I am attempting to build a 1/72-scale model of the M48 in Vietnam, complete with sandbag protection over most of the turret. I assume this would noticeably affect the ride height of the vehicle. Can anyone suggest what the ground clearance would be (either on the real tank or the scale model), so that I can position the suspension arms accordingly?

Paul

Would this help ?



Full size

H.P.

The sandbags do not compress the suspension much. But when dozer blades are attached the front is weighed down significantly.

Excellent ... many thanks.

Paul

I doubt you'd see two inches total. Then to compound the idea; the ground was often so soft that it would give away before the suspension gave away much. Stik is correct about the Rome & Plow tanks. I suspect it comes from the fulcrum points being near the front road wheel. Have only seen a couple 48's with bags stacked like that. Seems like they were Marine units running mine sweeps with Army units on Highway One. CAV units hardly ever bothered up my way.
gary

The pic above is an Army M-48 with sandbags.

as I said I just never saw them with a lot of bags piled on them. Those guys are doing somekind of road security, and probably way down south. Not many roads that good up north. Plus with added weight, your gonna be digging that thing out when you leave the roads. A bare 48 had a lot of the same issues, so why compound it with more tonnage. Up north, 48's were limited to hard soils and trails. Where as an ACAV or Sheridan could make it thru 70% of everything. Just ain't a lot of fun digging a 52 ton tank buried to the hull bottom out. Even a bone dry rice paddy will get you, and many times even an ACAV.
gary