What a great thread.   So much info and not to mention the great build.  

The MERDC scheme looks sharp. Whose paints are you using?

Thanks guys.  So far so good.

For the paints, I am using Testors Model Master enamels.  The colors are as follows:  green = Medium Green (FS34102), tan = Dark Tan (FS30219), sand = Armor Sand (FS30277), and black = Flat Black (FS37038).  Once weathered and toned down a bit, they should look spot on for the MERDC Winter Verdant scheme.

HeavyArty

Thanks guys.  So far so good.

For the paints, I am using Testors Model Master enamels.  The colors are as follows:  green = Medium Green (FS34102), tan = Dark Tan (FS30219), sand = Armor Sand (FS30277), and black = Flat Black (FS37038).  Once weathered and toned down a bit, they should look spot on for the MERDC Winter Verdant scheme.

 

Cool! Going to have to write those down for when I attempt a MERDC scheme. Thanks!!! 

Finally I am back at it on this one.  Its crazy how life gets in the way.  I had a week-long business trip to Germany and then the Thanksgiving holiday was upon us, etc., etc., etc...   

I have a question at this point.  Hopefully the guys who were there (John, Rob) can answer it.  

For the bumper numbers, was the background white or sand?  In the below pic, it looks white.

I would say sand/buff. I can’t remember if it was ‘84 or or ‘85 when we were told to add a “buff” background for the bumper codes. The paint we were given was some GI stuff, and literally was labeled ”buff” along with the NSN and all the other GI labeling info on the can. Before then, the bumper codes were stenciled directly onto the MERDC paint color of the areas. Some of us painted the backgounds and others painted the bumper codes using stencils we made in the HHC mechanics bay. They had a stencil cutting tool in there. 

Sand backgrounds, but can be even that almond appliance spray paint color from a rattle can bought from the PX and not neccessarily Army issued paint.

No idea on the bumper numbers but glad to see you still moving on this. I was scrolling though the posts the other day and wondered if something came up and you had to drop it.

Thanks for the color clarification and encouragement guys.  I hope to have it done soon and will post more pics.

I have completed my M48A5 in Korea, late '80s.  I made the bumper numbers myself using computer decal paper over sand paint.  It is marked as a tank from B Company, 2nd Battalion, 72nd Armor Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division.   AKA - B Co, 2nd Tank.  

It is hard to see in the pics, but I extended the MERDC camo onto the sides of the lower hull below the fenders.  For weathering, I used a dark brown wash and then a lighter sandy-brown drybrush to bring up the details.  Let me know what you think.

I can't attest to how authentic your build is, but it sure looks good. Love the camo. It came out great.

MERDC looks just right. Nice job. PaulE

Thanks guys.  It was a fun build.

We have one of these in our city park, such a cool tank. Very nice work. Well done.

BK

Looking very sharp in the lightly weathered finish! Ready for the NKPA hordes.

Thanks guys.  The lightly weathered look is what I was going for.

The MERDC came out really well. Nice work!!!

Thanks Gamera.  I like how it turned out as well.