SPA Modeler

Now I just need to do a few more mods to the front plate, add the fender fuel cell plumbing, and build the rest OOB... easy peasy...

Last nite after work, and today before work I was able to squeeze in a couple of sessions at the workbench. I added lots of little fittings to the turret.





I'm around half to two thirds done with the basic turret now... nice and simple...

Sweet! It's always a joy to have a couple of sessions before having to go off to work. I know exactly what you mean, Carlos. Lookin' good. Lookin' good. The kit itself looks great... well-designed. Lovely metal textured finish. Even in unpainted state, the feeling of the metal shows.

Bruce this really is a great kit. The engineering is superb. If it wasn't for all the teeny tiny parts, it would be a great beginners kit. But I would rate it as intermediate straight out of box. I would like to build at least one more of these in Soviet markings... and then their Enigma release. Maybe one more of these as a Warsaw Pact country as well...

More progress today...

I built up the left side fender stowage boxes



and the mesh grills for the engine deck



and then since I can't find a single photo of a T-54/T-55 involved in Operation Danube that has the upper glacis hardpoints and attachment rods, I filled in their mounting holes



I built up the fuel drums and snorkel for rear plate stowage



and lastly I decided to add a gun breech in case somebody takes a look in the open hatches that it's just not an empty black hole and there is something to see. I scavenged up a gun breech from my spares bin and modified it to resemble that used in the T-55



and I added a few bits to the turret- grab handles and rear marker



So with everything placed together, I'd say I'm about at the 80% complete for construction.



I still have to add the lights to the turret and glacis, and then plumb and add the fuel tanks on the right fender, and a few other small bits....

That is looking superb Stik - Very nice work thuis far.

Thank you Stuart. The good base kit helps... a LOT!!!

Thanks Bruce! Well today I finished the clean up from sealing the glacis attachment points and I started painting the tracks...

Ever forward....

Glacis plate attachment points filled, cleaned up, and ready for parts that will be used..



Inner faces of tracks, road wheels rubber, and idler sprocket wheels bare metal portions painted...



and glued in place one one side....



once the other side is done, then I can paint the outer track faces and glue the upper hull in place...