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M103A2 Heavy Tank

Part 10 - Change Is Good

Based on some additional reference material I was provided with, I was able to confirm some detail changes on the Guantanamo Bay M103A2s (at least changes for D Company, 1st Platoon tanks). As a result some minor changes were done to my build.

Upon revisiting a multitude of reference images I finally clued in that D Company tanks had a repositioned antenna mount. The antenna mount in the right turret mount had been moved to the mid left side of the turret. The only place I can fathom that this is, in reviewing images of real tanks, is the location of the small turret ventilator. So, I popped off both the antenna mount and the ventilator and repositioned the parts. I added a circular blanking plate over the right antenna position. I added a small circular mounting plate on the ventilator location and attached the antenna mount.

The second update is to the Tactical markings (decals) that Dragon supplied, which upon closer scrutiny of reference images, are seen to be of an incorrect shape/font. The letters and numbers on the Dragon decals are far too soft edged. In a search for alternate suitable markings I think that Woodland Scenics USA-Gothic Yellow Numbers and Letters Dry Transfer Decals will do the trick quite nicely.

Part 11 - Tracking Track

Each track section of the Bronco Model set consists of...

2 x lower pad pieces
2 x upper pad pieces
2 connector rod pieces
1 x centre guide

So, with seven small parts per each section it is a taxing job to remove each part from the sprues, clean each part with cutters and sand paper, position the parts, glue the parts, and ensure a proper alignment. I continued to endure and embrace the suck! In the end it paid off as the track detail is terrific.