Introduction:

This publication is a continuation of the previous WWP volume devoted to the basic production of Soviet variants of the T-54 MBT. It explores foreign modifications of the T-54 and anti-aircraft versions on a chassis of the original tank.

Review:

T-54 Chassis-based Vehicles in Detail (G064) from WWP is a softcover, 120-pages long book covering all the different T-54 based military vehicles, from Israeli Tiran 4 and Chinese Type 69, to South Lebanese Army APC and ZSU-57-2 anti-aircraft system. I have to admit I was very much looking forward to this title, as I have a soft spot forZSU-57-2 ever since I saw an image of the colorful Croatian Army vehicle. This reference book would come in handy when I finally decide to build the Takom kit.

• Title: T-54 Chassis-based Vehicles in Detail– Type 69, Tiran 4, ZSU-57-2 and Other

• Publisher: Wings & Wheels Publications (WWP)

• Code: G064

• Author: František Kořán & al.

• Format: softcover (22x24 cm)

• Pages: 120 

• Color: full color

• Language: English

• ISBN: 978-80-87509-77-7

• Retail Price: $39 (€31)

The book follows the same layout as all the other reference photo publications from WWP. Printed on high-quality glossy paper and with over 360 large images, the book is divided into chapters which deal with several different T-54 based vehicles, all photographed in army museums or private collections. The chapters are:

• Introduction (002-007)

• Tiran 4 (008-017)

• SLA APC (018-027)

• Type 69II (028-047)

• Command Type 69II (048-051)

• Late Type 69II (052-075)

• ZSU-57-2 SPAAG (076-093)

• ZSU-57-2 Interior (094-113)

• S-60 57mm AA Gun (114-120)

The Introduction provides a table of contents, listing the vehicle versions and their corresponding page numbers. The first chapter shows IDF-captured T-54 variant known as Tiran 4. The photos display an early vehicle, with an original D10 cannon, but with numerous IDF specific modifications like the rear hull basket, fenders, and various turret details. Next up is South Lebanese Army SLA APC, an interesting Tiran 4 version, converted into armored personnel carrier. This chapter covers all the exterior and interior details, and would prove a great asset to those modeling the MiniArt’s kits. The chapter on Chinese Type 69II shows a Chinese copy of the T-54 tank. The images extensively cover the details of the hull and the turret, listing and explaining the differences to the original T-54 tank. Command Type 69II shows a tank captured in Iraq, while the Late Type 69II chapter deals with the late type vehicle with the detailed 24-page coverage of the unique drivers hatch, range finder, infrared lamp, smoke dischargers, turret baskets, etc. Next chapter shows the ZSU-57-2 SPAAG, a Soviet self-propelled anti-aircraft twin 57mm gun. The vehicle exterior is thoroughly covered in this chapter while the interior is shown in ZSU-57-2 Interior chapter. These 38 pages provide a wealth of information and I probably couldn’t find better references for building my model. Of particular interest is the turret interior which will help in adding details to this open top vehicle. Finally, the chapter on S-60 57mm AA Gun shows the anti-aircraft cannon, which is the main armament of the ZSU-57-2.

Conclusion:

WWP has become my prime source for references, and I have so far built and upgraded several models with the help of the detailed images from WWP publications. The great thing about these books is that they provide superb photos of the complete subject, as well as tons of images showcasing every single detail on the subject exterior and interior. T-54 Chassis-based Vehicles in Detail (G064) is no exception to the rule. The book covers several different vehicles, all based on T-54 tank chassis, with the emphasis on Chinese Type 69 and ZSU-57-2. Along with the large and clear photos, the title provides brief origins of every T-54 variant, along with the informative captions which describe the key details shown on the photos.

Highly recommended.