Trumpeter Type 59D

The Trumpeter T-55 et al series is a jumbled affair with a multitude of variants coming within virtually all the same basic kit. Really, from what I see is the basic difference is the main guns and knowing what unused parts from one set of instructions should be used on the variant you want to create.

I know they retooled the turret on later kits (which is why my later T-55 has a separate turret sprue).

You are better off with the very good Tamiya kit, but don't worry about your kit; just start building it. If you want, send me your email address and I can scan my T-55 pages so you can make your Type 59 into a T-55. You may have to find an aftermarket barrel, but the one on your Type 59 may be the same one.

Well after a  quick look I can pick up a Tamiya T-55 for $30ish, So I might pick one up when I have the dollars and try my first kit bash. No rush since I just entered my 1/16 KT in the Steel Cat GB.

Thanks Rob

I compared my two kits, the T-55 (#00341) and my Type 59-B (#00314) and the major differences are the turret. The T-55 turret is a separate sprue E whereas the Type 59 turret was located on sprue B (the turret halves are omitted from the T-55's sprue B). The main gun sprue H is also different between the two kits.

The Type 59-B is the Type 59 with a 105mm main gun (looks like a UK barrel)

The remainder of the kits appear to be identical.

I believe so. You basically have to have the right instructions in order to determine what bits to add to your kit from the unused parts on the spures. Also, if I remember correctly, there were a series of holes pre-molded on the turret that you drilled out from the inside depending on which variant you were building.

I've got the T-55 (with mine roller) instructions handy. I have the Type 59 instructions somewhere that I can dig for to see if there are any other differences (like gun tube, machine guns etc.) between the two kits.

Ixion, thanks for taking the time to put up the links though I have already read the first two.

Rob, Thanks for your input. I knew before I purchased the model it had a poor reputation due to being one of Trumpeters early kits but as its the only one on the market easily available (only?). I have read that kit plastic may issues glue wise though I havn't tested mine to see if it has same issue. Considering I only paid $12 inc postage for with the quality of the rubberband tracks that came with it I'm willing to risk another $15 on some AM tracks and it would still come out cheaper than any 1/35 armour from my LHS.

Since the Type-59 is basically identical to the T-54 would it be possible to get a decent T-54/55 and Kitbash a decent Type 59D from the two kits?

Someone sent me the Finnish T-55 w/KMT-5 kit (minus the KMT mine roller) for $6 back in mid-January. I built the T-59 kit 10 years ago; it was one of the kits that was made with plastic that did not work with regular modeling cement (either Testors or Tamiya) and I ended up using Ambroid Proweld as someone online recommended.

I also have the Trumpeter Type 79, and from what I can tell by comparing the two, they are virtually the same kit with extra bits like side skirts and thermal shrouded barrel for the 79 as well as some crewmen.

As far as tracks, you're ending up throwing good money at a kit probably not worth the price of the tracks.

This might help;

http://www.missing-lynx.com/reviews/modern/trumpt55.htm

 http://www.armorama.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=SquawkBox&file=index&req=viewtopic&topic_id=84495

While not the same kit, this offers a good comparison;

http://www.track-link.com/reviews/565