Tamiya 1/35 Russian Medium Tank T-55A – 35257

Build one of the most important and widely used armored vehicles of the Cold War with Tamiya's 1/35 scale T-55A Russian Medium Tank.

Developed from the T-54 series, the T-55 entered production in the late 1950s and became one of the most widely produced and exported tanks in history. The improved T-55A incorporated additional protection for the crew and served with the Soviet Union and numerous Warsaw Pact and allied nations around the world.

Tamiya's T-55A combines convincing detail with the straightforward engineering and relatively uncomplicated construction for which Tamiya armor kits are known. It is an especially good choice for builders who want a detailed T-55 without the very high parts counts found in some newer kits.

Kit Features

• Manufacturer: Tamiya

• Subject: T-55A Medium Tank

• Scale: 1/35

• Kit Number: 35257

• Series: Military Miniature Series No. 257

• Detailed low-profile hull and rounded turret

• 100mm main gun

• Realistically reproduced cast-metal surface texture

• Detailed engine-deck grilles, external fuel tanks and running gear

• Optional DShK-M anti-aircraft machine gun

• Parts representing different T-55/T-55A configurations

• Soviet, Czech and Polish production options

• Commander figure included

• Five marking options

• Finished length approximately 259mm / 10.2 inches

How Does the Tamiya T-55A Compare?

There are now several excellent 1/35 T-55 families available. The Tamiya kit isn't the newest or most complicated, but that is also one of its greatest strengths.

Why Choose the Tamiya Kit?

Straightforward construction: Tamiya offers a considerably simpler build than many newer T-55 kits. Fewer tiny components and simpler tracks mean more time can be spent painting and weathering the finished tank.

Good detail without excessive complexity: MiniArt, Takom and Rye Field Model kits can provide finer individual details and more elaborate construction, but they also contain substantially more parts.

Excellent choice for intermediate builders: The Tamiya kit makes a good introduction to Soviet armor without requiring the builder to tackle hundreds of individual track components or a complete interior.

Excellent platform for detailing: Experienced builders can use the straightforward Tamiya kit as a foundation for aftermarket tracks, photo-etched details, metal gun barrels, figures and stowage.

Tamiya vs. MiniArt

Choose Tamiya if you want an enjoyable, relatively straightforward project that still produces an impressive T-55.

Choose MiniArt if maximum detail is the priority and you enjoy extensive multi-part assemblies, individual-link tracks and, on selected releases, a complete interior.

Tamiya vs. Takom / Rye Field Model

Takom and Rye Field Model offer more contemporary detailing and generally more elaborate track and suspension systems. They are excellent choices for experienced builders who enjoy detailed construction.

The Tamiya remains the better choice for someone who values reliable engineering, reasonable parts count and a quicker path to the painting and weathering stages.