|
The AFV M48A5H (CM-11) “Brave Tiger” Build-up report
It has two sprues labels "B", both having Academy labels, one labeled M-48A5 the other M60A3. There is a Z sprue that
has some of the common parts, mostly M60A3 parts. The Hull and running gear are all M60A3 parts, also labeled as Academy. This reflects the mixed heritage of the tank, the M60 and the M48. The
parts are well molded, but the confusion of the 2 “B” sprues makes for some “fun”. The instructions could be substantially clearer, but if you pay attention, and realize that this is a hybrid vehicle
it goes together fairly well. At least I found some pictures of this beast online that answered some questions. There are several custom modification to the turret.
Overall, this appears to be the
Academy M48A5 and M60A3 with a special “Z” sprue. I am not sure you could build the kit from those two, but you probably could.
The turret from the M48 does not fit the M60 chassis, so there is an
adapter, which I found to be less than acceptable. I ended up gluing it in place and then gluing the turret to the tank.
It comes with a full set of AFV M60 tracks, which is nice. It does
not come with tow cables, just the ends, so I will use some Grief tow cable to make those. I used a piece of guitar string for the antenna. Note, that the ROC Army does not use a searchlight, so you end
up with two full extra searchlights for your spares box. The kit also lacks the machineguns. The instructions show a “K” sprue, but none was present in my box, so I got them from my Modern US
Equipment set.
Overall, this is a simple kit to build if you have built any of the M48-60 series of tanks. Just pay attention to the details and it should go together just fine.
On scales of 1-10:
The two cables, addition of a couple of small parts and some detail painting is all I have left to do on it. I may be able to complete it today and take pictures for you.
|
