I've uploaded two sheets of the Ordnance manufacturing drawings for the M48 turret casting. The height of the turret, from the turret race seating surface to the top of the roof is nominally 36 inches. My estimate of the permissible tolerance on that dimension would be + 1/2, -1/8 inch.

Sheet 1
http://www.scribd.com/doc/38533101/M48-Tank-Turret-Drawing-8694367-Sht-1

Sheet 2
http://www.scribd.com/doc/38532458/M48-Tank-Turret-Drawing-8694367-Sht-2

Sheet 1 shows the plan view and main transverse and longitudinal sections. Sheet 2 shows other sections. Note that these are half-sections taken on lines radiating from the center (like cutting a pie or wheel of cheese), so the views on sheet 2 are _*NOT*_ what the turret would look like if cut completely in half.

Now a request: Does anyone have photos or information on the part number cast into the M48 turrets? The ones I've seen were marked 7364154, but I suspect there was a second number, 8XXXXXX, that had the same contours but maybe had a different armor composition or hole locations for mounting interior parts.

KL

Hmm, seems to support the claim in this thread and others that a 1mm shim should be added to the Tamiya turret since it is too squat.

It is important to note that the 36 inch dimension is measured from a surface you can't see when the turret is on the tank. From the roof down to what I think is the lowest visible point on the exterior would be 35-1/2. See Detail N on Sheet 1, Zone A-11.

KL