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For discussions related to cold war era Russo-Soviet armor.
T-54B early vs T-54B late
Dinocamo
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Quebec, Canada
Joined: August 26, 2017
KitMaker: 91 posts
Armorama: 89 posts
Posted: Saturday, August 18, 2018 - 08:12 PM UTC
What is/are the difference between the 2 version of the T-54B?

There are several T-54B kits out there made by different brands. However, only Takom and Miniart have precised their kits as 'late' (Takom) and 'Early' (Miniart).

Note that both brands are reputed with high accuracy and detail. Therefore, I wonder why they precis the period of the T-54B.

On another similar case, Miniart has 2 versions of the T-55A mod. 1965, again, 'early' and 'late'. The different between them is the type of track. The 'early' has the OMSh track and the 'late' has the RMSh track.

According to Missing-Lynx review (http://www.missing-lynx.com/reviews/russia/takom2055reviewcs_1.html), the T-54B Takom has the OMSh track. So, the track is likely not the different here. I also believe that it's not an interior difference as the Takom kit doesn't have the interior to differ if it is even the case.

I tried to look for more info, but the link to the stores and reviews for these 2 kits just took over Google.

Thanks in advance.
cesar
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Santander, Spain / España
Joined: August 10, 2005
KitMaker: 110 posts
Armorama: 107 posts
Posted: Sunday, August 19, 2018 - 01:18 AM UTC
Waiting for more informed replies, the main external difference I can see is the mounting for the Luna IR searchlight. In the early production version it is attached directly atop the gun mantlet, whereas the searchlight of the late production variant is of the type found on the T-55, mounted on a base on the turret front and linked to the main gun to keep it in alignment. I think both kits include the early "spider" roadwheels and the later "starfish" pattern.

But as I said, better wait for more informed opinions.

Hope it helps,
César
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