IDF Tiran 5 Conversion
for Tamiya T-55

Trakz
(A Division of the VLS Corporation)

Reviewed by Brett Green

Trakz has released a 1/35 scale Tiran 5 conversion for Tamiya's fabulous T-55 kit.

Israeli forces captured and converted T-55s and T-62s into the Tiran series. The Tiran 5 was the final expression of the series for the T-55, and this vehicle saw use with the Israeli Defense Forces and the Lebanese Christian Militia.

The conversion comprises 45 parts in cream coloured resin. The replacement turret is the centrepiece of this impressive set, but other parts including the replacement 105mm gun barrel and the big stowage baskets will really transform the outline of your Tamiya T-55 kit. The single-piece resin turret has attachment points, a convincing fabric mantlet cover and other unique Tiran characteristics moulded in-place, so construction in this area will be very straightforward.

In addition to the larger conversion parts, there are a number of accessories including spare track links, two .30 cal machine guns and a .50 cal, jerry cans and more.

Casting quality is excellent. I could find no flaws on my sample. However, caution will be required when removing parts from their casting blocks as the attachment points are quite stout in places.

Also, instructions were not supplied with this review sample but will be included in production sets.

A full-build review will follow shortly.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to VLS for the review samples

These and other VLS products may be viewed at the VLS Website

Review Copyright © 2002 by Brett Green
Page Created 24 August, 2003
Last updated 12 October, 2003

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