Hobby Master 1:72 Ground Power Series HG3304
Morozov T-55 Diecast Model
North Vietnamese Army, Vietnam

1:72 Scale		Length		Width
Morozov T-55		5"		2"

1945 saw the introduction of the T-54 and produced in large numbers from 1947 on. In 1958 after major improvements the T-54 was reborn as the T-55. The improvements consisted of a thicker turret casting, an added NBC protection feature and a more powerful engine. The production of the Soviet built T-55 lasted from 1958 to 1981 with tens of thousands being built. License to build was given to Czechoslovakia, Poland and China where it was designated the Type 59. The Chinese modified and improved the Type 59 and renamed it the Type 69. When the Type 69 is given a 105mm main gun it is called the Type 79. Approximately 95,000 tanks of all variants of the T-55 have been produced. The T-55 has been used in over 40 countries and after almost 50 years many are still in use.

In the late 1960s the North Vietnamese Army began to receive T-54A, T-54B and T-55 tanks from the Soviets and China contributed their Type 59 tank, a much better built version of the T-55. It wasn't until February 1971 before the NVA tanks entered combat during encounters into Laos. By 1972 the there were enough tanks for the NVA to create 3 tank regiments and a few independent tank battalions. The tanks had several encounters with the South Vietnam Army who were better trained and better equipped with the M48A3 Patton and much better trained. At the battle for the city of An Loc the NVA suffered heavy losses to the newly developed TOW wire-guided missile. In 1972 the NVA lost over 400 tanks but were re-supplied with enough Chinese Type 59 tanks to create nine tank regiments. In 1975 the war went from the commonly perceived jungle warfare to assaults on South Vietnam spearheaded by T-55 type tanks. The NVA also learned to use their tanks in jungle warfare which was not expected.In 1979 North Vietnamese tanks were used to support infantry when a brief border war broke out with its former ally China. Direct tank on tank encounters didn't take place because of the rugged terrain. Any further fighting in Indochina saw limited usage of the T-55 and Type 59 tanks and was basically in support of the infantry.

Morozov T-55

© Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.

Hobby Master's 1:72 scale T-55 is constructed with an intelligent mix of diecast metal and plastic, which gives this model maximum scale replication. One of the highlights of this T-55 is an extraordinarily detailed turret, which is constructed of diecast metal combined with plastic components such as the separately-applied commander and gunner's hatches with scale rivets and hinges, the floodlights and the DShk 108mm heavy machine gun. The mantlet has a simulated canvas cover and the cannon is made of solid diecast metal. The hull is constructed of plastic, with separately-applied equipment storage boxes, tow cables and spare track. The lever arms of the torsion bar suspension can be seen on the model's underside.

© Copyright 2003-2013 The Flying Mule, Inc.

Hobby Master 1:72 Ground Power Series

The Hobby Master "1:72 Ground Power Series" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military vehicles.

Hobby Master "1:72 Ground Power Series" diecast vehicles feature:

• Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
• Rotating turret, elevating cannon and accurate hull.
• Painted, fitted, non-moving tracks on detailed non-rotating wheels.
• Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
• Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
• Clear acrylic display case to protect model.