Tamiya 1/35 Scale U.S. M48A3 Patton Model Kit 35120

The kit proposed by Tamiya company includes a plastic model kit of American main battle tank in 1:35 scale.

In the early 50s, Americans began to realize the need to replace medium Sherman and heavy M47 with the new main battle tank. Transitional tanks M46 and M47, yet modeled on Pershing from the II World War, proved to be insufficiently armed and armored, and their performance left much to be desired. M48 also alluded to its predecessors, but its main elements were constructed from scratch. Patton received a new cast front part of hull, with a thick armor of up to 150 mm and a tower, resembling the shape of a turtle shell. This treatment resulted in the significant increase in the strength of the tank and the chance of ricocheting hits. M48 received 90mm gun, but this time supported by more modern sights and a computer, allowing more accurate firing. The experience of the Korean War, however, proved cons of new construction. Tank with petrol engine was far too consuming and prone to inflammation after receiving hits. That is why in 1963 it was decided to replace all engines on diesels. This has increased the safety of the crew and vehicle performance. Such modified Patton were renumbered as A3. Tanks of this variant took an active part in the Vietnam War, where it fared very well in the role of infantry support. Since then, however, they have already been gradually supplanted by another Patton tanks - M60, with a powerful 105 mm gun. Most of the M48 were withdrawn from the US Army and commissioned or sold to allies of the United States.

Tamiya kit allows assembly of the American M48A3 main battle tank model with two crew members (commander, driver). Box includes 2 hull pieces, 5 sprues with parts, transparent glass of infrared lamps, rubber tracks and decals (allows reconstruction of the U.S. Army and U.S.M.C. vehicles).

Plastic parts should be cut out of frames, fit together and glued according to the assembly instruction. You should paint the whole model using modeling paints. It is important to remember that some plastic parts require painting before gluing. In the end, it is needed to apply decals according to markings or graphics in instruction.

Paints recommended by the manufacturer for best results:

Vehicle:

• Tamiya XF-62 or spray TS-5 (armor)
• Tamiya XF-56 (metal elements, towing ropes)
• Tamiya XF-1 (wheels bandages)
• Tamiya XF-49 (cover of cannon, fastening straps)
• Tamiya X-10 (HMG, MG-s)
• Tamiya X-11 (infrared lamp)

Commander:

• Tamiya XF-62 (helmet)
• Tamiya XF-61 (uniform)
• Tamiya XF-1 (shoes)
• Tamiya XF-15 (leather)

• The assembly instruction.
• Frames with plastic parts.
• Decals.
• Rubber tracks.
• Soldiers/crew figures.

• Pliers for cutting plastic parts.
• Modelling penknife.
• File or sandpaper.
• Cement for plastic models.
• Brush or airbrush.
• Modelling paints.