That’s looking very nice. I have no idea on the correct OD, but that looks good to me and the weathering seems just right. I do like those markings.
1st round of effects done. 
Next up: Details, details, details.
Thanks Bish! 
I’m glad I checked my references. Dragon would have me put the serial numbers on the rear toolboxes. They never put them there. Not one single reference shows them placed there. They were either on the air filters as I have done, or on the forward storage bins.
The only other thing that is wrong with them is that there should be one more star in the second row for a total of 7.
Other than the markings I’ve pretty much nailed this one as far as how it should have actually looked. Well, aside from the early A1 gun tube dust cover. I wasn’t left with many options for that anyways.
I’m getting really close to having it match the reference photos and I’m happy about that.
Ye, you can never 100% trust kit markings. I always try and check when I can.
I’m learning that now lol. This is the first Historicaly accurate build I’ve done.
Looks great so far. I suggest that the IR headlight lenses should be black. Those were still in use when I was on active duty, and the IR light projector lenses are black.
You’re right. I should darken those more.
Okay that looks better.
Much better. It’s only a little thing but they all add up.
Thanks Stick. I’ve got a lot of detailing left on the tracks to do still and the vision blocks need to be blacked out as well. Yeah, its all the little things. That’s right lol.
Hey Mike,
I’ve been busy as of late, but wanted to say that your model here looks pretty good. The finish is appropriately “busy” and I like what you did spattering the wheels.
Very nice paint work, Mike. You’re starting to get some real depth.
I dunno know how accurate the colour is but I really like the variation and ‘depth’ to it.
Mike your build is looking fantastic. The person your building it for is going to have a model to be proud of!!!
I’m just learning to navigate this wonderful and insightful forum, when I came across this; Oh My! WOW! I can’t believe what I’m seeing. Speechless.
Toshi
Update incoming.
Finally!
It was hard to get this beast to fit in my little shooting area mostly because of the enormous AA cannon they wedged into it.
One last minute change was to correct the "O"12 into the correct "D"12.
I need a bigger area to take photos in lol.
So here it is. One “clean” M-103A2 as it would have looked in Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis era while on base, circa 1962.
In hindsight there are few things I would do differently, but I’m happy enough with the final results.
Thanks for the support and advice during this project. You guys are the best and I’m glad to be counted among you as a respected peer.
Thank You all!
Sorry. Using the droid still. I’ll fix this when I have a chance. 
Mike, I use a similar set up for taking photos. Just a suggestion but if you drape a plain solid color bedsheet over the base and chair arms and back, you get a nice non distracting background. A neutral color or plain white sheet works great.
By the way, very nicely done!
Mike, nice finish to this plastic beast [Y]
stik, this model tank would probably need a chair like this:
http://www.hahabird.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4240.jpg