Tamiya T-55

[Jeeves]

Looking good so far Carlos!

[Stikpusher]

Thanks Mike! The dry brushed steel really made the tracks look like I wanted.

[Stikpusher]

Today's update:

Fender fuel tanks plumbed...





and last bits added to the glacis...



I just need to glue the fuel drums and snorkel tube in place, and add a couple stowage items after painting... about 97% done with construction now...

[speedgraflex]

You really know how to build armor, sir! This has come together so well. I did have a question on the openings you filled, the attachment points? Did you cut plastic card to the size of the opening you filled, and if so, how did you glue the filler plastic piece inside? I don't see any glue, yet I know something must be holding the fill in place... I meant to ask you this before on your Klingon K'Tinga Class Cruiser, and forgot. Glad I saw this technique here.

[Stikpusher]

Thanks Bruce. In this case I put a small piece of sheet styrene on the inner face and glued that in place. Then I found some strips that fit just about right and cut them to length. Sanded smooth to the sourrounding area, followed by some gap filler to take care of the seams... more sanding and done.

[speedgraflex]

Thanks for your answer, I am learning so many good techniques, and in a way that makes sense to me. Now I am to the point in training with y'all that I recognize the basics, but still obviously have no skills until I try these techniques out.

You really seem to come into your own with this armor project. Right from the get-go, you seemed to be in a zen state about everything you were about to do especially with regards to the treads. You knew exactly what effect you wanted to achieve and nailed it!

[Stikpusher]

Thanks Bruce. The kit helps things a lot. I did not have to make many changes to it. And it was pretty much a case of planning each days work into manageable sessions, and then carrying out those plans. Had I built this straight OOB, I would probably be done by now.

[Stikpusher]

Today's progress... not a who.e lot really, but...

Fuel drums glued on to their rack on the rear, and then I added some new strip styrene mounting points for the snorkel tube that was positioned differently on the T-55's in Operation Danube than the kit offers.







Then I swung by Brookhurst Hobbies and grabbed up a set of figures for this



I'm all ready to start slinging paint tomorrow...

[BsYamato]

Nice work till now Stik
Follow and steal some detail and color just started one (72nd scale) last night

[speedgraflex]

Cool, your scratchbuilding skills are great, Carlos!!! Looked online -- are the tank crew figures molded in grey, flesh, and black on sprues? The final touches before painting are inspirational!!