Vietnam M48A3 --- Finished. 11/6

I just came acrossed this picture that supports that some units may have painted US ARMY on the fenders.

http://www.mecmodels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/DE-TA02-references.jpg

So apparently it is possible.  :/

Not sure where they found that picture (left side second from the bottom)

Thanks for the photo Mike.

Here is a improved version.  I cleaned her up a little.  Also I eliminated the US Army on the rear fenders.  Need to blend the fix a little more.  I changed the markings on the front as well.  I noticed that I forgot the white dot. 

Once again this tank belonged to the 1/1st Cav.  They had a mix of armor and apc's.

That white dot is actually yellow and indicateds the vehicles tonnage (I.E. for bridges). I believe for this one it should be 54. The kit provided decal should suffice.

The top looks more appropriate now. I think you got this licked now.  :)

Hello!

Your tank is looking even better now!

Here's some data on the yellow disc markings (weight classification sign)

http://www.vietnam.net.pl/TB746/Section4.htm#Weight%20Classification.

There's also a nice markings set by Archer - AR35003:

http://www.hmmwvinscale.com/archerfinetransfers.htm

I hope it will help you, good luck with your build and have a nice day

Paweł

Thanks Mike, Pawel.  I didn't know that it was yellow.  My kit was given to me for this build and didn't include any decals with it.  Also I couldn't read any numbers on the dot.

Thanks I will be changing this to be correct. 

Thanks again.  This has been a learning curve building this kit. 

Kim

What a great looking build. that fine PE makes such a difference.

Growing up my house was land locked by fort ord ca. I was the only house west of the air base those tanks and the 173 air cav. Was around and over my house daily.

This build brings back a lot of memories including walking home from school and having to put arms up in front of a m60 toting sentry that jumped out of a bush. Lol

I also found the M2 info interesting thanks for posting that.

moose421

Once again this tank belonged to the 1/1st Cav.  They had a mix of armor and apc's.

 

OK, I think I have sorted the unit he belonged to.  It was most likely 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment.  They were a separate Armored Cavalry Regiment that was attached to the 101st Airborne Division during the Vietnam War.  They were not part of the 1st Cavalry Division or 11 ACR.

"Arriving in Vietnam in August, 1967, the Squadron consisted of three Armored Cavalry Troops and one Air Cavalry Troop, D Troop, which was not deployed until July 1968. The Squadron immediately deployed in the I Corps Tactical Zone around the city of Chu Lai. It was committed to battle two days after its arrival, operating against the North Vietnamese Army and Vietcong. From 01 September 1967 to June 1968, the Squadron was involved in eleven major battles and numerous smaller engagements; among these were Cigar Island, Que Son Valley, Pineapple Forest, the Western Valley and Tam Ky.

1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment remained in the field continuously during the Vietnam War from 1967-1972, attached as an independent Squadron to elements of the 101st Airborne Division and took part in 13 campaigns. The Squadron departed Vietnam on 10 May 1972."

The markings on the front are correct, but the back is still off.  It should be the same as on the front.  The left side (when looking from the rear) should have 1/1 CAV.  The right side should have B-19.  Your friend may be a little fuzzy on the placement of the markings.  The standard has always been higher unit on the left (1/1 CAV) and the Company or Troop and vehicle number on the right (B-19).

Heavyarty

Yes I agree.  He wasn't part of the 1st Cav Division.  They were an independant regiment.  They had 1 troop with the M48A3's and 2 troops with the M113's.

As for the 1/1 on the right rear fender I think I just might keep it.  He was sure that they had it on the right rear and told his son-in-law (my friend).  Like before I added the Pepe's Revenge ( wasn't on his tank). His son-in-law wanted there fore I added it. 

Take no offense, I appreciated all the help in correcting some of the problems I had and made.  I will keep it to the way they want it.  I am doing this to honor his service and hope it loves it.

Thank you

Also thank you to all that have looked and gave the great compliments.  I means a lot comming from the quality of builders that is on this forum.

Kim

No offense taken, just adding my two cents on historical accuracy.  I also know all about building for others and adding what they want, wether it is historically accurate or not.  Its looking great.  Keep up the good work and I'm sure your buddy and his father-in-law will love it.

Here she is.  Just one small problem is that the decal that I used silvered a little.  Other than that I am happy with the result.  I added a bit of storage, spare tracks and a spare gear.

Hello Kim!

Your model looks very good to me! I believe the vets you were building it for are going to love it! Congratulations on a very nice build - what's next? Thanks for sharing and have a nice day

Paweł

That looks great Kim!

I like the stowage, especially the extra sprocket. It all looks great.  :)

The texture looks very convincing also. :)

On to the next build!  :D

Great job, Kim - your M48 came out really nice!  Thanks for sharing your experience and results! 

I was also in A Co. 1/77 Armor from August 1970 thru May 1971.  What Vietnam Tanker says is correct.  We also carried 8X8 tarps for rainy weather, cots, and a lot of Claymores and C-4.  Many of us chose not to wear flak vests because it was too difficult to get out of the turret in a hurry.  So the flak vests were left on top of the turret mainly on the Bustle rack.