As related in previous blog posts I have slowly been working on the Jordanian army of 1967. This post is by way of a progress report as to where I'm up to.
M48
The M48s had the jetisonable fuel tanks tweaked so they no longer pointed downwards. Here's the real thing:
I was helped by some modelling sites which helpfully show details the above site didn't. Alas the folding "shield" has a couple of different patterns; I chose one from a blueprint. Unfortunately the pictures of Jordanian M48s are unclear, however I suspect they were solid rather than with a "V" cut out. Anyway, here' my M48s showing various stages and just awaiting final stowage.
I then turned to the M47s
Getting the turret brackets to stick involved lots of super glue and swearing - as Eric suggested on the VWC a better name for a blog! Once fixed everything got some liquid Green Stuff, including the M48s.
Then I turned to the last tank used by Jordan; the Centurion. Jordan used Mk3 and Mk5 with the original British gun. In an attempt to differentiate from the IDF Sho't I made them all Mk3 with 20pdr . Progress from disassembly to finish.
Finally, thwarted in attempts to purchase resin Trident M52 SPH, I have added bits to my bodge jobs.
Most of above just need a bit of extra stowage (covers a multitude of sins!) and in some cases MGs (M47 and Centurion have cradle / bracket M48s are fitted.
To do - M113s, M42 Dusters, Long Toms and tractors, 25 pdrs and infantry. I also have a \Hunter and a "what-if" Widow Maker in 1:100
Very nice models Niel, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI was unable to attend VWC yesterday, I have had a rotten cold for several days now. Though today I'm feeling a lot better🥴.
Willz.
Thanks Willz.
DeleteGlad to hear you're on the mend; you were missed!
Neil
They all look very nice indeed, especially the M48s and 20pdr Centurions. Are these all based on Roco models? (and where did you get all your oil drums?)
ReplyDeleteThanks Martin.
DeleteYes all Roco, the M48s, M47s and Centurions all standard models with bits added. The M52 is a Frankenstein bodge job: M41 Walker Bulldog with the tracks chopped at the end and sides swapped to get the downwards slope; turret is a much chopped about M53 - too big and tall but it sort of looks the part.
The oil drums were from eBay, a model railway shop HO scale IIRC. They came as joined rows of four, but with open bottoms. It was a while ago when I bought them.
Neil
Really like seeing this project. It's going to be great when it's all done.
ReplyDeleteThanks Andy.
ReplyDeleteIt's getting there. The Egyptians and Syrians should hopefully be quicker; the T-54s will need turret brackets adding and MGs but compared to the IDF and Jordanians are relatively straightforward.
Neil
Swing low....sweet chariot
ReplyDeleteComing for to carry me home....
As I mentioned at the VWC, the M48A5 is not only one of my favourite tanks, but was still in the Massachusetts Army National Guard when I first enlisted in 1987. That would have been the 110th Cavalry in Concord, MA, if I recall correctly.
I am in awe of your modelling skills. I do not have the patience.
Looking forward to the next phase of your project.
Eric
Thanks Eric.
ReplyDeleteThe M48 is an interesting tank with multiple variations. Roco produced the M48A1 and later the M48A2 and the German version M48A2GA2. I have one and two or three of these later models and hordes of the M48A1. In addition to the detail, these usually need new engine decks and guns for IDF, and NATO, fortunately, Pakistan had the M48 (next major "moderns" project).
I'm an average modeller, but expert bodger. I can easily lose myself in the modelling, just need lots of "bits" which Roco do in abundance.
Neil
You have certainly made a lot of progress with these Neil…
ReplyDeleteI guess having the simplicity of the Roco kits to build on takes some of the pain out of constructing the vehicles…
I have fond memories of the Roco Panzer 3’s I had way back in the day.
All the best. Aly
Thanks Aly.
DeleteI guess you could call Roco the original "fast- build" kits with just 5 parts (hull top and bottom, two track units and a turret). The later models became more detailed with add on parts and things like wing mirrors!
For the early models, the first thing is to remove the "roll along" wheels, just to spoil the fun of wargamers!
Neil
That's some real attention to detail going on there. nice jobs with all the hard modeling. You do things I wouldn't even begin to try.
ReplyDelete(you know what I mean). 😁
Stew,
ReplyDeleteI didn't intend to; it just sort of happened.....☺
I thought I'd be able to do a lot straight from the box as it were... (read flimsy blister pack, flimsy box or nothing at all)....then I'd look at a picture and go "what's that funny little box thing / odd shape on the side of the tank". Then I'd look at the model and it didn't have one. So then, a little voice in my head says " why don't you just add.... "
Once you have done one, the other six need the same thing.....
It's worse; if it's not quite right it niggles away.....
Oddly, despite this it's very addictive and rewarding. I'm probably the only person doing AIW in this scale....
That makes me unique......☺
Neil
Hmm. I thought I responded to this post. Perhaps I was either dreaming or wound up as SPAM?
ReplyDeleteJonathan,
ReplyDeleteAs posts are unmoderated, not sure how it would end up in SPAM?
I WAS surprised you hadn't commented as normally you are the first to do so.
Neil
Even unmoderated can end up in SPAM folder based upon the whims of Google.
DeleteI'm enjoying watching this project develop, not least of all because it looks so challenging. I'm all agog!
ReplyDeleteThanks Iain.
DeleteTBH it's been less challenging than I expected it to be!
I despaired at how I'd get AMX13s, but then a lucky find on eBay led me on to scratch -building an AMX13 turret; the M50 and M51 were daunting but just getting on with it and using common parts found me churning out models I was pleased with. So it went on; the more I did the more I was inspired to do more and add more and more details....
Neil
The conversion work has changed the way I look at my pile of Roskopf and Rocco in the cellar. I had the pleasure of following back up the entire set of labeled articles. Great work.
ReplyDeleteJoe, Thanks. I often look back at the posts - it's partly a reason for the blog, so I can track progress.
DeleteNeil