Trumpeter T-55 BTU Pt:5 Completed

I made the final push on this little beauty from Trumpeter today but was piped at the post by Rich at http://westmodelsandfigures.blogspot.com/2011/08/trumpeter-croatian-t-55-build-172-pt3.html . He's created quite a little ripper.

I added decals from a old Fujimi T34 kit and carried out some touch up painting, then a wash and some light weathering.

I cut down some old M48 tracks to try and get them to look like the T55/54 series tracks and added them on the running board of the hull.

Some light 'scaring' of the dozer blade was applied. I have not seen any shots taken in the field of these BTU-55 blade so it was hit and miss for this.

It is a shame that the AAMG mount is not included, that really would have made the kit.

I lost my home built gun cleaning rod tube in the garden, after letting the paint dry in the sun, it is green etc and blends too well with the grass.

Some minor wear and tear around the loader and commanders hatch. The layers of paint seem to give the turret a cast look.

I decided not to mess with the fuel drum seams after all, it is for war gaming.

Another set of converted track links.

I would have added a Jerri can or two, but did not have one good enough to spare.

I really like the log, his twig has been in the spares box for about seven years!

Probably my most enjoyable build this year, and my first Trumpeter build. The extra money is well worth it and having Rich to spur me on really made me work for the result.

Cheers Rich.