designation Ramses II.
As late as 2013, Ukrainian companies were reportedly developing T-55 main battle tank upgrades targeting the export market. The Type 59 is still in production, in several variants.

Post by **pourquoi61** » Tue May 01, 2018 8:54 pm

You have spent some money on this one buddy, but it should be worth it.

YouTube · Post by **NorthernModeller** » Tue May 08, 2018 1:07 pm

This looks exciting

I very much look forward to following this

Post by **gaz45** » Fri May 11, 2018 10:52 am

Thanks guys

Post by **gaz45** » Fri May 11, 2018 12:23 pm

Time to make a start and firstly the engine for the Gaz 66.

20180501_231430 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180501_234903 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180502_000122 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180502_001105 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180502_004853 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180502_014703 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

The engine is now built up

20180502_121655 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180502_121707 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180502_121723 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180502_121735 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

Next up the interior of the cab.
On looking at the instructions there are no colour call outs for the interior or the engine so i'll need to look at some referance photo's

20180502_125411 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180502_141337 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180502_141353 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180502_141515 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180502_144147 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180502_144157 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180504_130439 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180504_130522 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180504_131827 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

These parts have now been primed in Ultimate black primer

20180504_144036 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

I have decided to paint the engine in modelair 71.065 Steel with flat black pipes and belts and the fan in Mr Hobby H-318 Radome, it has also been given a Ultimate rust wash.
For the cab interior i have used Mr Hobby H-030 green FS 34102 with flat back detail and Revell 37 reddish brown for the seats and the centre compartment which i think gives access to the engine.
I have also added the decals to the dash.

20180509_105412 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180509_105426 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

Next up the cab itself firstly the doors

20180509_123044 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180509_173959 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

The roof, Grille, fire extinguisher and headlight housings the clear parts will be added after the interior has been painted.

20180509_143900 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180509_183253 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180509_183301 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

That is all for the moment thanks for taking the time to view and to comment.

Post by **pourquoi61** » Fri May 11, 2018 8:54 pm

Lovely work, it is a shame to hide the engine under the bonnet.

Post by **gaz45** » Tue May 15, 2018 12:06 pm

Cheers mate your right it is a shame

Post by **gaz45** » Wed May 16, 2018 12:14 pm

Progress report
I have decided to do a little dry brushing on the interior using Tamiya XF-51 khaki drab and mr hobby H- 329.

20180511_140113 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180511_140126 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

Skipping through the instructions i'm going to start on the chassis

20180514_143503 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180515_230337 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180515_151446 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180515_153909 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180515_233059 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180515_233119 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

Not sure what this part is

20180515_133429 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180515_141509 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

The holder for the spare wheel

20180515_112822 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180515_131006 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

I'm not exactly sure how the bottom part fits on it is not clear on the instructions so i will add this when it is fitted to the chassis/cab.

Next up the drives

20180515_144224 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180515_145537 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180515_234516 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180516_002831 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

Just to finish off todays work i have started on the bed.

20180516_010142 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180516_011551 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

So that is all for now thanks for taking the time to look and to comment.

Post by **pourquoi61** » Fri May 18, 2018 10:20 pm

This is one fine looking model.
Great work and nice to watch .

Post by **gaz45** » Sat May 19, 2018 8:10 am

Thanks mate

Post by **alextheblue** » Sat May 19, 2018 8:52 am

Superb work Gas, looking really good!

And wow, this is a massive project, it's going to look really impressive, can't wait to see more!

Post by **gaz45** » Fri May 25, 2018 9:35 am

Cheers mate

Post by **gaz45** » Fri May 25, 2018 10:34 am

Progress report

It is time to join the chassis halves.

20180516_133549 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180516_145751 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

The next step is to fit the engine but i will need to paint up the chassis first after adding a few more parts the front bumper and suspension.

While the chassis sets up i'm going to do some more work on the bed.

20180516_152604 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180516_154226 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

and the front bumper

20180516_160906 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180516_163158 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180516_163208 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180516_163556 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

the suspension is made up and fitted

20180518_134026 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180518_143659 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

Before i can add the exhaust and the drives i will need to paint these parts along with the chassis and fit the engine so that i can line up the exhaust and drives.

20180518_165639 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180518_171341 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

All these parts are now primed in Ultimate black primer and apart from the spare wheel holder which will have some of the green colour on i will leave them in the primer has they are flat black anyway.

20180522_090500 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

While they dry it's time to do more work on the bed.
There are a lot of tiny PE bending to be attached to the ends and the sides
( I did manage to loose 1 PE part to the carpet monster)

When fitting the rear section to the bed i realised i had put the PE on the inside instead of the outside DOH fortunatly this will not be seen has the cover will hide this detail.

20180522_121809 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180522_125603 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180522_125609 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180522_134851 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180522_154946 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180522_155001 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180522_160130 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180522_162813 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180522_162823 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

The engine and the drives along with the exhaust are now in place.

20180522_145419 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180522_145430 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180522_145438 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180522_145455 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

A few more parts to make up for the chassis which includes 2 more PE parts for the rear and the kit comes with a former part for these.

