Here is my Dragon 3546 M48A3 converted into a IDF Magach 3. This was the first of the new tool Patton that I have made.
In theory, this should have been a fairly straight forward conversion but I chose a aftermarket barrel which was designed for older kits. That was a huge mistake, it sucked all they enjoyment out of the build and I almost didn't finish it.
I ended up having no secure fit and had to just hold the barrel in place free hand while applying krazy glue gel. It ended up being close to straight and level and in the interests of mental health I decided to just live with it.
The rear turret stowage basket is a delicate affair. Too delicate for my ham-fisted efforts. It took me three trys to get to this stage. My hope is that external stowage will conceal this monstrosity....
I robbed parts off of a much earlier, flawed build and the Sherman cupola is a surplus Dragon part and it was a drop fit.
The mantlet cover is made with heavy tissue paper, plastic rod and Mr. Surfacer 500. I was happy with the way it turned out.
Overall, I am mostly happy with the end result, now that its over. Lesson learned? Get aftermarket stuff that is designed for your particular model.....
More photos can be found here:
http://s115.photobucket.com/user/Michael_Hatch/library/Modelling%20the%20Arab-Israeli%20Wars/1973%20IDF%20-%20Magach%203
Michael in Cloverdale.
