I’m making a T-55 Samovar. This version has a differen cupola, also fitted in the IDF M60… You know, I’m not talking about the original cupola, that seems like a little turret with a .50 cal MG, I’m talking about that lower cupola with a flexible mount for a .30 cal MG. The point is that I couldn’t find a spare cupola for a resin copy, nor the access hatch, so I’ll take a spare M113 cupola for using it as a base, with a lot of epoxy putty and sanding and a little scratchbuild, I think the conversion can be possible, but, as I don’t have the original cupola, I don’t know anything about measures… If anyone has the M60, please tell me the diametre of the cupola, the diametre of the access “hole” (with this measure I think I can make the hatch) and, if possible, the height of the cupola. Thanks a lot in advance. Most regards.
Academy’s 1/35th M60A1 Blazer has all the parts you need for the IDF cupola as well as the original M60 parts. If you still want to cast your own, I’ll try and measure mine for you. Let me know.
I prefer to have the measures… Only a few Academy kits are available in my country, and none of them are M60s (of any variant)… I can order it from an on-line shop, but it’ll take about two weeks, and I don’t have money to buy it… And, you know: “Time is money”… This project is a commission from an IDF maniac and I want to have it finished as soon as possible. Thanks in advance. Most regards.
Hi Zero.I have an IDF M-60 A-1 [or Magach,as they renamed it after extensive mod’s] , sitting in front of me.I wish I had a scanner,because I don’t think the dimentions will help much.I say that because It’s not a round hatch.The port side is about 2/3rds round,has the hinge on it’s rear,& another smaller portal within it[also hinged to the rear]. Then the starboard 1/3rd remaining is straight pointing Ft to Rr.So ,it’s like looking like the shape of a VW Beetle from the side.The length is 1.8 MM. The width is 1.3 MM.Keep in mind that where the flat & curved parts of the hatch meet,it’s rounded.Also,that length is just the hatch,Not the half of the hinge on top of the hatchThat juts off the reaqr .25 MM . As far as a cuppola,they’re isn’t one.It fits in a recess on top of the turret. Hope it helps.Feel free to e-mail me with any other Q.'s about the M-60. rudedog
Two more sources in kit form for the Urdan cupola you seek are the ESCI M-60 Blazer kit and Academy’s M-48A5 in 1/35 scale. Also AEF designs makes a resin set. Dont know if these can be had in your time constraints.
Sorry I’ve taken this long - I had family drop in unexpectedly over Easter weekend and it’s been chaotic. I do however have the measurements you require.
Overall Diameter : 28 mm
Height of cupola (excluding periscopes/hatch) : 6 mm (on my M60, 1 mm extends below the splash ring - 5 mm above + 1 mm below = 6 mm).
Hatch opening - As you know this is more of a “D” shaped opening. Length : 17.5 mm overall. The Rear width @ 3mm in from rear “D” (approx. in line with hatch hinges) is 15.5 mm. The Front width @ 3mm in from front “D” (approx. in line with side periscopes) is 12 mm.
Look for information about the Urdan low profile cupola. It has been included in several kits like the M60 Blazer kits by Academy, Esci/Italeri as well as the Academy M48A5K. Aftermarket companies like Verlinden and Lo Models have included the cupola in conversion sets as well.