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SDV Model 1/87 T-54A |
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Kit Number 87-020 |
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Reviewed By Jim Pearsall, #2209 |
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| MSRP: $16.95 USD Available from Fidelis Models (www.fidelismodels.com) and Stevens Hobby (www.stevenshobby.com). The T-54 was designed as a replacement for the T-34 of WW2 fame. Improvements included improved suspension, lowered hull, a 100-mm gun, and the domed turret. Production began in 1947. The design was continuously refined and improved until in 1958 the model was re-designated as T-55. The kit: |
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| Although the
instructions are for either the T-54 or T-55, this is definitely a T-54 kit. At first glance, this kit looks like a standard small scale armor kit from the 80s or 90s. The fact that this is 1/87 instead of 1/72 makes it even more evident why the track system is one piece. But wait, there’s more. The outer road wheels are molded individually and separately from the track and inner wheel assembly. This makes a much more real looking suspension and track. It also makes a good looking double wheel. I’ve definitely seen less attractive wheel & track sets on recent 1/72 tanks. The hull consists of a bottom and top, with parts to be added which were unique to the T-54. The turret is 2 pieces, top and bottom, plus sprues of detail parts. |
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| I mentioned that the
instructions are for either a T-54 or 55. The mold is probably a dual use tool, but the sprue for the T-55 parts
has been cut off. (parts 23 thru 26). Also notice the flash present on parts 27 thru 29. Since this is a limited
run kit, some flash is to be expected. Assembly: The instructions were easy to follow, and the graphics were mostly precise on location of various parts. I had some trouble locating the correct place for the exhaust, but eventually figured it out. |
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| One gripe (a pet
peeve). The sprue gates for the track assembly are at the outer top edge of the tracks. Much care needs to be taken
when removing the track assemblies from the sprue. Is there any reason these couldn’t have been at the back side,
where my errors could be covered up by the hull? Possibly engineering considerations. Or not. As noted above, however, the track and wheel assemblies go together nicely and look good. Another place where I ran into a concern was the fit on the parts for the T-54 hull top. There was some flash on these parts, and I had to be extremely conscious of how much I removed from these parts. When I removed too little, the parts didn’t fit into the space in the hull top. And I knew that if I removed too much, I’d leave gaps. Gentle application of the edges of the parts on a piece of #600 sandpaper glued to a board gave me a clean fit with no filler required. The turret assembly goes together neatly. Instead of the usual hole in the hull with a pin on the turret, the pin is on the hull. OK, it works. Finish: |
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| I painted the entire tank in a nondescript
green drab. Rubber tires and dry brushed steel on the tracks. The nicely detailed gun (it’s very nice considering
the scale) was green drab with a dry brush of gun metal. There is a decal sheet included with markings for Romania, Hungary, East Germany, Finland, or the USSR, plus a selection of hull numbers. I didn’t use any of these, as the majority of T-54 photos I found on the web were unmarked. Conclusion: This is a limited run kit. If you’re into HO vehicles, grab this one now. It has some challenges in building, but nothing to overtax the average modeler. Might look good on any railroad layout. And you’d be surprised how many armies have used the T54. |
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