Hi Guys.
Im going to build an m60a1 on exercise Germany c.1979.Could anybody tell me where i can get hold of the Xenon searchlight rather than the boxier style one as used on the m48 etc?,I believe the Sheridan used this type.Are there any aftermarket ones or has anybody got a plastic spare from a kit please.Im in the U.k
much obliged.
Richard.

I searched for one as well... needed one for my academy ontos.... no luck

Legend provides one in set LF1031, M60A3 stowage set

Is it an AN/VSS-3a, as seen in this set from DEF ?




H.P.

Thanks Nikos.
Will try and get a set.E.bay ones v expensive.
Richard

I think the M47 one could be it.Looks similar to what i can remember
Many thanks.
Richard

This type we had at least from the M60 through A3

There are actually three types of Xenon searchlights used on the M60/M60A1 series in Europe from the 1970s on— the one in the photo immediately above is the AN/VSS-1 which was most common on M60A1s early on. The earlier AN/VSS3A depicted in the photo of the resin kit far above was a smaller, more compact and lighter weight unit, commonly found on the M551A1 Sheridan. Before that the AN/VSS-3 was used in Vietnam on M551 Sheridans and featured the upper corners “chopped”. The -3 and 3A were primarily found on the M551 and M551A1 Sheridan, although later in its service life, they could also be found on some M60A1s. By the 1980s, M60A3s had the TTS (Tank Thermal Sight) system installed, which didn’t require a searchlight, and neither did the M551A1/TTS Sheridan, although some units retained their searchlights on some vehicles. The AN/VSS series had two types of light, Infrared for targeting and driving, and white light for illumination. Bottom line, it’s best to have some photographic evidence of the searchlights found on specific vehicles for absolute accuracy.
VR, Russ

anyone have any suggestions on where to find the DEF search light above.... 350006.... I have tried EBAY... and every online hobby shop that DEF suggested.... apparently DEF does not sell direct

Not sure about where you can find the DEF product, but here’s a thought: The RFM M551A1/TTS kit comes with the AN/VSS-3A for the M551A1 option in the kit. You might be able to find someone who’s building the kit as the M551/TTS version, which doesn’t use the searchlight— perhaps you could work a deal for the light in the kit— just a suggestion.
VR, Russ

From a Korean online shop ?

http://www.finehobby.com/FrontStore/iGoodsView.phtml?iGoodsId=DK35006

H.P.

Many thanks for the information.Ive just bought the Afv club m60a1 and it contains this searchlight i believe.I do like the m60 series and if i had more room then id build a fair few!!!!.
Cheers from Rich.

It has the AN/VSS-1

You really can’t go wrong with the AFV club M60A1, although the kit comes with the earlier style tracks, which by the late 70s would be a bit less common, and the hull and turret have a bit of an exaggerated “cast” texture, which should be toned down a bit by gentle sanding. The AN/VSS-1 searchlight is very well detailed. ——Just a caution with depicting the searchlight (any of the searchlights for that manner). When not in use, almost all vehicles (I’d say 98%) would have the fabric cover fitted over the light.. This protected the outer lens, keeping it free of dirt, while keeping down the reflection. I seldom saw a track without the cover in the daylight, but it did happen. Again, check your sources.
VR, Russ

THANKS
mike

THANKS
mike

I haven't the AFV Club in my stash but I have built the Italeri (née Esci) version which I feel is a perfectly acceptable model; it also comes with the searchlight you require. A bit academic if you've already got the AFV Club version but just for the record for any other M60 aficionados.

Brian

It comes in the old Revell/ Italeri M60A1/ A3 kits.

Well, yes; they all stem from the venerable Esci kit.

The AN/VSS-3 can also be found in the old Lo Models and Verlinden M48/M60 update/conversion sets. Both are OOP, but can still be found secondhand on occasion.

Nice to have so many thoughts and info from you all.Ive just bought an original m60a3 TTS kit from Esci cheap off e.bay.Aim to do some good old fashioned detailing on this one with plastic strip etc.Might get sone Afv club tracks for the beast.Does this kit have the sight?,Havent recieved it yet.
Cheers all.
Rich.

Yes it does, thee sprue with the sleeveless barrel:

https://www.italeri.com/en/product/2909

The link and length tracks might also be good enough to obviate the purchase of AFV Club tracks too.

Many thanks Nikos.Just looked in my stash and found a MOLF conversion id forgot i had!.Another one to do.
Rich