This is a project I have been working on and off on for a little while. I wanted to build an M48A3 without its engine to put on my M123A1C w/M15A2 trailer. I used the Tamiya M48A3 and a Verlinden M48A3 engine and compartment set. The model and engine compartment went together without any real issues. I applied a few of the M48A3 tweaks to the kit. I drilled out the mud relief holes on the sprockets, added a 1mm shim to correct the turret height, and replaced the loader's hatch handle with thin wire. I also added A&B putty on the mantlet cover and on the Commander's MG cover. I added lift rings to the commander's cupola as well. I also replaced the crappy kit tracks with AFV Club's excellent workable track set. Lastly, I added a few hoses and wires to the engine compartment to add some details.

Here it is:








More pics here.

As always, all comments welcomed.

Thanks for looking.

Very nice, and you got to build the suspension without having to lower it........

Thanks Russ, and yes, that was definitely a plus.

Gino--once again, a superb model! Great job. Pictures are great.
Continue the fine effort.
DJ

Thanks DJ. It was a fun build.

Gino, I think it would shift to nose heavy,with the pack removed. Our M60A2's did. I like the addition of the cables in the engine bay.I recall about 4 on the pre-RISE engines.

Thanks Karl. The Tamiya kit already has a high stance since it was based on a museum piece w/o an engine it. It is a little higher in the rear as well. You can see it better in this pic:

Nice work Gino!

Thanks Mark.

Great stuff Gino, I like this a lot.

Good-looking build, Gino. And that's one neat solution to that kit's too-high suspension issues!

How did you find the AFV Club tracks to assemble? I ask because I had a set of their M-47 tracks and they were a nightmare (I gave up on them in the end).

- Steve

Thanks Martyn and Steve.

Steve, the AFV Club M48/M60 tracks go together much better than the T80/T84 tracks for the Pershing tanks. They have thicker end pins and the center guides are molded onto the track pads. I too have tried the T80/T84 tracks and gave up on them. They are too fragile and the center guides as separate pieces is nuts.

That's good to know, Gino. Thanks. In that case, I may invest in a set for an M60 build I have lined up.

Your experience with the T80/T84s mirror mine exactly. I wouldn't recommend them to anyone.

- Steve

I didn't know about the info regarding the museum piece without an engine. Good to know.

fine looking build and paint, Gino. Your handling of the epoxy putty looks realistic too

Thanks KoSprueOne, it was a fun build.

Hiya Gino,
Firstly, a fine looking model you've built there!
Also, what about the truck & trailer rig?
Tell us a little bit about that. Are they from Real Model?
All the best.
Joe.

Thanks Joe. The M123A1C and M15A2 trailer were scratch/converted by me. The basis for the truck is the old Revell/Renwall 1/32 5-ton wrecker. I used the forward cab and front fenders and hood. Mated the back of the Italeri M925 cab. Also used the wrecker frame, winches, and rear running gear, with Tamiya Dragon Wagon front axle. I used the Dragon Wagon tires, fifth wheel and many small accessory parts. Wheels are from 1/25th truck kit, sanded down to fit. All other parts are scratch built. The trailer is actually the Tamiya M15 from the Dragon Wagon kit, highly modified. I widened it, widened the steps, scratched the rear wheel covers, added rollers, etc., etc., etc...

More pics (including in-progress) here.

It was a major project that paid off. It took the Directors Choice Award at TamiyaCon IX in 2004.

Gino,
Very nicely done. Reminds me of something I seen while in Vietnam back in 67.

email me at [email protected] for a picture.

Bill

Nice M48 Gino. Looks cool what did you use for the NAM era O.D?

Wow, very nice Gino. Wish more trucks and trailors from that era were out in plastic.

Gino,
Sorry fo the late post but I just noticed that the infantry phone box is placed on the mounting bracket wrong... It should be rotated 90 degrees to the left, so the housing on the top of the box is in line with the hull vice perpendictular. Hopefully fixing it will not be too much work. I can't believe that I didn't see it before now, nor that DJ, that ol' former Tank Battalion Commander, didn't see it. He was pretty good at spotting those items in the motorpool back at Ft Knox...

John