In the 1990s there was a German prototype for an upgraded M48, with applique turret armour, side skirts, and Leopard-style tracks - known as the "Super M48". Some pics from the front exist, but does anyone know of photos showing the engine deck arrangements?

Thanks in advance...

This one?

Yep - that's the tank! But I need to see the back deck, which is hidden in all the shots I've seen...

Cool. Looks like a Leopard 1 knock off...

Hello Tom,

I recall reading another modeller's article on this vehicle back in either the late 90's or early 2000's. He built a very nice model and faced the same issue that you are. I do recall that his best guess at the engine deck was a relatively plain metal plate with grill work on both sides. This seems like a reasonable conclusion based on what little can be seen in one of the photos that Gino shared.

I believe that the modeller used HO scale Diesel engine vents from a unit like the SD-40 as they were rather long.

I wished that I could tell you what model magazine it was, however, it would have been one of those that were current during the time frame I listed.

I wondered if this vehicle was the result of independent research or in conjunction with the Israelis as it has a definite Magach look to it, in my opinion.

Please, let us know what you learn.

Respectfully,
Allen

Looks like a prototype Magach 7.

I know Wegmann designed it as a private venture, but no idea about the would-be client! Did the IDF still have their M48s in the mid-90s?

As for those grilles, I was thinking the side shot suggested a set of smaller units like on the M48A1, and wondered if they sourced an existing grille rather than inventing one, but without better photos I can't be sure...

Not as MBT's.

The magazine article by Tony Little is in the August 1987 issue of Army & Navy Modelworld. I got my copy off ebay, thinking about having a crack at it myself.

Does the article have any pics that we haven't seen here? If so, I might have to get a copy...

No it doesnt but it has scale drawings for the armour and gun etc.

I think it also has scale drawings of the authors interpretation of the engine deck but it does state in the article that he is using modellers license

This isn't the same three-way drawing in the Tankograd M48 book, is it? I'm planning to use it for my own build, but as it has a few errors compared to the photos I need to make a few judgements.

If there are no more photos of the real thing, I guess I am free to use my own modeller's license!

(I found a copy on ebay last night, but it was silly money to buy & ship from the States to the UK...)

Tankograd no 2011 "The M48 in German Army Service" has some more photos of the super M48.

It has some photos, but they have all been posted here already. The only thing that hasn't is the 1:87 scale drawing. (I have that Tankograd, which is the basis for my build...) It lacks any shots from the rear, or clear shots of the engine deck.

But there must have been more pics taken - they just aren't showing up! Of course, as soon as I finish a build, tons of pics will come out of the woodwork to highlight how wrong my guesses were...

Theres a clear pic of how the author has modeled the engine deck, but theres no drawing, I cant find any other pics on the net either.