I noticed these circles on the front lower hull on AFV club's M60a2 kit. I assume they are mounting locators for ERA for an upcoming M60 blazer kit, but I wanted to make sure before I sand them off.

Yes those can be sanded off. There are also some similar marks on the side of the lower hull for the different configuration of the tie down rings.

While you're at it you might want to remove the mould lines on the lower hull at each side of the chin plate. Maybe those on the towing eyes too; although as cast parts they would have had some mould lines when the real ones emerged from their mounds, personally I always remove them because if I don't it looks as though I didn't bother, not that I left them deliberately.

Where did you get the model?

Is the escape hatch a seperate piece?It should be smooth on the outside,those details look like the inside part.

That was the front. The escape hatch is a separate piece, but it has the same pebbly texture. I sanded it down somewhat, but it's not easy due to the cast marks

eBay. It's out in Taiwan, now, but shipping is really high. I was going to wait but one seller had one up for bid that I won. Ended up paying about $7 more than if I would have waited. Hobby Easy shows them as in stock, now by the way

The pebbly-looking texture that I first saw on the M60A1 release is apparent here also, at least in the photos on this thread. After I opened the M60A1 box (after purchase), I was disappointed in thinking about the amount of work that would be involved in reducing that texture to a level that more realistically resembled armor.

BTW, after viewing the contents of the M60A1 kit, I moved it to the bottom of the "to-do" pile.

So it appears that although I've ordered the M60A2 from AFV, I'll have the same concerns.

I had a similar yet smaller issue with the Dragon M48A1, but managed that challenge by using a lot of sanding sticks. The AFV kits texture means I may have to get to Harbor Freight for an inexpensive belt sander......

I am working on the Dragon M48A1 now and don't find the molded-on cast texture an issue. It looks appropriately sized to me, as do all their M48 series kit casting does. What issue did/do you have with it?

Gino

It appeared too pronounced based on my interpretation of resource phitos and up close inspection of 1:1 vehicles at various post collections. As with all things in scale, I want it to reflect the image that I envision. Oftentimes thats may not line up 100% with others with like interests.

And I'm very pleased with the appearance of my M48A1 after my sanding/ priming and paint sessions. It really is what i had in mind when i set out with the build. I hope to have the same experience after the 3 M60s that are on my horizon now.

The M60A2 arrived yesterday and the hull texture is the same as the photo and the previous M60A1. Now the turret for the A2 is much smoother, providing a marked contrast to the hull. It does not appear that the new turret will need any sanding other than normal seams, etc.