As well as being the most-produced family of tanks in history, the T-54/T-55 series is a prime candidate, in model form, for individual track links.  Tamiya's new T-55 kit, while marvelous, is somewhat let down by the single-piece tracks.  Although well-detailed, Tamiya's single-piece tracks simply cannot reproduce the characteristic sag that tanks without return rollers usually have, and that is especially prominent on the T-55.  Enter the aftermarket manufacturers. 

A number of aftermarket companies have released T-54/T-55 tracks (including Armour Track Models, Friulmodellisimo, and Model Kasten), the latest being WWII Productions.  Once again cast in a neutral gray resin, the package contains 190 links and a page of simple assembly instructions.  The instructions suggest 86 links for the starboard side of the vehicle and 87 for the port, but also advise that you leave the idler arms loose to adjust track tension - sound advice for all torsion bar-equipped vehicles (heck, for any model that you are putting individual links on).  There are plenty of extra links for other projects.

Much of what I said in my previous review of WWII Productions' T81 Pershing links still stands, especially regarding ease of assembly and quality of detail.  The links come just about ready to install, with only minimal cleanup required (a single swipe of a sanding stick to remove a small release gate on the edge of the link and a couple of swipes of a toothbrush to remove the waferlike flash present on some parts of the links).  No pinholes are anywhere in sight on these links.  Unlike plastic workable links, these comprise only one piece per link, with assembly accomplished simply by snapping the links together.  There is also no removing from sprues and none of the tedious clean-up associated with injection-moulded links.  This method of casting and assembly also allows WWII Productions to cast in very nice detail on the edges of the links and around the track pins, which is an issue with the Friulmodellisimo tracks that I have.  Assembly is simplicity itself, and two entire runs can be built up within perhaps an hour of opening the bag.  What more can you ask?  WWII Productions links would be an ideal place to start for somebody who has never used individual links before.

Both in terms of accuracy and quality, these links are superb.  If you are working on a Tamiya T-55, indulge yourself and get a set of these tracks; you won't be disappointed, and you won't be in for much more work than if you used the kit's vinyl tracks.  I've said it before and I'll say it again: BUY THESE TRACKS.  Hopefully, that will encourage these fine folks to make lots more.

My set of tracks were graciously provided by WWII Productions, who will sell the links directly if you cannot get them from local dealers.  WWII Productions tracks are available in North America from Hannah's Hobbies and  M&Models.

I should add a disclaimer here: Don Van Duzen and I helped in the research for these tracks, so perhaps I am a less than dispassionate reviewer.  Nevertheless, I must say that I am very impressed by how true to the original these tracks are, and am very much looking forward to putting them on my Tamiya T-55.