T-55 Model 1958

While I have always had an interest in WW2 and Cold War armor, it wasn't until this kit that I decided to give armor modeling a try. A local scale model shop was having a moving sale and priced a great deal of kits at $3-5, and this was one of them - a cheap and low risk entryway into armor modeling. I found some armor modeling magazines for reference and techniques and got to work.

In a big departure from my preferred hand painted finish, this kit was painted in the airbrushed color modulation style that seemed to be the most common practice amongst armor modelers. A whitewash layer was added using chipping medium and very thin white paint.

The worst part of the kit was the vinyl band type tracks - now I understand why armor modelers are so particular about the type of tracks that are included with a kit. The only other kit I have built that could have been considered a tank is the EX Magella Attack and that had link and length tracks which were much easier to deal with. The vinyl was impossible to glue and close the tracks and I had to resort to simply stapling the tracks together and hiding the staple underneath the upper fenders.

The base was typical ground texture with a layer of acrylic glazing medium, tooth whitening powder, and acrylic molding paste combined for the fallen snow. Track impressions were made in the ground as it cured and some of the snow mixture was applied to the road wheels and fenders.

I built this kit while preparing to create my 2nd zine and this is a test shot for how the snow effect appears on camera when combined with a basic CGI snow effect applied. I found 1/72 armor to be quite enjoyable and would love to try another one in the future.