Tamiya T-55A the Log ??

Thanks to ALL who responded.....interesting one of my freinds said
the log was to be rolled out - for mines.....

nahhhhhhhh...didn't buy that one..

but to jack it up..or depress the gun..
now those ideas...made lotsa sense..so again..thanks for info..to ALL...
by the way...my loca hobby shop - meets all internet shops prices and doesn't of course charge handling...etc...just sales tax..but..those of you who sdaid $50.!! MAn that stinks...
I bought it for $ 38..which I felt was fair...

The way I was taught in the Army,was that the reason for the logs was due the limited depression of the main gun,a problem inherent to soviet tanks of this design.Of course,they could be used for a multitude of other uses

Have fun with the kit!I'm greedily waiting for it appear at the local retailer in Viernheim,Germany.Around '95 it seems that all of the REALLY good hobby shops in my area closed down,what a shame!No problem,good things come to those that wait!I have time!

I have modeled the T55 since the early Lindberg kit and watched Tamiya put art work out on the T55 and then change their mind. When they finally put it on the market. 15 years later. They do have a good kit. Well done. The model shops however are over pricing it. I have been in two shops that have it on the shelf at $50.00 plus tax and I haven't seen any offered on ebay stores under $45.00. I wish the shops would cool down and offer it at retail @25.00. as posted in FSM this month.

all russian tanks in the winter service, had logs. they were to help get out of mud holes, or to get un-stuck. i did some research on my t-34 to fid this out. and, do replace with real wood.

hi the log is attached to the tracks by special metal claws and as the tank drives forward it pulls the log under the tracks and gives it a lift out of boggy ground cheers ian

By the way I replaced my plastic log with a branch from a real tree

He is correct, it is an unditching beam.

Helps with traction in mud and snow, kinda like throwing kitty litter under the tires.

I have looked at the T-55, it is a well made model, and product you'd expect from Tamiya. I plan on picking a kit up once I finish a few other projects. Thanks for the heads up Monte!!