After seeing the new FL M48 Marine tank (bit beyond my budget), I was inspired to build an older Nichimo 1/30 M60 kit from my stash and do a conversion to make it pass for a M48 to use with my 1/30 Vietnam figures (Figarti and FL). The early turret of this M60 is very similar to the M48, although the commander's cuppola is somewhat different; other major differences are the front slope armor, barrel, numbers of road wheels, etc. I scratch built the barrel and muzzle brake, lowered the road wheels, but didn't change the front as it would have required major plastic surgery to replace the rectangular front armor of the M60 to the rounded nose of the M48 - leave that for future project. I figured I'd set it in a diorama with sides and back showing. Other details of the model are wanting, e.g., the shape and size of the spotlight over the barrel, poor rubber tracks, and the general lack of surface details compared to modern kits. On the plus side the fit is good and it is correctly sized at 1/30. Used decals from Mec Models. Still needs some more weathering but some pics below.
Mike
Mike
