Hobby Master Archive

Hobby Master 1/72 Ground Power Series HG3318 T-55A Russian Medium Tank Northern Alliance elite unit ‘Zabati’ Bagram Front, November 2001

Authentic Detailing Pre-Painted by professionals Accurate paint colors Markings Tampo (pad) applied Fully Assembled Die-Cast Model True to Scale (1:72) Weathering and insignias Turret turns Metal turret and main gun Realistic tracks

T-55A Specifications Crew 4 Weights Weight: 36.6 tons (33203 kg) Ground pressure: 12.66 lb/in sq. (0.89 kg/cm sq.)

Dimensions Length: 29.5 ft (9.0 m) with gun - 21.1 ft (6.45 m) without gun Width: 11.8 ft (3.60 m) Height: 7.6 ft (2.32 m)

Powerplant Model V-55 diesel, 520 hp (390 kW), 12cylinder, 38.88 liter water cooled Power/weight ratio: 14 hp/tonne Performance Operational range: 248.5/310.7 mi (400/500 km) - with drop tanks 372.8 mi (600 km) Maximum road speed: 31.06 mph (50 km/h) Maximum off-road speed: 21.75 mph (35 km/h) Average cross-country speed: 15.5 mph (25 km/h) Fording depth: Normal - 4.6 ft (1.4 m) With snorkel - 18 ft (5.5 m)

Armament Armour: 6.69/7.99 in (170/203 mm) Gun: 3.94 in (100 mm) rifled gun, D-10T2S Auxiliary armament: .3 in (7.62 mm) (7.62 X 54R) Machine Gun SGM-T/PKT Mounted armament: .5 in (12.7 mm) (12.7 X 108R) AA MG DShKM

As a replacement for the WWII era T-34 the T-55 was produced in the USSR from 1963 - 1981 and under license in Poland from 1964 - 1979 as well as in Czechoslovakia and in China as the Type 59. During the “Cold War” period it was felt that there was a need for a new anti- radiation system for the T-55. A new lining and full chemical filtration system were added to the tanks and these became known as the T-55A. A T-55A is distinguishable because these modifications made it necessary to enlarge the Driver’s hatch and enlarge the combing over the Commander’s and Loader’s hatch. The new improvements brought about the removal of the bow machine gun. The coaxial machine gun was updated and room for 6 more main gun rounds (100mm) was made possible with the removal of the hull machine gun. Starting in 1970 a new turret fitting was adding to the T-55A to accommodate the new 12.7mm anti-aircraft heavy machine gun.

In 2001 Russia supplied the anti-Taliban United Front (Northern Alliance) with 40 T-55s. The Northern Alliance was a coalition of Afghan groups that were like private armies loyal to a local warlord and joined force with the UN forces. In 2002 the Taliban purchased 150 T-55s from an unconfirmed source which is believed to be a former USSR state. Most Northern Alliance tanks ended up being dug in and used as artillery because these large vehicles proved too hard to maneuver in such mountainous terrain.