Tamiya 35324 - 1:35 Iraqi Tank T-55 Enigma

1:35 scale plastic model kit of the Iraqi T-55 “Enigma” tank

Tamiya 35324 reproduces the Iraqi T-55 tank in the unusual “Enigma” variant. The Soviet T-55, introduced in the post-war period, was already considered obsolete by the 1980s. To improve its protection, the Iraqi army developed a version with additional armour blocks attached to the turret and hull.

These vehicles appeared during the Gulf War in 1991 and are believed to have served as command tanks in regular armoured units. As they had no official designation, Coalition forces gave them the name “Enigma”; several examples were captured during the conflict. The model captures the vehicle's imposing silhouette along with its full suite of additional armour.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with the T-55 hull and turret
• Characteristic additional armour blocks on turret and hull
• 100 mm gun
• Mixed tracks (individual links and longer lengths)
• Iraqi decal sheet
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Item number: 35324
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: 259 mm, width: 109 mm
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate (additional armour, mixed tracks)

Note: This kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

Thanks to the excellent part fit typical of Tamiya, the model is approachable even for less experienced builders, although fitting the additional armour blocks requires care in their placement. The mixed tracks combine quick assembly of longer lengths on the straight runs with individual links on the curves.

For painting, the typical desert sand colour used by the Iraqi army in the Gulf War is recommended, matching the chosen marking option. Military vehicles are usually finished with a matt varnish, and the detail and recesses benefit from a wash and dust-imitating pigments.

Tools you'll need:

• Modelling side cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Polystyrene cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Brushes of various sizes
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• A wash to emphasise detail and recesses
• Optionally: pigments for dust and mud effects

About the vehicle – T-55 “Enigma”:

The T-55 is a Soviet main battle tank, a development of the T-54, produced in enormous numbers and operated by dozens of countries worldwide. It was armed with a 100 mm gun. Iraq was one of the largest operators of the T-54/55 family, acquiring them from many sources.

By the 1980s the basic T-55 design was already obsolete, so many countries, including Iraq, developed upgrades. The Iraqi “Enigma” variant received additional armour blocks on the turret and hull, significantly increasing protection. These vehicles were used during the Gulf War in 1991, probably in the command-tank role.

Original specifications (T-55):

• Length with gun: approx. 9.0 m
• Width: approx. 3.27 m (more with additional armour)
• Height: approx. 2.4 m
• Combat weight: approx. 36 t (the “Enigma” version is heavier)
• Crew: 4
• Main armament: 100 mm gun
• Secondary armament: machine guns
• Powerplant: diesel engine, approx. 580 hp
• Maximum speed: approx. 50 km/h
• Armour: reinforced with additional blocks (the “Enigma” variant)

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation to japońska firma modelarska założona w 1946 roku przez Yoshio Tamiyę w mieście Shizuoka, uznawanym za centrum japońskiego przemysłu modelarskiego. Początkowo przedsiębiorstwo zajmowało się handlem drewnem, jednak już od końca lat 40. produkowało drewniane modele, a w 1960 roku wprowadziło na rynek swój pierwszy model plastikowy do sklejania. Dwa lata później zadebiutował kultowy czołg w skali 1:35, który na całym świecie wyznaczył standard skali dla modelarstwa militarnego. Marka słynie z wyjątkowo precyzyjnych form wtryskowych i doskonałego spasowania elementów, dzięki czemu jej zestawy chętnie wybierają zarówno początkujący, jak i doświadczeni modelarze. Seria Military Miniature Series, do której należy ten model, liczy setki pozycji i jest uznawana za jeden z najbardziej kompleksowych katalogów pojazdów militarnych w skali 1:35 na świecie. Oprócz modeli plastikowych Tamiya oferuje pełną gamę akcesoriów modelarskich: farby, kleje, narzędzia i pędzle.