The Type 59 main battle tank is a Chinese-produced version of the Soviet T-54A tank, the earliest model of the ubiquitous T-54/55 series. The first vehicles were produced in 1958 and it was accepted into service in 1959, with serial production beginning in 1963 serving with the Chinese armed forces. The tank formed the backbone of the Chinese People's Liberation Army until the early 2000s, and was modified several times during its service. Kit consist of 520+ parts, 15 sprues, slide moulded lower hull & turret, copper cable, 192 individual tracks links, photoetch and markings.