Tamiya 35257 - 1:35 Russian Medium Tank T-55A

Plastic model kit of the Soviet T-55A medium tank in 1:35 scale

The low, rounded silhouette and cast turret of the T-55 are among the most recognisable shapes in the history of armoured warfare. Tamiya 35257 depicts the T-55A — the improved version with anti-radiation lining — using entirely new tooling from 2002, with around 275 parts.

The kit is particularly interesting for Central European modellers: the decal sheet covers five marking options, including two Polish, and Tamiya has included parts specific to Czech- and Polish-built tanks. A heavy machine gun can optionally be fitted on the turret. A commander figure for the turret hatch completes the box.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues (around 275 parts) with hull, turret and running gear
• One-piece vinyl band tracks
• Optional heavy machine gun
• Parts specific to Czech and Polish production
• Commander figure
• Waterslide decal sheet for five marking options (two Soviet, two Polish, one Czechoslovak)
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Catalogue number: 35257
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: approx. 257 mm (gun forward)
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate (around 275 parts, production variants)

Please note: the kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model requires assembly.

Building the model:

Despite a fairly high part count for a post-war tank, the build remains approachable — the parts fit well and the one-piece vinyl band tracks close out the running gear quickly. It is worth choosing your marking option before you begin, as it determines which production-specific parts (Czech, Polish) to use and whether the heavy machine gun is fitted.

For painting, a uniform military green typical of Warsaw Pact vehicles is recommended (e.g. Tamiya XF-58 Olive Green, optionally darkened with a little black). A single-colour finish invites panel lightening and a wash to bring out the detail, with a matt varnish as the final coat. Pigments representing dust on the tracks and fenders suit a vehicle used hard in the field.

Tools you will need:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Precision modelling tweezers
• Brushes in various sizes
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Wash to bring out details and recesses
• Optional: pigments for dust and mud effects

About the vehicle – T-55A:

The T-55 was a development of the T-54 and entered production in 1958. Its designers opted for a low silhouette, a rounded cast turret and a diesel engine — a combination that gave good protection against anti-tank fire and long range at a modest weight of around 36 tonnes. Main armament was the 100 mm D-10T2S gun, with power from a 580 hp V-55 twelve-cylinder diesel.

The T-55A added an anti-radiation lining to the fighting compartment, a direct consequence of doctrine that assumed operations on a nuclear battlefield. The four-man crew also had a stabilised main gun and NBC protection.

The T-55 became one of the most widely produced tanks ever built. Beyond the Soviet Union it was manufactured under licence in Czechoslovakia and in Poland, at the Bumar-Łabędy works. For decades it was the standard equipment of Warsaw Pact armoured forces and was exported to dozens of countries on every continent, taking part in most of the conflicts of the later 20th century.

Original vehicle specifications (T-55A):

• Combat weight: approx. 36 t
• Crew: 4
• Main armament: 100 mm D-10T2S gun
• Powerplant: V-55 diesel engine, 580 hp
• Suspension: torsion bar
• Features of the A version: anti-radiation lining
• Production: from 1958 (T-55); one of the most widely produced tanks in history, also built in Poland (Bumar-Łabędy)

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 in Shizuoka, regarded as the centre of the Japanese model industry. It began in the timber trade and wooden models, releasing its first plastic model kit in 1960. Two years later came a 1:35 tank kit that established the scale as the worldwide standard for military modelling. The brand is known for exceptionally precise tooling and excellent parts fit, which is why its kits are equally popular with beginners and experienced modellers. The Military Miniature Series, to which this T-55A belongs, runs to hundreds of releases and covers vehicles from around the world, from the Second World War to the present day. Alongside plastic kits, Tamiya offers a full range of paints, cements, tools and brushes. The company is present in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable names in the hobby.