20180522_165056 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180523_103528 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180523_104308 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180523_110409 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

These parts have now been primed in Ultimate black primer and the main parts painted in mr hobby H-303 green FS34102.

20180523_203202 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180523_203224 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180523_203253 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

I have decided to do a little dry brushing inside the cab and on the bed also i have used some Ultimate mud wash on the bed floor even though it will not be seen i thought it would be good practice.

20180523_204909 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180523_204934 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

Just to finish off i have added the windows to the back cover

20180523_221650 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180524_215844 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

That is all for now thanks for taking the time to look and to comment.

YouTube · Post by **NorthernModeller** » Fri May 25, 2018 2:05 pm

Coming along very nice

they look to be really nice kits

Post by **gaz45** » Fri Jun 01, 2018 10:08 am

Thanks Ivan its going together well

Post by **pourquoi61** » Sat Jun 02, 2018 10:26 pm

What a fantastic build and all that PE.

Post by **gaz45** » Mon Jun 04, 2018 11:15 am

Thanks mate

Post by **gaz45** » Fri Jun 08, 2018 7:03 pm

Time to add the doors and close up the cab.

20180530_122236 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

The last few parts added to the outside of the cab.

20180530_131658 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180530_191818 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

So in between i'll start the T-55A.
To start we begin with the lower hull and the drive.

20180530_212748 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180530_215920 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

There is quite a lot of detail to the lower hull before adding any of the parts.

This next section has 5 seperate parts to make up before fitting to the hull, so i'll show these together.

20180530_220306 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180530_221540 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180530_221828 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180531_214448 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

Next up the wheels

20180601_123958 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180601_124843 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

Now just 8 more of these to make and fit.

20180601_152508 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180601_152527 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

Next up the side plates and the first side there needs to be 4 0.8mm holes to be drilled out

20180601_154233 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

The PE in this kit is very thin and delicate

20180601_170159 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180601_174307 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180601_192144 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

2 1mm holes need to be drilled out at this point

20180601_192418 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

This side now complete

20180604_153537 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180604_153551 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

The next step calls for the tracks to be made up and fitted, I will miss this step for now and move on to the other side then decide if the tracks need to be added before the sides are fitted.

20180604_153430 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180605_143709 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180606_130615 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180606_130624 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

To finish this section of the tank i'll add the back plate.

20180604_143317 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180604_151956 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

Just to finish off this section i'll add the radiator to the truck chassis and build the fuel tanks

20180606_133734 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180606_133742 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180606_141234 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180608_105517 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

That is where it stands for now thanks for taking the time to look and to comment.

Post by **pourquoi61** » Sun Jun 17, 2018 2:55 am

Nice two models going at the same time .

YouTube · Post by **NorthernModeller** » Mon Jun 18, 2018 10:01 pm

WOW, this is coming along leaps and bounds

well done, keep it up

Post by **gaz45** » Wed Jun 20, 2018 9:15 am

Thanks guys

Post by **gaz45** » Wed Jun 20, 2018 9:40 am

Right the windows on the cab have been masked with tamiya tape and the windows on the rear i maked with maskol.
These have all now been primed in Ultimate black primer Which just leasves the resin wheel to deal with.

20180612_145841 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180612_145919 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

Once dry the cab and rear section was painted in mr hobby H-303 green with a little detail painting for the light insides and the mirrors.

20180614_113116 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180614_113129 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

The fuel tanks have now been added along with the light lenses which were painted up in Tamiya clear ornage and red.

20180614_113145 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180614_225333 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

Right back to the tank,
I have fitted the side parts and hopefully the tracks will thread through the guides with these on.

Time to work on the rear of the upper hull mainly the engine covers and here we have more PE. ( there are 2 varients for the rear also the option to the hatch open or closed.

20180613_235532 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180614_001056 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

Moving on to the front section of the upper hull.

20180614_113044 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180614_113057 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180614_125924 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180614_130940 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180614_132354 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180614_132655 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180614_133747 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180614_135735 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

Now the upper and lower hulls meet

20180614_152619 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180614_152627 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180614_152634 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180615_104030 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

20180615_104100 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

Then to finish off i have added the brackets to the rear.

20180615_104045 by Gary Wilcox, on Flickr

That is all for now thanks for stopping by and for your comments.

Post by **pourquoi61** » Fri Jun 22, 2018 3:19 am

The 303 green is a very nice colour indeed, lovely looking tank build also.

Post by **gaz45** » Fri Jul 06, 2018 7:40 pm

Cheers mate Yes it is a good green

Post by **gaz45** » Wed Jul 18, 2018 5:09 pm

Right back to the build and to finish off the rear.

Next up on to the turret and here there are 3 options where holes need to be drilled depending on the varient that you are doing.

So for this i need to drill 2x1mm holes and 2x1.1mm holes with my pin vice, now i don't have a 1.1mm bit so i'll just use the 1mm and enlarge then woth my craft knife if needed.

The base plate has been added to the turret

The barrel is 2 piece and is left to set up before dealing with the seam line.

