T-55A Soviet MBT 1/16 KIT

Product detailed description

Building kit of a Soviet tank also used by the Czechoslovak army. Detailed processing, many metal parts. The kit includes pre-assembled gearboxes with motors, mechanisms for turning the turret and raising the cannon, parts for a fully movable turret and a cannon slide.

The kit is intended for advanced modelers, the construction requires minor adjustments to some parts during assembly and a separate installation solution for some parts of the model (lighting, electronics, etc.).

scale: 1/16
length: 563 mm
width: 204 mm
height: 150 mm
engines: 2x 380
max. speed: 0.87 m/s
max. angle of climb: 60%
max. obstacle height: 50 mm

To build a static model, you need to purchase: Paints, brushes, plastic glue, common modeling tools.

To assemble the RC functional model, you need to purchase (according to the completion version): Suitable RC kit, MFU multi-function unit, flash unit, speaker, smoke generator, drive battery, charger, paints, brushes, glue, common modeling tools.

Alternatives of the possible completion of the RC model:

1. The simplest design, without sounds, BB and IR functions
Functions - proportional drive forward/backward, right/left, turret rotation, cannon raising.
Needed to purchase: 4-6 channel RC kit (we recommend Carson Reflex Stick 6k), 2x ESC controller (15-20A) for controlling the motors (belt drive), 2x small ESC controller (7-10A) for controlling the turret rotation and cannon lifting ( or a combined electronic switch, for example DSYS), or 1x servo for raising the cannon, drive accumulator, charger, batteries for the transmitter.

2. The most perfect execution
Features - proportional drive forward/backward, right/left, cannon and machine gun fire, remote control of lights, functional turn signals, reverse and brake lights, realistic sounds of the engine and other mechanisms, gunfire sounds, etc. Realistic tank behavior, including IR battle functions.
Needed to purchase: 6-channel RC set Carson Reflex Stick 6k, multifunctional unit Elmod Fusion ECO, or Elmod Fusion PRO, speaker, flash unit, smoke module, LED lights, LED machine gun, IR battle module (if you are building an IR battle version), drive battery , charger, batteries for the transmitter.

WARNING! This RC model is not a toy, but a more sophisticated, functional model that behaves very much like a real tank. Given the realistic parameters, if it is not properly assembled and operated, it can cause you injury, or injure the viewer, or damage property. The model is intended for driving in a large room or outside on a dry surface, under no circumstances can it be driven in water, snow, puddles, mud, sand, tall grass, on public roads and other places (e.g. parking lots ) with car operation. High "hairy" carpets are also unsuitable surfaces. This model requires regular maintenance. This model requires maintenance and is intended for modelers over 14 years of age.

My T-55 test: I first built a T-55 from the very first production series of Hooben builders for my own pleasure (I've been using it for several years) and built four more for customers. Each kit had changes and minor imperfections. All plastic parts are almost flawlessly molded, metal parts and fasteners are arranged in marked boxes and bags. The construction instructions are quite clear and if you don't rush the construction, you will be able to complete the construction without any major problems. But beware, in the manual you will find typos in the labeling of parts and even incorrectly drawn parts assemblies. It can really complicate the work for a beginner. You will struggle a bit when assembling the mechanisms for controlling the movement of the cannon and the slide, which the Chinese designer "modernized" several times during production, so the original instructions are unclear in some steps. But an experienced modeler can handle that. All the parts fit together nicely and there is no need to deal with any serious complications. The construction can be done in a few evenings. Since there are no multifunctional electronics in the kit, the modeler can choose whether to build a "silent" model or invest in some type of multifunctional unit. I am fundamentally in favor of using MFU Elmod Fusion PRO. I also once tried the "original" Hooben MFU, which was actually a mutation of the Clark TK-22, but for the price it cost, it was not worth anything at all. I simply recommend Elmod, whoever believes me will not regret it. You also need to buy an RC set and a battery (or charger). I have a favorite RC set Carson Reflex Stick II (6 channel, single) transmitter. So you only need to plug the cables into the receiver according to the instructions, calibrate the system and everything works beautifully right away. Since Elmod has a beautiful collection of sounds, it pays to use a quality speaker. There are several reflectors on the model that can be connected, you just have to think about it during construction. Driving characteristics correspond to reality, it is a nimble model with a realistic appearance. In conclusion, however, I can recommend this kit. Although it is difficult for a beginner, mainly due to errors in the instructions, the resulting model is successful.

Text by: Ing. Jozef Andal