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Armor/AFV: Modern - USA
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Is the turret on Revell's M48A2GA2 to scale?
Bergun
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Joined: February 16, 2014
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Posted: Sunday, October 22, 2017 - 04:59 AM UTC
Getting ready to buy the newer release of Revell's (Germany) M48A2GA2 kit in 1/35th scale. After looking several photos on this kit, it appears to me that the turret is not to scale. Being a former tank commander on M48A5 tank in Korea, in 1984. I know a little about this beast, but I'll admit that over the years, it's now somewhat foggy.

Please correct me if I'm wrong since I really want to build this kit of a German Cold War warrior... Even if I have to kit bash either the Tamiya or Dragon kits.

...Will also be building either a 2nd I.D. (1980s) or a National Guard version of a M48A5 as well.

Thanks for any tips on this question!!
Kenaicop
#384
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Nevada, United States
Joined: August 23, 2005
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Posted: Sunday, October 22, 2017 - 09:30 AM UTC
Sort of a warning, just picked up two Revell M48A2/G2’s. The plastic is terrible, almost rubber like and reacts differently to Tamiya liquid glue. And that cast texture, they put on everything, ugh....

But I do have two A2’s in plastic.
Vodnik
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Warszawa, Poland
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Posted: Sunday, October 22, 2017 - 11:55 AM UTC

Quoted Text


But I do have two A2’s in plastic.


Dragon Magach 1&2 2-in-1 kit includes all parts to build M48A2 - and it is way better than the Revell kit
Bravo1102
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New Jersey, United States
Joined: December 08, 2003
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Posted: Sunday, October 22, 2017 - 11:56 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Sort of a warning, just picked up two Revell M48A2/G2’s. The plastic is terrible, almost rubber like and reacts differently to Tamiya liquid glue. And that cast texture, they put on everything, ugh....

But I do have two A2’s in plastic.



Use Testors liquid. Responded beautifully to that.

The plastic is kind of soft but is similar to other Revell kits I have from the past 30 years. That rubbery texture of Revell plastic has been a constant.

As for the turret, don't compare it to the Tamiya kit as that one is considered too tall. The Revell turret looks squat un-built but when the kit is all together it sits right. And the suspension is light years better than the Tamiya/Academy.

Also a former M48A5 tanker and suffering through the Academy M48A5 to build the New Jersey National Guard tank I served on at Fort Drum in 1988. I built the Revell M48A2 and loved every minute of it. Even the ancient Monogram M48A2 sits better than the Tamiya/Academy kit.
GTDeath13
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Attica, Greece / Ελλάδα
Joined: June 12, 2015
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Posted: Sunday, October 22, 2017 - 12:07 PM UTC
The Revell turret might be a 1-2 milimeters lower (squashed) in scale.

Compared to the Dragon kit the length and width are almost identical, as well as the hull with the suspension fitted.

Detail is a little on the crude side, but the Legend resin upgrade set for this kit can turn it into a show winner.

Do not use the kit rubber tracks, they do not react well to paint or weathering.

The gun barrel is also thinner in diameter than it should be.

Here is my build, OOB except the tracks and the barrel.

https://armorama.kitmaker.net/forums/236102&page=1
Vodnik
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Warszawa, Poland
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Posted: Sunday, October 22, 2017 - 12:09 PM UTC

Quoted Text


As for the turret, don't compare it to the Tamiya kit as that one is considered too tall.


It is actually a myth that has been debunked long ago by people who measured the real thing and confirmed that Tamiya turret (unlike the suspension) is in fact correct height.
Bravo1102
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Posted: Sunday, October 22, 2017 - 02:30 PM UTC

Quoted Text


Quoted Text


As for the turret, don't compare it to the Tamiya kit as that one is considered too tall.


It is actually a myth that has been debunked long ago by people who measured the real thing and confirmed that Tamiya turret (unlike the suspension) is in fact correct height.



That is why I said "considered". It's really not, but measurements often don't matter, only impressions and perceptions.

And the Tamiya suspension is the right height -- for an empty engineless vehicle. Comparing photos of vehicles that are combat loaded with the mostly unloaded National Guard training vehicles, the Guard vehicles sit noticeably taller.
JavierDeLuelmo
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Spain / España
Joined: February 29, 2016
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Posted: Sunday, October 22, 2017 - 02:39 PM UTC
Bought Revell's new Leopard 1 months ago and their new grey plastic is a pleasure to work with. Pity they haven't turned all the kit production into this one.

