T-54A Soviet Medium Tank 1:35 Model Kit by MiniArt

Model Features

• 1:35 scale plastic model kit
• Accurately represents the Soviet T-54A medium tank, one of the most important Cold War armoured vehicles
• Highly detailed turret featuring the distinctive T-54A improvements, including the D-10TG gun system and fume extractor
• Detailed hull with realistic cast armour texture, weld lines, and surface details
• Finely reproduced suspension system with workable torsion bars
• Detailed running gear with accurately represented road wheels, drive sprockets, and idler wheels
• High-detail individual track links for realistic track sag and positioning
• All hatches can be assembled in open or closed positions
• Includes finely detailed engine deck, fuel tanks, tools, and external fittings
• Accurate representation of the 100mm D-10TG main gun and turret-mounted machine gun
• Includes photo-etched parts for enhanced realism
• Clear parts included where required
• Waterslide decal sheet featuring seven authentic Soviet and Warsaw Pact marking options
• Precision-moulded plastic parts for an advanced and highly detailed build
• Ideal for Cold War armoured vehicle collections, Soviet military displays, or modern battlefield diorama projects.

Specifications

• Brand: MiniArt
• Scale: 1:35
• Subject: Soviet T-54A Medium Tank
• Material: Injection-moulded plastic
• Skill Level: Suitable for intermediate to advanced modellers
• Paint & Glue Required: Yes (sold separately)
• Recommended Age: 14+
• Parts: 763
• Plastic Parts: 646
• Photo-Etched Parts: 102
• Clear Parts: 15
• Decal Options: 7
• Model Length: Approximately 260mm
• Width: Approximately 95mm

What's in the Box

• Plastic sprues
• Detailed hull and turret components
• 100mm D-10TG main gun parts
• Workable torsion bar suspension components
• Individual track links
• External fuel tanks and vehicle equipment
• Clear parts
• Photo-etched detail parts
• Waterslide decal sheet with seven marking options
• Illustrated assembly instructions

History of the Original Vehicle

The Soviet T-54A medium tank was a major development of the successful T-54 family and became one of the most widely produced and influential tanks of the Cold War era. Introduced during the mid-1950s, the T-54A incorporated significant improvements over earlier T-54 variants, increasing firepower, accuracy, mobility, and battlefield effectiveness.

Development of the T-54 began during the final stages of the Second World War as Soviet engineers sought a successor to the highly successful T-34-85. Drawing experience from wartime tank design, the new vehicle combined improved armour protection, a more powerful gun, and a lower-profile silhouette. The first prototypes appeared shortly after the war, with full production beginning in the late 1940s.

The T-54A, introduced in 1955, represented one of the most important early production improvements. The vehicle was fitted with the new D-10TG 100mm rifled gun, which featured the STP-1 "Gorizont" vertical gun stabiliser, allowing crews to engage targets more effectively while moving. It also introduced improvements to the engine air filtration system, suspension reliability, and driver equipment, including enhanced night-driving capability.

Powered by the V-54 diesel engine, producing approximately 520 horsepower, the T-54A offered a strong balance between mobility, protection, and firepower. Its low silhouette and sloped armour provided effective protection against many contemporary anti-tank weapons, while its 100mm gun gave it the ability to defeat most armoured vehicles of the period.

The tank was armed with the 100mm D-10TG cannon, supported by a coaxial machine gun and a hull-mounted machine gun. Later examples also featured improved anti-aircraft machine gun mounts. The combination of powerful armament, reliable mechanical design, and relatively simple construction allowed the T-54A to become a highly successful export vehicle.

The T-54A entered service with the Soviet Army and was supplied to numerous Warsaw Pact nations and allied countries. It saw extensive combat service during the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, the Vietnam War, conflicts in the Middle East, the Six-Day War, the Yom Kippur War, and numerous regional conflicts throughout the Cold War.

One of the greatest strengths of the T-54A was its adaptability. The basic design could be upgraded repeatedly, leading to later variants such as the T-54B, T-55, and numerous modernised export versions. Its reliability, ease of maintenance, and ability to operate in harsh environments ensured it remained in service with many armies decades after its introduction.

More than 35,000 T-54 and T-55 series tanks were produced, making the family one of the most numerous armoured vehicle designs in history. The T-54A played a crucial role in establishing Soviet armoured doctrine during the Cold War and became a symbol of Soviet military power across the world.

Today, the T-54A remains an important subject for military historians and modellers due to its distinctive appearance, extensive combat history, and significance in the evolution of post-war armoured warfare.

Historical Snapshot

• Country: Soviet Union
• First Prototype: 1946
• Entered Service: 1955
• Role: Medium Tank / Main Battle Tank
• Manufacturer: Soviet tank factories including Kharkiv and Uralvagonzavod facilities
• Crew: 4
• Engine: One V-54 12-cylinder diesel engine
• Primary Armament: 100mm D-10TG rifled tank gun
• Secondary Armament: Coaxial 7.62mm SGMT machine gun and hull-mounted machine gun
• Maximum Speed: Approximately 50 km/h (31 mph)
• Range: Approximately 400 km

Please Note

This is an unassembled plastic model kit. Paint, glue, and modelling tools are not included. Recommended for ages 14 and over.