Perhaps someone has pointed this out before, I don't know. And perhaps, if nobody is buying them anymore, it doesn't matter...
The M48A5 model is on the wrong hull. The hull you use is from the M48A2 gas-powered model. The giveaway is no air-cleaner boxes. There ARE prototype models of gas-burning M48s sporting the 105mm gun, but those didn't go to production. The M48A5 that made it into production and issue came after the 48s were switched to diesel engines. They had both later models of the TOP-LOADING air cleaner box - smooth sides, flat and sloped front panels.
The early production run had the enclosed 50cal cupola, as well, but as things moved along, the tanks got the "Israeli-style) cupola (actually the first M48s had the flat commander's cupola, too, with the same design and shape) and the two 7.62 MGs.
It would be more accurate to use your current M48A3 hull, despite the side-loading air cleaner boxes.
I buy 'em to convert the 105gunned turrets to M60s and use the 2 extra 90mm turrets to make M48A2s.
Inaccuracy in the M48A5 model
Moderators: dnichols, GHQ, Mk 1
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OBe
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Something to think about, but I believe the new Magach 3 might be what you are seeking.
It's essentially the M48A5 (M48 with 105mm & Urdan cupola) but you'll have to grind off the 50cal over the main gun. Use the mg's from a spare Zelsa or two to put on the turret hatches. They might not be the M60 GPMG's used in the actual MBT, but they're pretty close........yet another reason for a MG pack from GHQ...!!
Not sure if the hull is the variant you need, but at least it's a new mould......
Similarly, the Ben Gurion from the Israeli list is the bog-standard Centurion III/V, with both 20 pdr & 105mm turrets.
It's essentially the M48A5 (M48 with 105mm & Urdan cupola) but you'll have to grind off the 50cal over the main gun. Use the mg's from a spare Zelsa or two to put on the turret hatches. They might not be the M60 GPMG's used in the actual MBT, but they're pretty close........yet another reason for a MG pack from GHQ...!!
Not sure if the hull is the variant you need, but at least it's a new mould......
Similarly, the Ben Gurion from the Israeli list is the bog-standard Centurion III/V, with both 20 pdr & 105mm turrets.
No Coffee, No Workee
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OBe
- Posts: 62
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- Location: Brisbane, Oz
Something to think about, but I believe the new Magach 3 might be what you are seeking.
It's essentially the M48A5 (M48 with 105mm & Urdan cupola) but you'll have to grind off the 50cal over the main gun. Use the mg's from a spare Zelsa or two to put on the turret hatches. They might not be the M60 GPMG's used in the actual MBT, but they're pretty close........yet another reason for a MG pack from GHQ...!!
Not sure if the hull is the variant you need, but at least it's a new mould......
Similarly, the Ben Gurion from the Israeli list is the bog-standard Centurion III/V, with both 20 pdr & 105mm turrets.
It's essentially the M48A5 (M48 with 105mm & Urdan cupola) but you'll have to grind off the 50cal over the main gun. Use the mg's from a spare Zelsa or two to put on the turret hatches. They might not be the M60 GPMG's used in the actual MBT, but they're pretty close........yet another reason for a MG pack from GHQ...!!
Not sure if the hull is the variant you need, but at least it's a new mould......
Similarly, the Ben Gurion from the Israeli list is the bog-standard Centurion III/V, with both 20 pdr & 105mm turrets.
No Coffee, No Workee
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panzergator
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Obe,
You're right! THANKS! I was looking at Magach 3, but hadn't noticed the hull has the correct air cleaner boxes. The idea is to get GHQ to issue their M48A5 with the correct hull. Magach 3 makes that simpler. The only problem with Magach 3 as an M48A5 is the heat shroud on the barrel. 48A5s didn't have it, but I can correct the barrel with some brass and plastic tubing as soon as I get that figured out. Clipping the barrel-mounted M2 is no problem. That would be cheaper than buying two packages to marry the correct hull and turret.
You're right! THANKS! I was looking at Magach 3, but hadn't noticed the hull has the correct air cleaner boxes. The idea is to get GHQ to issue their M48A5 with the correct hull. Magach 3 makes that simpler. The only problem with Magach 3 as an M48A5 is the heat shroud on the barrel. 48A5s didn't have it, but I can correct the barrel with some brass and plastic tubing as soon as I get that figured out. Clipping the barrel-mounted M2 is no problem. That would be cheaper than buying two packages to marry the correct hull and turret.
