Now that I have been bitten by the IDF bug, I would like to get hold of a Tiran 5 for my collection. I would presume one starts with a good T-55 kit, so the Tamiya one, and then adds a conversion set. I have found two different resin etc converions. One is by Legend in Korea, and it can be had for about US$20. The other is by Blast Models in France, and can be had for US$40. So double the price of the Legend set.

Would appreciate any comments on the differences in quality of the two, how complete each is, etc. I also note that both Legends and Blast have resin main guns. Does anyone in the turned metal barrel realm produce a metal gun barrel for the Tiran 5 that might be a replacement for the resin ones? Or are the resins good?

Thanks in advance for any responses.

Cheers,
Andrew

I can't comment on the difference between Blast and Legend as i only used the Blast set. I did use a metal barrel as resin barrel are always difficult to 'clean' when removing them from their pour block. I used the RB35B100 barrel from RB Models. On top of my head it comes with a barrel and two copper rings to resemble the ridges on the US M68 barrel used on the Tiran. (So it's different from the Royal Ordonance L7 gun used on the Sh'ot Kal.)

Hello,
I have the Blast set myself and I can say it's top notch. In the box you have the necessary parts to build one of the three variants: T-54 based Tiran, IDF Tiran5 with the 105mm gun and SLA Tiran5 with the original 100mm gun.
This could explain the price difference with Legend one.

Olivier
http://olivier.carneau.free.fr/index.htm
http://olivier.carneau.free.fr/gb_version/index.htm

There is also a Verlinden on the market. I think by parts look, blast is the best.

Andrew,

I recently finished a build using both sets. I worked on it a couple of years ago and then put it on the shelf for awhile before painting so I don't remember all the details, but after doing my research I do remember thinking that the Blast set was markedly better and that it was more comprehensive than Legend's. The only thing I remember that the Legends set has that Blast's is missing is the turret mortar to the left of the commander's hatch (Blast includes the mount but not the actual mortar). If I were to build it again I'd definitely go with Blast.

As to the barrel, the resin version is fine. I bought the RB barrel but didn't use it as the fit was way too loose in the Blast mantlet.

Anyways, here's some photos of the final build which you might find helpful. The metal barrels on the MGs are from RB, plus there's some Eduard PE, MIG fuel lines and a few scratch details. You can also see the final version over on the Constructive Comments board - http://www.network54.com/Forum/110741/thread/1345071929/Tiran+5+-+Completed








Cheers,

Daniel C

I remember that one of them had resin fuel tanks! I'll have to check my stash when I get home!

it's resin so it takes a bit to clean up but it's very good. I'm building the Tiran dozer with the Verlinden blade.

Maybe you'll see it at your show in the near future.

P

The best combination for a good Tiran, Tamiya T55 with Blast conversion and RB metal gun, and for sure the Verlinden book "Warmachines number 10".

I have the Verlinden book which a friend gave me a few days ago! And by consensus, it appears that I need to get the Blast set. So thanks to everyone for helping, esp. the photos provided of the kit without paint, very useful!
Cheers,
Andrew

The Trakz Tiran-5 was the best and most correct & detailed conversion on the market; the master was done by Douglas Lee.
Mrosko

That is the one with the Fuel Cans!!!!! Thanks!