ABV ,defiantly. The only conversions out there with the DML model can come in at around $150+ when all is said and done. Not to mention, you have to deal with all that resin.

Regarding the M1 kits...from what I understand, they didn't sell to expectations, thus why we haven't seen any more variants. Same deal with the Sherman's...between Tasca making a better product and sales disappointments with them, they decided not to come out with the Jumbo or M3 Lee...which sucks since I was really looking forward to a new tool M3.

This is a must have though I had wanted an A2 version for a USMC build. I'm a Cold War Vet and I enjoy building the cold warriors. These tanks held the line from WW2 until the fall of the Soviet Union. They hold a special place in history. I was willing to lay out the cash for the Accurate Armor kit which never came out so this is a God send. Thanks Dragon.

Tom

Golden Era lads, Golden Era... awesome!

Best,

Mike

Thank you tank gods!

Oh Man Oh Man.. been waiting for this one for a long time... this must be modelers Heaven! Dare I hope for a M-65, Honest John, Corporal and Lacrosse.....

While it would be nice that DML would include manlet covers [AFV Club is another that tends to fear them, but they at least will market one as an accessory], I'm just happy to see a M103A1 finally available in 1/35 plastic.

There doesn't appear to be any rhyrme or reason to if an US Army M103 had a mantlet cover or not; about half of the photos I have have them. A old "Journal of Military Ordnance" has an article on the M103 with a photo of two M103's from the same Company at a West German gunnery range. The one on the left didn't have a mantlet cover while the one on the right did.

James Bilbrey

.... and Uncle Sams Misguided Children .
[/quote]

Always had a suspicion that something's wrong with me


Would like to make a USMC version but have to limited information .... being too young at the time
He Mike! would you have any input on a USMC versions/duty etc.

In one of the latest TANKOGRAD books there are some nice winter pics of the US Army operating them in Germany.

Thankx
Christopher

The USMC used the M103A2. From what I can tell, it was just like the M48. The A1 version had a flat engine upper deck over the gas engine. The A2 had the diesel engine with the raised engine deck.

M103A1



M48A1



M103A2



M48A3



Assuming that Dragon will use many of the same parts from their M48A3 kit, you should be able to change out the rear engine deck and back plates between them to make an M103A2 and backdate the M48 to an M48A1 as well.

Please do`nt get me wrong - i love Dragon kits but they`re pricing policy is absurd.
With most kits in the 40 - 50 GBP range they are beyond my purchasing ability,is it any wonder that the hobby is dying ?.

Anyone any idea as to when this beast will hit the shelves? This year perhaps - in time for Christmas?

I must admit I now feel motivated to complete my Navigator T10A and perhaps even start my Accurate Armour Conqueror.

An inspired move by Dragon. Perhaps Cold War modellers are in for a treat over the coming few years? Fingers crossed!

Thankx a lot Gino !!!

Looks even better with the M48/M60 style engine deck.

.... and Uncle Sams Misguided Children .... they are Laserguided these days .... so I was told


Cheers
Christopher

If making an M103A2 from an M48A3 or even M60 engine deck, note also that the fenders are substantially different, with new stowage boxes and the side loading air cleaner boxes and tubing. I also think that the fender supports were different and maybe differently located on the hull.

I think there were also differences in the fittings on the turret.

Frankly the fenders were a bigger PITA than swapping the engine decks.

Just finished watching a 3 part video tour of a M 103 on The Chieftain's Hatch ( World of Tanks ). Have to make a note of it so I can find it again when it comes time to build my 103

They must have been drinking this while they left out the mantlet cover.

Hisham, here is an awesome (shameless plug ) review of a book about M103: M103 Heavy Tank

Hi Gino,

I probably misunderstood your reply yet the M103 had 7 road wheels verses 6 for the M48.

I was going to ask if the engine deck of the M48 could be traded over to the M103.
But I agree with what Paul pointed out, there would be about 100 details that also had to be changed between the A1 and the A3.
Just have to make one and get it to the show before the judges figure it out.

Yup, I meant that it followed the same changes as the M48 did from the A1 through the A3 versions. By this I mean the main difference was in the area of the enging decks.

Oh man ive been waiting for this kit for a while I have crawled all over the one at Ft Knox way back when
hope it has the proper 3rd AD Markings .

Oh brother the Minister of Finance is not gonna be happy with me lol

Sascha (Ironowl)

Hi Everybody;
UNCLE SAMS MISGUIDED CHILDREN

Yea But did you know that the Marines were a Department of the Navy. !!!!!! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------THE MENS DEPARTMENT: !!!

SEMPER FI TIL I DIE; MIKE.

I'm wondering if the Great Gods of Modeling are considering putting out some Cold War figure sets to go with all of the new Cold War vehicles that are coming out

It sure would be nice to have some American (and even Soviet) figures in their Winter and Summer Cold War era Fatigue uniforms. I'm tired of having to modify Vietnam Era figures for Cold War usage.

So please, please all of you wonderful Manufactures (and even "Cottage Industry" people) consider giving us these long over-due figure sets.

And before someone chimes in....I know there are some sets available, but they are very old and very restrictive in what they can be modified to be used for. It's just time for some new sets to go with the new vehicles.

Dave

Like everyone else I am very happy to see this neglected member of American armor released. I just got the Osprey book on the 103, excellent book by the way. Kudos to Dragon for filling this gap. I can only hope the M-59 in the background is next. Don M.

I remember one of these being at FT. Knox When I was stationed there. What a beast

I saw a pre-order for this tank on this British hobby kit web site http://www.boystownmilitaryminiatures.com/DRAGON_135_M103A1_HEAVY_TANK_SUPER_PREORDER_OFFER_THIS_WEEK_ONLY/p1144420_10974614.aspx