Tamiya T-55

[Stikpusher]

Thanks for those photos Bruce.

Our AMPS GB has two deadlines. First one is for the local IPMS Orangecon at the end of September. That's what this one is for. The second is another mass group entry at the IPMS Nationals in Phoenix next summer. I want to build a Operation Viking T-54, with the earlier features in Budapest by then. Both of my builds will go to that one, like our Tigers did a few years back.

[Stuart]

[Stikpusher]

Yesterday I did a test fit of the Trumpeter Indy link tracks onto the sprockets. No problems there! So at least that is in my favor. And also a test fit of an earlier loaders hatch from ESCI that was in my spares bin to replace the Tamiya hatch for a backdate. Also successful. And a better fit than the Trumpeter hatch also from my spares bin that I had originally chosen for the same task.

[Stikpusher]

Today was just working on the indy track links. I am using this Trumpeter set



I take the links and build small batches



And then build up long sections from the sub assemblies



I have built up the bottom runs for both sides now

[Stuart]

Your boredom threshold must be a lot higher than mine Stik - I bet they'll look good when done though.

[Stikpusher]

If I have good music on and I'm in the right frame of mind, I can do tracks for awhile. That's about an hours worth of work or so to get the bottom runs done. The flat parts are easy. The curved areas require more patience and finesse... but yes, they do look real good once assembled, painted, and installed.

[speedgraflex]

Time for some popcorn...



You are a patient man, Carlos. The links look amazing when assembled. Do you have much flash to clean up on each link, because the links look so clean! Nice work!!!

[Stikpusher]

Bruce, the links have zero flash or ejector pin marks. I only have to clean up some mold seam lines and sprue connection points on the connector surfaces. Trumpeter did real good work on these tracks. Probably some of the best that I have yet assembled.

This is tedious work, but not needing lots of paitience... yet. The bottom long flat run is always the easy part. The top sag and end parts require the patience and planning...

[speedgraflex]

Thanks, Carlos. Have you seen this site: http://www.primeportal.net/apc/t-55.htm If you have, disregard, I was curious to learn more about your project since I know zippity doo dah about tanks.

[Stikpusher]

Bruce, I am indeed quite familiar with a Prime Portal. I will likely be using them as a reference when I plumb the external fuel tanks on the right fender.

I am going to try to get some bench time in today before the family Labor Day BBQ. Those tracks won't build themselves.