Here's a treat for you guys who like late-50s armor, Hooben's new Soviet T-55A.

I saw their prototype sample today & it looks very promising. The tank did not have any electronics installed so we didn't have the chance to run it, but you guys have already seen the video posted on the earlier thread.

Detailing for what I saw of their test shot was quite good down to turret casting, welds & track (model had plastic track but metal option will be offered), aluminum hull pan, metal suspension, upgraded gearbox & aluminum barrel. Lets just say, if you enjoy building any of Tamiya's tanks you'll not be disappointed.

Hooben will offer their own "full option" electronics system including a Tamiya compatible IR battle system that will accept Tamiya's #53447 plug-in receiver. Feng plans to offer the T-55A in 2 options: basic version less electronics for those who may want to use their own Tamiya or ElMod system & a full-option kit. And before anyone asks, NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO it will not be sold RTR. Look for the kits to be offered through retail dealers with expected release first quarter of 2009.

Just like the Perkasa, the T-55A will be a must for any tanker, especially with what they have planned towards other armor releases. [sm=thumbup.gif]

Chuck



Hooben 1/16 T-55A


Hooben 1/16 T-55A


Hooben 1/16 T-55A


Hooben 1/16 T-55A

Oh my. [X(] Looks like a late Christmas for me!

Any idea on the prices for the two versions?

I'd want one just for my 'Beast' conversion...

Stay tuned.

Nice! Now we need something to do battle with it! The BullDog is a little on the light side, the guy quit making those M-46 kits, wonder if anyone has any M-48s or 60s in the works?

James, please think Centurion.

Thanks Chuck, looks really great and very accurate. Now they have to put out some competition...only thing available now would be an M-41 on German border duty or upgrade an Easy 8 to an Isherman M-50 or M-51 Super Sherman. Joel is still talking with people about getting the M-46 kit up and made, but the M-46 never went up against T-54-55s anyway. Be nice is someone would bring out an M-47, early M-48 or Centurian. Any idea what these will cost[&:]? Something that good will probably cost a bundle.

Naw...

We go serious attack, we ~gotta~ go Merkava...

I don't know any details, but would think you'll see a better chance of non-USA armor coming after the T-55A.

Personally, I'd love to see something from the Arab-Israeli desert myself since it hasn't been adequately represented. Throw in a couple Shermans & even a Pz IV, you've got some interesting scenarios to play on any local sandlot!

For those like me who also enjoy playing on the water, I saw Hooben's new 1/32 Perkasa & ArkModel's 1/72 PLAN Type 39 Song.

After the Centurion we could modify an M4 to a M50.

Very single sided but you could add some poor quality applique armour heavenly weathered and put it up against the best tank in the world Challenger II followed by Leopard IIA6 make a lovely Iraq battle

There were probably some T54 vs. T72 conflicts out there. It is its own worst enemy!

This looks nice, but I do like to know about the price though. Please update us with both prices when u get the intel.

Are there any morden armies that still uses the T-55, if so then the tam leo will now have something to shoot at.

I don't think any army that is modern still uses the T-55. Maybe in places like Sudan???

Besides Africa, you'll still find these in use throughout the world by smaller defense forces & in even some of the larger rising powers such as India. According to Global Security, India has been overhauling their 700 T-55 tanks with plans to use them until 2017. Iraqi forces still use them today as does Pakistan. Heck, with the way things are going in the Afghan / Pakistan region, you may get the chance to see a Leo or Abrams take out a few in the near future. Serbia currently uses an upgraded model & you'd certainly have no problem teaming a Leo up against a Serbian T-55 in a replay of the Kosovo action.

Keep in mind that the T54/T55 has the distinction of being the most mass-produced tank in the world so they'll be around a while.

I believe that was mentioned in the earlier post where Abo said it was 150euro or $220 for the base model, but have no idea at this time what their MSRP for the FO kit is going to be.

For more info, contact Sophia at [email protected].

Latest news from [email protected]:
"Thank you for your letter.
T55 will suppy on June"

Thanks for the news!

There goes my, tax cut, tax return, stimulus check, and no overtime. Anyone know if this is being sold through the usual hobby pipelines, direct sale, or mainly RC distribution?

Yeah herrmill, where are we going to get this "BEAST" from? [8D]

They hope to get in with one of the larger hobby distributors who can handle volume orders. Aside from that, you can order direct like I plan to be doing in the coming months but then again I only live 30 minutes from the factory.

can you get us a direct address for billing?

Contact Sophie at [email protected] .

Chuck didn't I hear you say Elefant somewhere? I want one to make a recovery version and perhaps a Porsche
version of the Tiger competition entry.

I'd walk to the factory if Hooben would make a model of the Famo SdKfz 9 prime mover. For one in 1:10 scale I'd walk there and back again...

I'm not a big fan of modern armor but I'm definitely buzzed for a T-55, it's a classic. Especially a well done model like this one seems to be.

Jerry

Man!