Blast Models 1/35
T-55 Update Set

One of the nicest T-55 kits on the market today is the Tamiya 1/35 T-55, but it represents one particular version. As we know, tanks continue to evolve as new technologies and capabilities are installed inside and out.

Blast Models of France has been turning out some interesting detail sets from what I could see in the photos in AFV Modeller. I decided to see first-hand what this company was about.

From what I could tell, the best (and perhaps only) way to obtain Blast Models' products was directly from them. A visit to their website at www.blast-models.com revealed that Blast Models is an interesting online hobby shop that sells a variety of products over and above their own product line. The site is multilingual and very easy to navigate. I ordered this T-55 update set and a few other detail sets and my order arrived via airmail a week or so later.

What comes in the box is a variety of options, any of which will distinguish your T-55 from the rest of the pack. According to the box, the set includes:

• Updated periscopes/vision blocks for the driver
• More detailed engine deck
• T-55 Model 1958 Commander & Loader Hatches (Czech & Polish Versions)
• T-55AM 70 - Final Production Model Commander & Loader Hatches
• T-55 East German/Polish/Soviet Commander & Loader Hatches (Czech & Polish Versions)
• T-55 Commander & Loader Hatches (Polish Versions)
• T-55 Commander & Loader Hatches (Czech & Soviet Versions)

While the titles sound duplicative, this set provides five different combinations of commander and loader hatches as well as the machine gun mounts, where applicable. What's especially nice is the visible binocular scope mounted inside the hatch on three of these versions. This is a very visible detail that will add additional fidelity to the finished project.

If you've been looking for a way to create different versions of the T-55 from the Tamiya kit, here is what you're looking for. This set is recommended!