502 Abteilung ABT607 T-54/5 TO IDF TIRAN 4/5 THE BIRTH OF A BASTARD TANK – Scale Modelling Book (English language)

502 Abteilung ABT607 T-54/5 TO IDF TIRAN 4/5 THE BIRTH OF A BASTARD TANK is an exceptionally detailed, English-language publication comprising 88 pages in a softcover format, authored by renowned researcher Ma'or Levy. This is the second volume in the specialist series "Captured Vehicles in IDF Service," co-created by Abteilung 502 and Desert Eagle Publishing, aimed at model enthusiasts, military history buffs, and tank collectors interested in vehicles with unique backgrounds.

• Contents and purpose: The book is intended not only for scale modellers but also for anyone interested in military history—especially the combat use of captured armored vehicles in the Middle East.
• Historical overview: The publication focuses on the Soviet-origin T-54 and T-55 tanks captured by the Israel Defense Forces during the Six-Day War (1967, Cold War era). Of approximately 280 units, as many as 146 were thoroughly modified and entered service as Tiran 4 and Tiran 5. The author explores the uniqueness of Tiran use in the IDF, their conversions, and their versatile roles—from fire support to engineering duties and special tactical maneuvers aimed at the Egyptian flank.
• Material scope: The text is based on many years of archival research, Israeli army documentation, and interviews with soldiers and officers who operated these vehicles during Middle Eastern conflicts.
• Value for modellers: The book is a rich source of authentic photographs, painting schemes, descriptions of modifications, and construction details necessary for faithfully recreating Israeli Tirans in 1/35, 1/48, or 1/72 scale. Warnings about specific differences between variants will be invaluable for model projects.
• Product category: Modelling literature / reference book for modellers and military historians.
• Material: Printed publication, softcover.
• Level of difficulty: 1/5 – written in accessible language, richly illustrated, perfect for both beginners and advanced modellers as well as military history enthusiasts.

We recommend the book “502 Abteilung ABT607 T-54/5 TO IDF TIRAN 4/5 THE BIRTH OF A BASTARD TANK”: This is an indispensable reference material for every modeller interested in IDF vehicles and T-54/T-55 variants. The multitude of sources, unique photographs, and practical tips on conversion and weathering make this publication stand out in the market and will help you create a realistic model of the legendary “bastard tank.”