Tom returns from an unplanned break and clears his rusty "/review-writing pipes" by taking a look at this often-mentioned conversion set.

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If you have comments or questions please post them here.

Thanks!

Thanks for the review! I got one or two boxes of this set.

What do you think of the air cleaners?

Cheers,

Christophe

They aren't the best. The top and separate side are ok, but the rear end lacks the recessed bolts that secure the real thing, while the front should be overhung by the lip of the top, and the intake "elbow" pipes are moulded on as lumps. You could improve the rear ends by stealing parts from Tamiya's old M48A3, but the front will take a little creative surgery. I think there are better versions out there in plastic now...

Thanks!

I still grab them whenever they pop up at shows as I use the Urdan cupola. With a little added detail, it looks good. Neat thing is, these kits are going for a couple of bucks.

I concur with your review as I'm just using the Urdan cupola on a model. The moulding is good but the detail is very "old school" and simplistic. The fit of the parts is OK, but the level of detail on the bits that make up the hinges and hatch are quite heavy handed.

Still, it was on the shelf and that was what was important versus laying out more money on a replacement cupola sourced from somewhere else.

Not unhappy with the Urdan, but not thrilled and I'm loathe to use many of the other parts in the box as they are so heavy handed.

Good subject for a review, thanks.

Paul

I used this a couple of years ago to make the Bundeswehr M48A2GA2 version; I utilised the venerable Monogram base tank not least for the rear engine deck. I found it quite a useful kit back then not least as there wasn't anything else!

I recall I replaced the Comd's MG3 and I think that was about it. Oh, I used different tracks which may have been from the Tamiya model. I stocked the stowage racks with gauze and used tea leaves for a cam net, and finished it in "Bundeswehr Brown", so all in all, a useful little conversion set although I acknowledge other kits have overtaken it.M
Whatever happened to Lo model? I know they issued some pretty awful Soviet figures (although the weapons - AK 74s and an RPG were useful).

I guess they weren't making enough profit to stay in business.

I recently used the set to make the venerable Monogram M48A2 into a correct M48A2G with the Telefuncken searchlight, grenade launchers and modified turret basket. The Lo model headlights and the over thick guards are an exact drop fit into the Monogram hull. Seems someone intended these parts for the Monogram kit as well as the Tamiya M48A3.