A few months ago, when I got the second book on the Spanish Armored Division 'Brunete, I discovered some photos of the Spanish conversion of the M60a1, the Alacrán.

Prior to this, I had never seen anything comparable to the Alacrán and from my limited knowledge of the M60 (and its variants) I had never even realised it existed.... If anyone wants to see more pics of this (and other variants of the M60) follow this link:

M60 Engineer Variants . Meanwhile here are some images of the Alacrán ...Jim

We thought the US had some rough neighborhoods. You guys really must have some rough ones, with backhoe's like that.

Kerry

wow, i've never seen a conversion like that before. but it puzzles me why they should do it. dont they have armored bulldozers or something similar instead of converting the tank?

hehehe.... cool............Hmmmmmmmm

Jimbrea,
Interesting varient. Like Sabot I too started out on the M60A3 and still have a special place in my heart for those dirty smoking beasts.
Now, I have to wonder where the operator's controls are... If they replced the gunners controls with the backhoe controls, then operation that thing would be tough IMHO... then again, maybe this is not the vehicle to use for finess work.
John

Oh yes, they have bulldozers as well..... I'm not so sure about the backhoe though...Jim

*Insert announcers voice*

Hear ye hear ye, step right up and try this new, amazing invention! It'll change the way you dig a foxhole. Step right up, and give this a whirl. It's fast, its easy, its safe, and on top of that, its a friggin tank! And its cheap, though I won't go into prices until you buy one.

Jeff

New site on modeling this beast just announced over on HS. However, it is not in English but the photography is excellent.

http://perso.wanadoo.es/ruedasycadenasve/art_Alacran.htm

Hot link... (I hope)
Alacrán.

Kevin, I had been looking for an Alacrán pic on the web for ages.. Finally found it here (in Venezuela) The site was added to the links pages this morning as well...Jim

I just thought it was such a weird (pointless?) variant, I would share it....

Jim
Thanks for the pics Neat looking conversion I wonder how hard something like that would be to do as a model

Interesting item. I actually started my military career on CEVs, so I know the dozer blade on an M60 series tank doesn't work as well as a commercial military bulldozer.

I would imagine that the scoop would be operated by the commander, much like the hoist winch is on a CEV.

Seems like an inefficient ditch digger. If you need the armor of an M60 tank to protect you while you dig, perhaps you should have more tanks to secure the area before you dig.

On the other hand, I am happy to see these dinosaurs being used in some capacity instead of becoming off shore reefs.

I don't think this would be too hard. If you had a backhoe and an M60, The only real major modification that I can see would be the mantlet. Obviously there would be minor mods given the tanks purpose, but I don't think it would be nearly as hard as one would think.

Jeff

WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Another variant for m collection !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Let's see, start with academy's dozer tank, and then................................... well..............................um................................ I think I'll wait for a conversion set, besides, I still haven't finished my CEV conversion, though I do have the side attachments for the boom on the turret. Been entering too many campaigns recently with Move Out, Incoming, Korea, and Buckets plus finally got all my bits and pieces together for that 72nd scale sub.