T-59 or T-54

[STURM]

From looking at these 2 pictures of MBTS entering the Presidential Palace in Saigon, can anyone make out whether these are T-59s or T-54s? Thank you.

 

[Ananda]

From looking at these 2 pictures of MBTS entering the Presidential Palace in Saigon, can anyone make out whether these are T-59s or T-54s? Thank you.

I would say, T-54, since from what I gather, NVA's MBT inventory at that time mostly consists of T-54/55. Although some supplies of T-59 already in hand. Still isn't T-59 is an 'exact' copy of T-54 ?

 

[Gremlin29]

T-59 is a clone of the T-54 but the T-54 normally carries the IR searchlight and the T-59 of that vintage does not. Could be T-54's with the IR searchlight removed but you would need to look at the starboard side of the turret and mantlet for evidence of the mount and linkage.