While the barrel sets up i'll do more on the turret

I will make these parts up befor putting them together and adding them to the turret.

The seams on the barrel are taken care of next just by sanding with the Ultimate sponge sander

Now to attach the barrel and the assembly

Now to finish off the turret, I am finding it tricky with following the instruction with the different varients so this is becomming more of a mismatch

So here we are all built apart from the tracks.

Right there we are just the tracks left to do on here, The resin wheels on the truck and finally a dio.

Thanks for taking the time to look and to comment

Post by **Bender10101** » Fri Jul 20, 2018 5:25 am

And I thought I was trying to do to much. Looking very good sir.

Post by **gaz45** » Fri Jul 20, 2018 12:05 pm

Thanks mate just hope i have time to finish

Post by **gaz45** » Thu Aug 09, 2018 11:21 am

Right back to it.
Lets finish off the truck with the wheels, now these are resin so a few saftey factors need to be in place, a mask and some gloves a fine saw to cut off the excess

So here we go
I have dampened a piece of kitchen paper to collect any dust from the cutting and the sanding

All cleaned up and ready for priming/painting

The wheels are now painted in just the Ultimate black primer to match in with the chassis

Now they are dry i will fit them to the chassis

Time to put on the body

and the cab now here i'm not sure if it is just me or just the fit but i had to use quite a bit of ca glue to get this ti fit and stick down

Right back to the tank this has now been primed in Ultimate balck primer along with the wheels

Now dry the base coat is added using mr hobby H-303 green and when that was dry i did some detail painting with a.mig 037 new wood, a.mig 035 dark tracks, a.mig 218 engine and a.mig 032 satin black.

Now to start the dio, this is the board i'm going to use with a quick layout drawn in pencil i'm not sure this will show up and with the vehicles added

This will be covered with some plaster moulding roll to give the ground some texture

To do this i cut the roll into enough strips to cover the base, they were then dipped in water and layed down on the board and gently smoothed down with my fingers of cause wearing gloves, this was then left to dry before adding a base coat

Now it has dried and hardened off i have given it a base coat of woodland scenics earth undercoat and was left to dry

That's where i'm at
Thanks for taking a look and for your comments.

Post by **alextheblue** » Thu Aug 09, 2018 7:13 pm

Loving this build gaz, some beautiful work going on!

Post by **gaz45** » Tue Aug 14, 2018 5:24 pm

Thanks mate enjoying this one

Post by **gaz45** » Wed Aug 22, 2018 8:30 am

Right the truck and the tank have been clear coated in a 50/50 mix of tamiya x22 and mr hobby leveling thinner
Then the decals were applied using micro sol, micro set and solvaset and once dry they were clear coated again.

I have been putting it off but now i need to make up the tracks
I have started by putting the suggested 92 links into 2 plastic cups

Firstly some masking tape on the bench to hold the links for glueing

46 links firstly glued with a little TET and left to dry a little and then put in place and has i suspected this was a little tricky to fit with the sides on but with a little gentle teasing it was on

The second length of 46 links down and glued

Then fitted in place and glued to the first length

Now to do the same for the other side
Then they were primed in Ultimate black primer

Now back to the base I have marked out the road outline in pencil, then applied some woodland scenics cement ( thinned pva ) to the rest of the base and scattered over some woodland scenics green blended turf.

Once that had dried a little i applied some more pve to the base and added some burnt grass turf a little yellow grass turf along with some medium green coarse turf.

For the road i usde some coarse brown ballast this will now be left overnight to dry.

So the finish is now in sight
Thanks for looking and for all your comments

Post by **smokeriderdon** » Sun Aug 26, 2018 2:16 pm

And those treads are the main reason I dont even care about doing tanks. LOL Great work sir!

Post by **gaz45** » Wed Aug 29, 2018 10:23 am

Thanks mate

Post by **schweinhund227** » Wed Aug 29, 2018 5:17 pm

smokeriderdon wrote: Sun Aug 26, 2018 2:16 pm And those treads are the main reason I dont even care about doing tanks. LOL Great work sir!

Obviously.... he had to remove "one" or "two" links too many... No drama here.
Tracks are not that difficult mate!

Post by **gaz45** » Wed Aug 29, 2018 9:43 pm

That is true mate i had to remove 1 link from each side

Post by **gaz45** » Wed Aug 29, 2018 9:54 pm

Here we go the home straight the tracks have been painted with a.mig 035 dark tracks

While that way drying i gave the truck and the tank a dusting with some revell powders dark brown and mud green another first for me

I have also added a few shrubs i think you can call them along the road on the base.

Now to put the tracks onto the tank that prooved a little tricky but now they are on and dusted with the same powders

All that is left now is to place them on the base and i think i'll call this finished.

So there we are i will post some pics in the reveal section
Thanks again for taking the time to look and to comment.

Post by **Maverick231** » Fri Aug 31, 2018 11:21 am

Fantastic looking builds and finish mate well done

Post by **digger303** » Fri Aug 31, 2018 1:54 pm

great work..

Post by **gaz45** » Tue Sep 04, 2018 11:24 am

Thanks guys