Review
This offering from HobbyBoss arrives in a robust cardboard tray and a separate cardboard lid. Inside is a segmented area that further fortifies the tray and provides protection for any HobbyBoss may feel could be easily damaged. The sprues are individually bagged except where duplicate, and further protection is given to the parts inside the bags in the form of foam wrap where needed. Looking at the mouldings I cannot see any obvious issues to concern yourself with. The gate are of a reasonable size in most cases but HobbyBoss does have a habit of the gates being moulded on to the mating surfaces which makes clean up difficult.
The PLA 59 is the Chinese version of the T54 and the version supplied here appears to be the type 1 early due to the main barrel having the flared area very near to the muzzle. The lower hull of the model has separate suspension parts that locate and lock in a neutral suspension position. The various elements in this area look to be nicely replicated and accurate for this vehicle. The wheels are also well detailed and do replicate the early style of wheel detail. The rubber portion of the wheels has details on the mating face which should be removed unless replicating a brand new tank. The tracks for this release are individual links which I know some do not like due to how long it can take to clean them up and also to assemble them. However, I feel this is a good inclusion as it allows for accurate track sag.
The upper surface of the hull is moulded in separate parts which I believe enables hobby boss to replicate different versions of the PLA 59 without the need to create lots of different moulds. Photoetch has been kept at a minimum with the engine deck having the vent detail using this material. The drivers hatch can be left open providing you have some plan to hide the fact that there is no internal detail. The track guards are a bit of a pain as photoetch reinforcement detail is added at the front of both sides, the fuel tanks are reasonably detailed with fuel lines moulded on the track guards themselves and you could of course replicate where they would mate with the fuel tanks. The tow cables provided has separate towing eyes and brass wire, I have a particular dislike of the wire HobbyBoss provides and so would suggest a replacement is used which is more malleable and visually pleasing. Clear parts are provided for the lighting and periscopes which meets with approval.
The turret of this release is moulded in the top and bottom half and so I question how accurate the detail is due to the complex shape of the turret. The main portion of the turret is cast and a reasonable attempt at casting detail is present but could be further enhanced using a number of different methods. The hatches for the crew again are provided separately so could be shown open but again you will need to hide the lack of interior detail. Grab handles around the turret are nicely replicated but I would give consideration to replacing them with the correct grade wire. The roof mounted heavy machine gun is a very nicely replicated part of this model but would benefit from having the muzzle drilled. The main gun has been moulded as a single piece, using slide moulding and is something I like to see.
HobbyBoss has provided two finishing options for this release but disappointingly as usual have failed to provide any detail on what the finished represent.
Conclusion
This release from HobbyBoss of the Chinese PLA 59 has some nice details in the model. I like the fact the barrel is moulded as a single piece, and that the cast texture on the turret where needed has been subtly replicated. I myself, like the individual track links as I do feel these give the best replication unless you go to the expense of metal track links. I am going to restrict my complaints to HobbyBoss failing to provide details on what the finishes represent and I cannot detect any severe inaccuracies. I have checked things such as the wheel stations, general shape of the various elements, and while as with all models there is room for further improvement, I think modellers like to have details or improvements they can replicated themselves.