Here is my latest, a late M60A2 w/CBSS. I used the Esci M60A3 hull (since it is the most acurate available) and Tamiya turret. I got the CBSS bulge for the rear from another modeler. Added new spot light and mount from an M48A3, new barrel without bore evac and correct length (kit one is 3mm too short), added cast texture to the turret and commander's cupola, forge mark and casting numbers to turret side, clips for tow cable, cut mud relief holes in sprockets, etc., etc. The Tamiya turret is not that bad to start with. The Tamiya hull is a dog.

Here it is.

Overall


CBSS bulge on rear of hull


Turret



Commander's Cupola


Other parts

What is there to say, Gino? As usual your skills amazes me. How did you make the cast texture on the turret? Looking forward to see the finished result.

Cheers
Erik

I've always had an interest in the unusual appearance of this vehicle and have one waiting in my stash. I hope you update this thread often. I will be watching to see the great job you are doing progress further.

Thanks, glad you guys like it so far. I'll keep you updated.

Erik67,
For the cast texture, I take liquid model glue and paint it on a small area at a time. Before it dries, stiple with a stiff brush. Once the whole turret is done, go back over it with the liquid glue again to smooth it out a bit. That is it. A pretty simple technique that yields great results.

Nice tip on the casting for the hull, will come in handy in the future.

How'd you cut the mud relief holes? #11 blade or another way? Curious as I have the Academy M60A1 in my to do pile for my campaign build and the sprockets have no mud relief holes in them. Have been debating on whether or not I want to potentially screw the sprockets up by attempting to cut holes in them or not.

What are you using as the wire mesh in the turret bustle racks?

Thanks, glad you guys like it.

Moezilla,
For the mud relief holes, I drilled a hole at the top, near the sprocket, then a smaller hole at the lower end, near the guide tooth ring. I then used a # 11 exacto to cut out the plastic between the two holes. Shape up with the exacto and a little fine sandpaper.

sgtsauer,
The mesh is bridal veil material, called tule. I bought a small bundle remnant from a fabric store and have had it for years. Works great. Cut to size/shape, and glue in with superglue.

Cool, thanks for the tip Gino! Not sure if I'll try it or not, a bit afraid of screwing the pooch on the sprockets. Who knows though, I may give it a shot.

Tule hunh....have to pick some of that stuff up

Yea, I like that stuff. If it's what I remember from my wedding, it's pretty workable stuff too that isn't too rigid. Might have to pick some up.

Looks well done and extremely well researched. Good job!

Wasn't the M85 .50 cal machine gun mounted upside down in the actual tank cupola? I recall complaining about how much a PITA it was to mess with the one in my A3 when my plt. sergeant told me that it was even worse to deal with in the A2 (he was an old A2 tanker).

Thanks for the comments. No idea on the M85 mount though, didn't run across it in my research. Externally, it would look the same though, right?

Yes, since only the barrel shows. The question was more or less tossed out to the old A2 tankers on the site.

I got you Rob. Just making sure it didn't change the barrel orientation. Thanks. Good question though, anyone?

Gawd! A lot of really good work in that Gino! Jeez, how did you make that casting emblem on the rear?
Great work!

Vinnie

Thanks Vinnie. The rear CBSS Bulge piece came from fellow modeler Robert Skipper. He took the foundry mark from the Esci M60 turret. I copied it using some modeling clay as a mold and poured it in resin for the foundry mark on the turret side (cream-colored square behind the search light) as well.

Hope to have it painted and done this weekend. I'll post some more pics then.

Another piece of inspirations on the make. I have been learning a lot of new techniques from you lately. Thanks for sharing.

Awesome work so far Gino...let's keep the pictures coming.

Rick

I posted in your other thread.The M-85 was mounted upside down,and the feed was reversed to the right side,but would still go in to the left of the mounting.Not much would be seen,there was like a large sleeve around the cooling holes,and a fabric mantlet cover on that too.
I used leftover Dragon intake mesh from some german kit,it is a tighter weave.Are you going to hang bedrolls,and duffle bags? (++) (++)