Let me introduce my next project: the T-55A from MiniArt, kit 37057.
I plan to build it straight from the box, with only one small change – replacing the canvas roll with a scratch-built version made from PVA glue.
This will be my fourth tank from MiniArt’s T-54/55 family, and I’ve really enjoyed each one so far. The kits are very comprehensive and don’t really need any aftermarket or major modifications – everything you need is already in the box.
For this build I’ll be painting it in the colors of Operation “Danube” (1968, Czechoslovakia), which should give it a distinctive and historically accurate look.
Looking forward to sharing the progress step by step, and as always, comments and feedback are welcome!
I’m happy to present the finished result of my latest build — the MiniArt T-55A.
I completed it straight out of the box, with just one small change: I replaced the kit’s tarp with a scratch-built one because the original didn’t quite convince me.
The tank is painted in the colors used during Operation “Danube”, which gave it that distinctive and historically accurate look.
The model looks very good. However, this particular T-55 variant didn’t exist in 1968, in my opinion. Otherwise, you’ve built a very good model. Keep up the good work.
Thank you very much for your kind words and for taking the time to comment — I really appreciate the interest and the feedback.
As for the historical side: regular T-55 tanks were definitely present in Czechoslovakia in 1968, in exactly this type of paint scheme and configuration. There are plenty of period photos online confirming their appearance during Operation “Danube.”
Whether the T-55A variant specifically took part is a bit less clear — I haven’t found solid confirmation yet. It’s quite possible they were there as well, since production of the T-55A started before 1968, but documentation and photos are harder to come by.
If you have any reliable sources or photos on this variant’s deployment in ’68, I’d be happy to take a look — always interested in learning more!
Aha! Thanks!
I was curious about the time factor but the date something enters into service is one thing and when some unit or other uses it in some operation is another.
I have bought power tools for some project and not used them until maybe ten years later …
I do not have any other documentation to prove or disprove the presence or non presence of the T-55A variant.
Hello Taras, Hello Uncle- Heavy. Of course, T-55s were involved in Operation Danube. However, this is about the model that Taras built. The thickened nuclear hatches that are on his model didn’t exist back then. If I’m mistaken, then show me pictures from Czechoslovakia in 1968 where these tanks can be seen. Here are some photos from Operation Danube in 1968.
T-55A with the anti-radiation lining which required the thicker/larger hatch coamings entered service in 1963.
@lkwman
Entered service does not mean that units equipped with T-55A tanks participated in Operation Danube. As you write: Only photographs or access to Soviet archives would answer that question.
