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Forums - Modelling / Kits |
The kits forum is for the discussion of model kits. Typically questions on availability or certain subjects and quality of existing kits are posted here. Short reviews are good here too. |
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| Subject: | Re: M-60A3 Model kits Questions |  |
| Date: | Dec 23, 2006 |
| From: | Gerald Owens | |
For a version built before 1980, you could use the Revell Germany kit and recontour the lower edge of the turret side to be vertical rather than undercut. This area had an excessive number of penetrations in Israeli combat service in 1973, and the undercut was first reduced and finally eliminated on the turret casting (the cheek armor on the lower front corners alongside the mantlet was also slightly augmented). Most books ignore this final change, but it is very apparent in photos. Not certain exactly when this change was made on the production line, as the troops themselves weren't even advised of it, and many never noticed (since there was no intention to improve the armor on existing tanks, the Army didn't want to dishearten troops stuck with older vehicles). It may have started with the last M60A1 tanks or with early M60A3.
If you want a later vehicle, you could cross-kit the Tamiya M60A3 turret, air cleaner housing and wheels with the Revell hull for best detail.
In 1980, the steel wheels as used on the M48 and M88 were reinstituted, as the aluminum design had an unacceptable failure rate (the aluminum wheels on the current Abrams are a different, improved design). M60 series tanks with the older wheels received the steel versions as replacement parts as needed, so tanks with mixed sets were common throughout the 1980's.
The later pattern track with the replaceable rubber pads would also be standard. I would suggest the AFV Club individual link track (don't let it sag between the return rollers, though, as US tanks use live track).
Most difficult detail of the M60A3 to depict is the crosswind sensor on the turret, as the circular wire cage on the tip is virtually impossible to reproduce in scale. Easiest fix is to leave it off, as many crews did in service (it didn't work well, and was prone to damage). |
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