Pretty neat job there recreating the photo.

Nice job on the diorama.

Nice execution on the diorama!

I'm working on Tamiya's 1/35 M48A3 and your model looks like it's the same kit. How did you go about attaching the tracks? I notice that you used the kit tracks (at least I think you did looking at the flash on the edges which I can't figure out how to remove either) and I just attempted to put the tracks on mine this morning and broke the starboard front wheel off. Fortunately the port wheel stayed attached to the hull although the outer section of the wheel came loose - no probem there though.

I guess I need to know how to put the rubber band tracks on. Do you leave the geared wheels off the back until ready to attach the tracks? That might have helped but I just don't know. This is my first armor build so forgive my ignorance.

Hey Mike,

After my initial painting of the tracks and then pinning the tracks together as instructed I'd make sure that I put the tracks onto the sprocket first making sure they are in perfectly and carefully work my way forward, making sure that the track teeth go into the wheel slots as I go along. Then I hold the sprocket as I slightly stretch the track over the front running wheel. Thats basically it. If you have the time you can always get individual track links from Fruilmodel, Modelkasten or AFV Club. It takes longer to put together but they look very realistic (no flash) and youd don't have to worry about breaking your model. I prefer AFV Club, but I've bought from Modelkasten too. I hope this helps.

Thanks for the quick reply. I basically did exactly what you described above to put on the tracks except I'd pinned them before painting. Your description of how you put the tracks around the sprocket wheel first and work forward is precisely what I did. I think I didn't glue the front wheel that came off well enough to begin with. All OK now though.

Thanks again and I'll be looking back at this thread as I finish mine up.

OT, I must assume you got my PM?

Well done.

The tank in the original photo is actually an M67 flame thrower, not an M48. At the beginning of the battle for Hue City all the Marines had were M67's. M48's arrived about three days later. 

I think you're right Frankenpanzer. I didn't pay much attention to the muzzle brake, I thought that was the way the photo was taken, but after close observation I see the difference. Oh well, it still inspired me to make this diorama. Thanks for the correction.

TigerII

I think you're right Frankenpanzer. I didn't pay much attention to the muzzle brake, I thought that was the way the photo was taken, but after close observation I see the difference. Oh well, it still inspired me to make this diorama. Thanks for the correction.

 

Regardless whether it's an M48 or M67, you have done a spectacular job on the scene.

I just noticed the square mantlet and the slightly larger barrell with no accordion section covering the recoil area.