Some USMC M26A1's similar to yours were fitted with custom-built racks for the spent shell casings :

H.P.

I stand corrected Nikos ! Should have paid more attention to the details...

H.P.

Beautifully done model! Looks very dusty.

Gary

Thank you for your comments, really appreciate it.

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Some USMC M26A1's similar to yours were fitted with custom-built racks for the spent shell casings :

H.P.

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This is a M46 not a M26A1 (tool rack on the glacis, the spotlight mount on the gun manlet and the exhaust muffler on the back of the fender). It is possible that M26A1 tanks had the same field modification, but i did not find any photos of that.

I would also like to say that if you look carefuly, I have corrected all the differences between a M26A1 and a M26 that Hobbyboss has not added to their kit of the M26A1.

great work

-The M26A1 had the travel lock on the engine deck, not on the exhaust, like the M26 (BE CAREFUL!!! the kit instructions show you to put both travel locks on).


- The periscopes on each side of the exhaust fan between the front hatches on the hull were welded shut on the M26A1. So you have to remove the periscope detail on the hull and add a circular piece of styrene on top.

- On the left side of the turret there are three mounting points for the engine crane, but these were shaved off on the M26A1. You have to remove the molded on ones on the turret and leave just some square plugs.

- All M26A1 tanks had the fender braces.

- The ventilator cover on the hull is more rounded on the M26 than the M26A1 (not all M26A1 had this detail, since some were upgraded M26s)

- The infantry phone box at the rear was standard issue on all M26A1 and only installed on late M26s.

- The M26 had the 90 mm L/53 M3 gun, whilst the M26A1 had the M3A1 gun with bore evacuator and single-baffle muzzle brake.

Very nice build. I really like the paint color that you got on the tank itself. I am working on this kit right now too. You have given me something to shoot for, quality wise.

Nice job!

Sometime early in the Korean War the travel lock was moved to the left rear (field mod?). I had this confirmed by the late Bob Dillon (was in the worlds greatest tank battles on TV). Never knew exactly why, but sure there was a good reason.

Bob told me that many M26 tanks in Korea were actually T26's. Said it was common to see either track sets as well.
gary