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Monday, January 04, 2016 - 12:00 AM UTC
Dragon Models is releasing an M48A1 as a smart kit in 1/35th scale.
This latest M48A1 kit builds on the previous M48A3 releases, backdating elements where necessary to allow depiction of the M48A1 tank. In fact, this is the first M48A1 ever available as an injection kit. Important changes include a new commander’s cupola, a new gun shield and a new canvas mantlet cover for the turret. The latter is formed from DS to authentically replicate the original material. The fenders are brand new as well. The engine deck and rear plate are correct for the 12-cylinder gasoline engine and auxiliary 8-cylinder engine used in early M48 vehicles, while the upper hull is newly tooled too. Interestingly, the accurately shaped turret has subtle casting texture and embossed casting numbers. With Dragon’s knowhow and technological skills applied to this relatively modern subject, this M48A1 kit is accurate and available to modelers everywhere!

Features:
- Newly designed M48A1 reproduced w/authentic detail
- Intricate and full detail on fenders
- Rear hull and engine deck produced w/excellent level of detail.
- Engine deck and grills produced w/stunning detail.
- 3-directional slide-molded well-defined detail on turret produced as single piece
- Photo-etched frame for on-board tools and parts to represent tool mounts and brackets
- Separate parts allow commander’s hatch to be modeled open or closed
- True-to-scale turret stowage basket provided
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Comments

I know I'm no big name company but I've already started work on a conversion... [/quote] A conversion or an update/detail set?[/quote] Or maybe the 'dozer kit?[/quote] Companies need detailed reference material. B&W images from the 1960s are not going to cut it for dozer blade details. Even technical manuals have limitations without proper measurements that can be scaled down. Are there any intact dozer blades on museum M48s or M48s undergoing or have completed restorations that someone might have access to in order to photograph it in detail?
APR 19, 2016 - 10:13 PM
So it doesn't appear to have a search light in the box. Is there a source for that in the aftermarket world? Wanting to do #35 from Checkpoint Charlie (see my post elsewhere on decals for the signage!)
MAY 16, 2016 - 06:43 AM
That is correct...no searchlight...another Dragon mistake. There are other Berlin Crisis M48A1 details missing too...such as the turret rifle case. Tank Workshop produces a resin Crouse-Hinds searchlight but the Berlin Crisis M48A1s used a different type of mount on the mantlet and some of the tanks had a horizontal linkage bar attached to the turret top. If you can wait patiently an aftermarket update set will likely be available in the future.
MAY 16, 2016 - 06:49 AM
Tank Workshop does a very nice 18in Crouse-Hinds Tank Searchlight for a very reasonable price. I just received one for my M48A1 that I plan on building as F25 "War Eagle".
MAY 16, 2016 - 06:50 AM
AMPS just posted an inbox review for the kit: LINK
MAY 16, 2016 - 06:59 AM
Not much of a review. More like just pics of what comes in the box.
MAY 16, 2016 - 07:08 AM
I concur it's a "what's in the box". Aren't you working on a full build review/blog/feature article for the M48A1 kit? I am hoping we soon see an aftermarket high quality extensive decal set too!
MAY 16, 2016 - 07:56 AM
And not very high quality pics either.
MAY 16, 2016 - 08:08 AM
I am. I'm still in the initial stages. I hope to get working on it in earnest and submit it in a couple weeks. Keep an eye out for it.
MAY 16, 2016 - 04:53 PM
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