Not to compete with YHR but I will be using the Tamiya electronics and specifically commenting on things to watch for.
Got the kit from ETO armor, and I have to say truely great service and delivered in 7 days! Wonderful.
The Hooben T-55a tank kit 6602 is similar to the Pershing kit in build and general difficulty level.
Summary: This kit can be likened to a Bandai kit in its quality and general assembly accuracy and difficulty of construction. And then one has to figure out how to make it Full Option. The cost of the Full Option is like constructing a Bandai with Tamiya electronics.
Instructions: The instructions are well done with Tamiya style layout and graphics. The section starts with a historical narrative that brings the T-55 from its prototype beginnings at the end of WWII to operations in the mid 90’s. Some subassemblies involving intricate detail construction could have been more clearly depicted but overall very well done. Instructions include sample color patterns and decal locations of many different nationalities. Instructions are in Chinese and roughly translated English. Instructions also have electronics install and set up which is not included (as of this report) with the kit.
Kit Contents: The kit includes plastic sprues, 2 drive gearboxes, one turret rotation gearbox, one recoil gearbox, one elevation gearbox, turned aluminum gun barrel, metal suspension arms and axels, metal sprockets and idlers, racer sleeve bearing for outdrive axel, brass bushings, plastic roadwheels and rubber tires, metal idler adjust.
When you build this kit be prepared to do some minor rework and provide other accessories like spare hardware, grease and threadlock. Although the kit has the presentation of a Tamiya kit, pay special attention to assembly parts and instructions test fitting often as the build is not as intuitive as a Tamiya kit.
Hooben even sent a credit card to use on their next model issuances (kidding) although the website on it seems defunct.
