The T-54 changed quite a bit from introduction to evolving into the T-55. The latest rebuilds would not be easily recognized side by side. The turret changed shape, the main gun went from a simpli tube to having a bore evacuator, new road wheels were added... The list goes on...

Early T-54: Original turret design with side and rear overhangs and wide mantlet, road wheels of same style as late T-34

T-54A- second turret design w/ rear overhang, can use T-34 or "starfish" cast roadwheels, no bore evacuator or counterweight on gun tube

T-54B- 3rd turret design w/no overhangs, bore evacuator at end of gun tube, this particular tank also has night vision active IR lights, AA machine gun on laoders hatch, and early style roadwheels

T-54A- 2nd pattern turret w/rear overhang, counterweight on gun tube w/no bore evacuator, later style road wheels, IR light for main gun

T-55B, 3rd turret design, no bore evacuator or counterweight on gun tube, AA machine gun, or IR for main gun, late style roadwheels

Thanks Stik, a lot to think about and learn, esp since I don't know about armor/tanks

Anytime sir.

Short history of t-54. Well presented Stick 

Bump- for Greentracker

Nice rundown there SP. When I posted a list of kits that should fit the 1946 GB I thought about posting the T-54 and Centurian but wasn't sure there were kits available for the early versions of either.

I think that there is a conversion out there for a 1/35 Centurion Mk.1. Or there is the ancient 1/48 Aurora Centurion kit, which I believe was a Mk.1. But all the mainstream kits of those two are the ones that went to war later on.