M103A1 HEAVY TANK

Modeling Subjects Armor
41

Here are the latest updates. I have added a modified Dragon crew figure. He will be holding a pipe and looking very serious(could even be my Dad). I have added more welds and handles. Next will be some casting marks.

Terry

42

Looks good to me.

As far as accuracy goes, it sure looks like an M103 to me, and since they’re relatively rare, it’s a question of who will really know anyway.

Also, you have a PM on the way.

43

Thanks!

44

looking good,extra details make a diff

45

Thanks!

46

Great read on the tank facts gents…thanks for that. As far as the build is going…looks great. Look forward to the paint.

47

Thanks Rob! Paint soon.

Terry

48

Continuing to work on the turret. Added some casting marks and numbers. Built the 50 cal. and did some painting.

Terry

49

Terry: The casting numbers look great I love the effect you’re getting with the paint.

50

Thanks

51

Are the casting marks decals? Dry transfer? Home made? They seem to have some “substance” to them. Great detail! Bob

52

All the small details that you are adding really dress up the build! Very nice! Just curious, but when the M103 was in service, would the tankers still be using WWII tanker jackets and helmets?

53

They are from Archer Dry Transfers. They are applied like decals.

Thanks!

54

The jacket may be a stretch, but the helmet yes. The helmet was in use until about 1960 updated to have a chin mike instead of the throat mike. My Dad said that he carried the WW II “grease” gun in 1962 and qualified on the Thompson. Lots of WW II items still being used in the late 50’s and early 60’s.

Thanks!

55

We still had M3 Grease Guns in 1990. It was a component of end item on M48/M60 based vehicles like the M88A1, M728 CEV and M60 AVLB into the 1990s. Still had a mount for them in a brand new M88A1 I received around 2004.

56

Our maintenance people had them as well. Bob

57

The good old Grease Gun is like Ma Deuce… Gonna be around for a LONG time… Rob, did that 88 have the Grease Gun or was out of the inventory by '04?

58

Great conversation!

Markings are on and turret is ready for final weathering. Now I can set this aside and finish up the lower part of the tank.

Terry

59

I added the remainder of the details to the hull and did some wiring along the way.

Terry

Wiring conduit.

Attaching the wire leads to the headlights.

Installing the headlight assembly.

Left side assembly.

Tools and other details.

60

Did some paint work on the hull. I believe the paint matches.

Terry