Hi Gang,Can anyone tell me if the Tamiya or Academy M48 can be converted or kit bashed into an IDF version ?.
I have been bitten by the Idf bug and slowly building up my collection of vehicles,i`d like to add one of these but resin and A/M conversions are just WAY out of my price range !.
A little help here !

I"m not sure. As I understand, the IDF used M48A1 and A2's. I believe the Tamiya is an M48A3. Not sure about the Academy offering. I do know that the IDF upgraded some of the A2's to A3 Standards, so the Tamiya kit would work in that configuration.

HTH,
Steve

There's a IDF "M48A3" walkaround on svsm.org :

http://svsm.org/gallery/m48a3?page=1

Obviously you'll have to replace some Tamiya parts like the commander's cupola with an AM "Urdan" one (Accurate Armour has released one)...You'll also notice the early muzzle brake shape.

Here's another one, fitted with a 105mm gun :

IDF M48A3

Another related thread :

http://www.network54.com/Forum/47209/thread/1110645500/IDF+M48A3

H.P.

Yes, the IDF M48A3 was known as a Magach 3. With some mods, the Tamiya kit can be converted. Here is a build log of one I did for a customer.

The earliest Israeli M48's retained the standard .50 cal cupola. These were repaced by the Urdan cupola when they realized losingthe cupola to enemy fire often meant losing a head as well. The old Sqadron M48 in Action shows one or two of those.

The old Monogram "Patton" tank is still useful as well. You may blend it together with the Tamiya kit to give you an M48A2C. You need to cut the engine deck from the Monogram kit and blend it into the Tamiya kit. Also, use the Monogram hatch to the commander's cupola. It needs a little modification to fit. I did this many years ago and it's not as difficult as it sounds. An easier route is just to use the Monogram kit and replace the wheels, tack, and all cast on details on the fenders.

The Magach 3 that was in Littlefield's collection was a pretty good example of an Israeli M48A3. Just need the armoured air cleaner boxes, 105 barrel and a few extra fittings here and there. Seen here at Toadman's site

Jim

Thanks for all the info guys,I won an Academy M48A5 on E-Bay for £10 !.I will take photos and use them as a guide to kitbash this beastie.

Coming in a little late as I, if you really want to complicate the picture, here's what I know:
1. Magach 3s were a mix of M48A1s, some captured Jordanian, M48A2c and M48A3, which is an upgraded A1.
2. The Magach 5 is an M48A5, which is an upgraded A3 in first batch and A2 later.
The '67 war included mostly 90mm versions and one company of 105s.
In '73, some of the 3s had Sherman cupolas. Both 3s and 5s had Blazer in '82. So, one could mix a monogram lower with a diesel version upper hull, add an Urdan cupola and Blazer, then detail and mark it for Lebanon.

Can you believe I actually built something that's not a Sherman?

Tom