By the way, very nice detail across the kit, some errors too, but buildable and with some TLC a great model can be done.
KurtLaughlin
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Pennsylvania, United States
Joined: January 18, 2003
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Posted: Sunday, October 22, 2017 - 03:31 PM UTC
If you can measure things properly, these may help.

https://www.scribd.com/doc/38588020/M48A5-105mm-Tank-Drawing-8736758

https://www.scribd.com/doc/38533101/m48-tank-turret-drawing-8694367-sht-1

https://www.scribd.com/doc/38532458/M48-Tank-Turret-Drawing-8694367-Sht-2

KL
Kenaicop
#384
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Nevada, United States
Joined: August 23, 2005
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Posted: Sunday, October 22, 2017 - 06:38 PM UTC

Quoted Text


Quoted Text


But I do have two A2’s in plastic.


Dragon Magach 1&2 2-in-1 kit includes all parts to build M48A2 - and it is way better than the Revell kit



Well, crap, too late, lol. What really sucks is that I got one just for the cupola.
C_JACQUEMONT
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Loire-Atlantique, France
Joined: October 09, 2004
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Posted: Sunday, October 22, 2017 - 06:53 PM UTC

Quoted Text

The Revell turret might be a 1-2 milimeters lower (squashed) in scale.

Compared to the Dragon kit the length and width are almost identical, as well as the hull with the suspension fitted.

Detail is a little on the crude side, but the Legend resin upgrade set for this kit can turn it into a show winner.

Do not use the kit rubber tracks, they do not react well to paint or weathering.

The gun barrel is also thinner in diameter than it should be.

Here is my build, OOB except the tracks and the barrel.

https://armorama.kitmaker.net/forums/236102&page=1




I still have the old Legend conversion for the Tamiya kit. Maybe will use it with either Dragon or Revell chassis, what do you think?

Cheers,

Christophe
Bravo1102
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Posted: Sunday, October 22, 2017 - 07:23 PM UTC
All things considered use the Dragon kit. The fidelity of detail is that much better and you don't have the pebble cobblestone casting texture to contend with.

I kind of like the look but it sure as neck isn't accurate and I saw some rough castings with repaired battle damage.

But I had no problems with the tracks. Just have to wash them and then use enamel paint like soft plastic figures.
GTDeath13
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Attica, Greece / Ελλάδα
Joined: June 12, 2015
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Posted: Sunday, October 22, 2017 - 07:26 PM UTC
I would get the Dragon M48a2 kit too.

The Revell kit will need more additions to look nice than just the Legend conversion kit.
C_JACQUEMONT
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Loire-Atlantique, France
Joined: October 09, 2004
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Posted: Sunday, October 22, 2017 - 10:04 PM UTC
Thank you both, I'll keep my eyes peeled for a sale at Dragon USA Online...

Or maybe one of their Magach? I have the 1/2 and 3 kits I think.

Cheers,

Christophe
GTDeath13
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Attica, Greece / Ελλάδα
Joined: June 12, 2015
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Posted: Sunday, October 22, 2017 - 10:58 PM UTC
The Magach 1/2 is the kit you want!!!
Kenaicop
#384
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Nevada, United States
Joined: August 23, 2005
KitMaker: 1,426 posts
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Posted: Monday, October 23, 2017 - 01:11 AM UTC
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10382225

How did I miss this? Not to flog a dead horse here, but I am still kicking myself in the rear! Not really into Israeli armor, so it must have slipped by.
18Bravo
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Joined: January 20, 2005
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Posted: Monday, October 23, 2017 - 04:11 AM UTC

Quoted Text


Quoted Text


As for the turret, don't compare it to the Tamiya kit as that one is considered too tall.


It is actually a myth that has been debunked long ago by people who measured the real thing and confirmed that Tamiya turret (unlike the suspension) is in fact correct height.



Indeed. In spite of dissenting opinions in the thread, my measurements are dead on. Tamiya turret needs no shim.

http://armorama.com/forums/164843&page=2
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