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panzergator
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StVFV101,
Thanks. You are probably right.
This conversation was really just intended to provide info for GHQ to enable them to present a more accurate model, which they could do simply by mating the M48A5 turret with the Magach hull and discontinuing use of the 48A2 hull until they decided of there was any demand for the M48A2.
Thanks. You are probably right.
This conversation was really just intended to provide info for GHQ to enable them to present a more accurate model, which they could do simply by mating the M48A5 turret with the Magach hull and discontinuing use of the 48A2 hull until they decided of there was any demand for the M48A2.
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OBe
- Posts: 62
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Now, I've had a look at the catalogue picture & the 20 I have in my collection. I can't see a thermal sleeve on the gun (I think it just looks like that in the picture & the barrel is slightly thicker to protect it from ham-handed gamers......)
You shouldn't need to change over the turrets, as the Israeli model is essentially the A5 variant with 105mm & Urdan cupola. Not sure if anything else needs to be done to make a US version, other than mounting a couple of MMG's on the hatches rather than a 50 cal & also getting rid of the 50 cal over the barrel. It's a really good model.....
The turret on the GHQ M48A5 is an older mounding and sadly showing its age. Good for when it came out, but not up to current standards. It also still has the mg-cupola, which is not representative of the majority of the A5 variant.
You shouldn't need to change over the turrets, as the Israeli model is essentially the A5 variant with 105mm & Urdan cupola. Not sure if anything else needs to be done to make a US version, other than mounting a couple of MMG's on the hatches rather than a 50 cal & also getting rid of the 50 cal over the barrel. It's a really good model.....
The turret on the GHQ M48A5 is an older mounding and sadly showing its age. Good for when it came out, but not up to current standards. It also still has the mg-cupola, which is not representative of the majority of the A5 variant.
No Coffee, No Workee
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panzergator
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OBe,
Agree with you that the M48A5 turrets are somewhat dated. And I know that only the early-issue A5s had the enclosed .50 cupola, the rest having the low-profile cupola (as did the first M48s). I don't have any examples, so I will try a pack of Magach 3s and see what the barrel looks like. It might work. If so, I will be able to convert my old turrets with the cupola to M60s and just order hulls and cupolas for 'em. I've been thinking about an M60 bn.
Agree with you that the M48A5 turrets are somewhat dated. And I know that only the early-issue A5s had the enclosed .50 cupola, the rest having the low-profile cupola (as did the first M48s). I don't have any examples, so I will try a pack of Magach 3s and see what the barrel looks like. It might work. If so, I will be able to convert my old turrets with the cupola to M60s and just order hulls and cupolas for 'em. I've been thinking about an M60 bn.
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OBe
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Just remember that the basic M60 turret is still different to the M48A5. The mg-cupola is bigger & the turret slightly different. If you're not worried about such details, then it'll be fine. I have some of the older GHQ M60s which I think is what you are seeking to represent & when you put them next to the m48s there are appreciable differences. On the gaming table however.......
No Coffee, No Workee
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panzergator
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OBe
Yep. Built an M60 using an M48 turret in 1/35th scale. Used modeling putty to modify the turret rear and sheet plastic to increase the height. Also bought an after-market kit to do the same and my homebuilt comes out pretty good in the comparison. I have some spare M60A1 cupolas to use on the 1/285 models. I don't modify the 1/285 scale turrets though. I'm not THAT obsessive - they are close enough. I served as an Armor officer in another life and, although most tanks were A1s or A1(RISE), there was still the occasional M60 hanging on. I saw a couple from another unit come through while a gunnery range officer for my battalion at Graf. They had had maintenance problems and were trying to catch up with their unit.. It was very interesting. They were lighter and seemed quicker. I have Hunnicut's book and a number of others, too.
Yep. Built an M60 using an M48 turret in 1/35th scale. Used modeling putty to modify the turret rear and sheet plastic to increase the height. Also bought an after-market kit to do the same and my homebuilt comes out pretty good in the comparison. I have some spare M60A1 cupolas to use on the 1/285 models. I don't modify the 1/285 scale turrets though. I'm not THAT obsessive - they are close enough. I served as an Armor officer in another life and, although most tanks were A1s or A1(RISE), there was still the occasional M60 hanging on. I saw a couple from another unit come through while a gunnery range officer for my battalion at Graf. They had had maintenance problems and were trying to catch up with their unit.. It was very interesting. They were lighter and seemed quicker. I have Hunnicut's book and a number of others, too.