PMMS is showing a new M48A3 model, non-Mod B. It also looks lik eit comes with a searchlight, but still no mantlet dust cover.

M48A3 at PMMS Scroll down about half the page.

Thoughts? Other than the rounded light clusters, it looks the same as their M48A3 Mod B.

please excuse my ignorance (as I'm not fully up to speed with post war US armor) but would this release be appropriate for a USMC operated track in Vietnam as if I understand it correctly the Mod B wasn't used by the Marines?

TIA

that M6A1 looks nice as well

The ribbing on the fenders and the fender supports are slightly different.

It figures they'd be releasing this now that I scratch built a set of new fenders and added the Tamiya headlights to the Dragon kit.

The inclusion of the searchlight is nice.

Yup,
The M48A3 depicted in the CAD drawing will be appropriote for a USMC tank in RVN.

John

Main gun mantlet cover is shown on the poster here:

http://dragon-models.com/d-m-item.asp?pid=DRA3546

And how about we just call it an M48A3 without all the "non" speak.

Outta here, Mike sends . . .

Mike,
I think the 'non' speak was just to distinguish it from the Mod B already out there,but yes,it is and should be referred to as an M48A3
And if I can pick your expert brains can you see this as a 'one stop' kit for a USMC track?
interesting to see how the mantlet cover will turn out


thanks again

It looks like the fenders are right for this version with one big X stamping on the front. The only issue I see is that the metal guard above the exhaust louvers should be omitted. I am pretty sure that is a B mod but correct me if I wrong.

Howdy all, the best way to distinguish it is to just call it an M48A3. As John C states and looking at the poster it is pretty darn close to what the USMC used in RVN. And the reinforcement at the top rear of the engine armor deck does need to be removed. The three relief holes in the sprocket hubs appear to still be UA. Show the later style of TI Phone on the right rear fender. But we all need to bear in mind that we are looking at a CAD drawing on a monitor. It looks nice so far and I would like to see the styrene in photos or in hand before I start spouting off. Maybe they have a copy of it at the Toy Show in in Nurmberg? I was hoping for the Crouse-Hind round searchlight. Either way it is good to see this version appear.
Outta here, Mike sends . . .

As pointed out by Steve, the "non" was there just to distinguish it from their already released Mod-B version. It does look good and the poster shows more of the details. A welcomed addition.

good stuff all round,will probably go the usual route,read all the posts(both pro and anti),watch out for the previews,eagerly anticipate the build reviews,go back to the few Vietnam books I actually do own and then end up buying one without the wife realising until the postman knocks on the door with a kitbox shaped package from LuckyModel.Happy days indeed

this is the kit we've waited and waited for! Now we will wait and wait for the M48a2!!

gary