A while ago, I did a build review of the Dragon M48A3 Mod B at Armorama. I never got around to finishing it. It sat on the proverbial “shelf” built, but not completed. I have decided to get the “shelf queens” done.
I marked it using the kit decals for “Wild One 4” from 11 ACR, 922 ENG Bn. The decals are incorrect though. They have “H-ACR” and 922 ENC". I corrected them and added a second set to the rear as well.
The crew is from PMC Miniatures; their US Army M48 Crew Set.
Here it is.
I also added interior hatch details such as the handle and lock assembly on the loader’s hatch. The TC’s hatch got the lock and the lever that holds it open near the hatch. For these I used left over PE bits, metal rod, plastic rod, and sheet styrene for the head pad.
Hey Gino, very cool! I need to get some of my shelf queens finished too.
And I may have to pick up a set of those figures as well, great job painting them up. Only nitpick I’d have is I’d give them a little more of a tan since they’re out in the sun all day [:D]
Gamera - Thanks for the compliments. I too like how the figures came out. They are actually more tanned, the bright lights wash it out some. You should get this figure set. They are really nicely molded and look great.
qcarr - Thanks for the compliments. The stowage set is really nice and gives you a bunch of options. I only used a fraction of it. I like how stowage turned out as well; not too much, but enough to look lived in.
Gino its nice to finish up those loose ends and here you’ve done a fantastic job. Its hard not to focus on those cool figures but they really give it life. Nice build G.
That’s a good looking model. I’m impressed at how even diving in at zoom, the construction is invisible. Oh gee, for me anything less than 24" and there’s glue spots and stuff all over.
You might go after dirtying the beast up a bunch.
I really wish that DML would get off their ARSES and issue the long promised A1.
It really is a nice model, and expertly built, too. What I don’t like about it, that it’s so impeccably clean (for Vietnam standards, that is). Some shading, on the tank, but also on the stowage, would really help here. Anyway, your model made me think really hard about building my Dragon M48A3 - I think I’m going to buy this mantlet cover kit soon! Thanks for sharing and good luck with your next builds!
GMorrison and Pawel - Thanks for the compliments. It is diirtied up pretty good. I guess the lights wash it out a bit. You can see the build-up of red Vietnam mud and dust around the mantlet and other areas on the closer in photos. It looks much dirtier in person.
[Y]Beautiful work. I agree with GM & Pawel about the dusting, too bad the flash drowned that out. Digital photography and the Mk.I eyeball often see things differently. Too funny about the Dragon bumper codes.
Guess when you were out there “big Gunnin’ it” they didn’t expect photos -just big booms, so no wonder your Brownie Box Camera is giving ya fits. (see I care)
Maybe you could put a flash suppresser on it?
Seriously:very nice work. The search light looks like the ones- I think , I vaguely remember seeing at the 3D ID Depot Maintenance; getting ready for or coming from Grafenwöhr.
Thanks SprueOne. I think the clear sight blisters are a gimick. I painted over them and just put a gloss black dot where the actual sight glass is. I also paint over the clear windows on the TC’s cupola too. I don’t see the point in those parts being clear since they don’t look clear on the actual tank. Tank optics look like dark green to black glass to me.
I thought the loader lookeds like Danny Trejo too. I like the moustache. The tattoo on the TC,s right arm is a cross, the left is supposed to be something like an axe, or maybe a dolphin. I just did a splash of black there.
A very busy and mean looking tank. I like it and thought it was plenty dirty, but i’m starting to realize that tank builders REALLY like to play in the dirt and mud.
If each forum subsection had an avatar, the armor section would have a picture of peanut’s Pigpen.
I mean it as a complement. One of the things that scare me from trying a tank ( besides the road wheels, tracks, insane numbers of small details and pe) is the fact that tank modelers have turned weathering into a serious art form. Sure is fun to view though.
(see I care)
