I thought I'd started a thread on this build but I guess not, so like the title says, I'm doing another Magach 3, this one as converted by the IDF from the M48A2C tanks in stock. These were frequently misidentified in captions as "an M48A3 with two of the five return rollers removed". That is in fact the easiest way to identify these tanks as former gas-engined -A2 models updated to Magach 3. The IDF used the -A2 engine deck and grills, adding the Donaldson air filter housings on the -A2 fenders and the diesel powerpack and matching transmission/final drive. Mine is YKW-period with armored air filter housings, something done to Magach 3 tanks just before the YKW in response to shrapnel damage to the un-armored housings during the "War or Attrition". The SabingaMartin and Desert Eagle Magach books have been essential in doing this conversion. Because I still have Tamiya M48 kits in the stash, I used another one, building the forward 2/3 of the engine deck grills from scratch, making my own armored air filter housings by copying a broken pair of DEF Models parts, scratch-built fenders and finally, a Takom turret from a Brave Tiger kit left over from another build.

Basic hull before I cut the engine deck grills"IMG_3914 by Russel Baer, on Flickr

The area changed is in white:

IMG_3917 by Russel Baer, on Flickr

Grills done except for new hinges and handles:

IMG_3922 by Russel Baer, on Flickr

Added details to hull rear:

IMG_3925 by Russel Baer, on Flickr

Basic fenders started, also visible is the reliefs I cut into some Academy M60 roadwheels to more accurately reflect the dished wheels:

IMG_3926 by Russel Baer, on Flickr

Hull front showing fenders and corrected hull nose profile:

IMG_3934 by Russel Baer, on Flickr

And ready for primer, with turret stowage done from Milliput:

IMG_3983 by Russel Baer, on Flickr

IMG_3984 by Russel Baer, on Flickr

IMG_3986 by Russel Baer, on Flickr

I think it's ready for primer, just pondering details and such.