I am looking for a 1/35 scale M48 Patton A3 and I was wondering which model kit of this tank would best serve as someones first model. I would also like some suggestions for stowage/figures for a Vietnam era tank.
For a first time build I think we would all agree on the Tamiya M-48A3. It comes with two figures.
The parts fit together well and there are a ton of aftermarket parts for it if you choose to upgrade or add to it.
Its a good kit right out of the box and its super forgiving for the first time model builder. Plus its not too expensive in comparison to offerings from Dragon.
Good luck and don’t forget to come back, show your work, and ask plenty of questions. 
Mike is right. Tamiya’s M48 is a good first build, and it has some acceptable figures included.
Yup, that’s a good one.
AFA as Vietnam, one very common modification was to remove the .50 from the commander’s cupola set up and switch the mounting to either an upright post welded to the cupola, or to a tripod with it’s feet welded to the top of the turret.
What color for the faces of the figure do you recommend?
For a base color you can use Tan. That should basically serve you well to start, but there are a lot of techniques that can really make your figures come to life. They range from simple, to advanced, to crazy realistic.
Your question leads to a whole new world of painting lol. I suggest you start watching tutorial videos on YouTube. There are plenty to choose from and there are plenty of styles that you may find interesting.
Being in the advanced category myself, there is plenty I could tell you, but being a first time painter it would quickly overwhelm you and probably make you give up before you get a chance to like figure painting lol.
So yeah, tan should work for now. The only thing you should worry about at this point is getting good clean lines and clearly defined separations between your colors. This is called “Blocking” and it is the first skill you need to learn.
I hope that doesn’t sound patronising or sarcastic. Its really an enjoyable part of modelling and a valuable set of skills to add to your armor and aircraft modelling.
Good luck and don’t give up. It takes time to get the results you want. We’ll be here to help.
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Another good suggestion indeed. That kit does not come with figures included however. A good kit though, and a much newer molding. The reviews have been fair.
I’m still looking to add it to my own collection. The Valkyrie Minatures German tank crew for the era would be a perfect match.
I could not find the U.S. Army versions, only the German, could you link one for me?
This one includes markings for a German Army version, two US Army tanks and an Israeli tank.
http://www.squadron.com/Revell-Germany-1-35-M48-A2-A2C-Patton-Tank-p/rg3206.htm
Isn’t that the way it always happens? You start a conversion or scratch project and as you near the finish line, somebody comes out with the kit.
BTW, the new Revell Germany M48A2/A2C kit comes with US Army markings, as well as IDF. Plus the box art Bundeswehr markings. I have the kit in my stash.
Must. Have. GA2.
I think I may be coming down with an M-48 obsession… 
You and me both. I recently acquired the new RG A2. Want to get the new Dragon A1 and the RG A2GA2… as well as the old Academy A5… And Leopard 1s…[:O]
The new A1 looks good in the box. It also has lots of options, I need to figure those out. At first glance they look like A2 components.
The new Dragon M-48A1?
You want this… don’t you?
I totally read that in his voice lol!
Ya dang right I want to build one of those! lol
“Take you weapon and strike me down with it. Then your journey to the Dark Side will be complete.”
Are Dragon kits really as hard to make as everyone says?
No,
but…
Dragon’s instruction sheets leave a lot to be desired. Study them closely and take your time.
Dragon takes detail to an etreme level sometimes. They will use three itty bitty parts when one small part will suffice. Take your time when building one of these kits.
Oh, and did I mention to take your time when building a Dragon kit?
Oh yeah, those instructions… leave much to be desired. Make sure you have good picture references and study them thoroughly.
Dragon kits build up nicely, even when the details or proportions are off. They still make a convincing model.
The Dragon M-103A2 builds up well, but is the bane of every rivet counter in the hobby lol.