I wonder if I should find a 12 step group.
There is no 12 step program for armoraholics. That’s what AMPS is for.
Perfect. Speaking of, my renewal is due.
You going to the Internationals in 2 weeks?
I’d love to but no can do, it’s a long trip from Texas.
Oh well. We’ll catch you at one one of these days.
This will explain why I haven’t done much on either of these two lately…
IMG_3914 by Russel Baer, on Flickr
Since I had all my M48 parts boxes out and handy, and I haven’t built a Magach 3 converted from an M48A2C, well, I started one. Same deal, Tamiya hull with the nose profile fixed but this time with a Takom turret left over from a “Brave Tiger” that donated a hull for something else, various bits from others but mostly Tamiya and bits in the spares boxes. I just can’t help it.
That’s some excellent work you’re doing there Russel. Makes me want to bust out my stash of M48s and M60s too, but too many kits that need to be finished first.
Ah the lure of the surgeon’s knife! Great Franken-build there - “throw the lever, Igor!”…
Looks good. If you are interested in historical accuracy there is a detail you need to change. Magach 3 tanks that were upgrades of Magach 2 (M48A2C) had different engine deck grilles next to the air cleaners than the ones M48A3 had. This something that very few people have done because there is little info and pictures on the exact details and dimensions of the actual thing.
Notice the 3 hinges next to the air cleaner
The grillers are raised to make room for the openings for the air inlet and outlet at the side of the air cleaner.
Like this
The distinctive square and bulge of the A3 engine deck grilles do not exist.
Also the A2 engine deck cover has different angles when compared to the A3 sideways.
Okay Russel that clinches it. You need a twelve step program. Now.
Sometimes I wish I had the self discipline to finish projects before I dive off into a rabbit hole on another one, but I have said it before, I hate painting. Starting another project keeps me modeling, so I guess in a way that’s a good thing. And I’ve always enjoyed building something from bits and pieces of something else, especially when I use old, “obsolete” kits. know I can assemble a kit out of the box as I’ve done it a few times and enjoyed the process, but this kind of stuff just floats my boat. Maybe that’s why I have so many boxes of partial kits and parts, or maybe I have so many boxes of partial kits and parts because I can’t throw anything away. Too deep.
Nikos, I think I see what you’re talking about, and I remember discussions on the difference in engine decks on converted Magach 2’s from old posts but I have zip for detail pics. I’m perfectly willing to attempt to make this as accurate as possible and I do have several extra engine covers/top hulls to work with, I just need to see a couple of detail shots to at least approximate it. I do notice the apparent very large size of the armored air filter housings. They look even taller than the ones in the DEF and Desert Eagle conversions. Is this possibly something unique to the converted tanks? Any chance the IDF bought any of the BMY conversion “kits” that the US used? That would make this a bit easier… maybe.
And yup, I’m all in for a 12-step program, but I don’t make any promises. I’m looking at my M60 parts now, thinking I haven’t done an IDF M60 slick yet. Oh no!
Anyone remember a guy named Matt that was scratch building a T-55 hull, using appropriately thick styrene sheet stock and duplicating everything to scale, right down to internal gussets and assembly methods? This was well before the Miniart kits. It’s been several years at least since he’s posted, but I feel a definite kinship. At least I’m using mostly kit parts…
The height of the outer grill support is almost the same height as the armored air cleaner box, only the hinges protrude and a small part of sheet metal.
You need the DEF model or Desert Eagle armored air cleaner housing. You can use whatever type of cupola you want.
Admitting you have the problem is the biggest step… Now onto the next stage … (Kit )
I can do that! Both of them…
I blame Nikos for this…
IMG_3917 by Russel Baer, on Flickr
This is the best I can make out from pics, so far I have the basic frames for the modified engine grills in, still need all the slats and hinges.
And on the others: the -A3 is dusted, doing some detail painting now but it’s nearly ready for figs and antennae\ masts.
IMG_3916 by Russel Baer, on Flickr
IMG_3915 by Russel Baer, on Flickr
The Magach is in color with decals, detail painting is started.
IMG_3918 by Russel Baer, on Flickr
IMG_3920 by Russel Baer, on Flickr
Markings came from the old Monogram M48, and actually came very close to a pic in the Desert Eagle Magach 3 book. Lucky me.
Looking really nice!!!
Thats looking terrific Russ… very well done
And for whats its worth, I blame Nikos and Ryan for nearly everything I can … gets me out of a lot of trouble lol
Really like the way these two, now three it seems, are coming along Russ. Love that rear decking modification on the latest Magach. A question on that though, and hopefully not too dumb - would the Dragon Magach 1/2 (see below) have that raised decking already, and could that be used in such a version of the 3?
I’m learning a lot about M48’s from this thread!
Terry: The decking on that M48 is still different from what I need. I possibly could have used it as a starting point but would have had to modify it. I have a finished model of that type M48 made from combining that deck with a Tamiya hull so I’ve got a good example of it at hand. I did look though. In the end, I decided it would be easier (haha) to scratch it. You can see on the Dragon box art how the grills slope down as they go outboard while I needed them to slope up as they go outboard.