US M48A3 Patton Tank

Like almost any other Tamiya model, it takes little trouble or time to assemble. Only thing to be careful around is the clear plastic parts, which can be easily screwed up if too much glue is used, so use the glue as sparingly as possible in the steps said parts are included in. Other than that it is real easy to build. As with other kits, I would recommend assembling the wheels separate from the rest of the model so both the lower hull and the wheels are easier to paint and weather. For weathering, I combined some Tamiya weathering master mud and bright orange rust to create the orange-y color of the dirt in Vietnam, and ran some oil washes over the model to break up the uniform color (use the washes first so they do not lift the powders). I added highlights in a few areas afterwards. The crew provided is good, with relaxed poses. With a little fiddling around, however, they can be made to assume action poses. Definitely a must have for any Vietnam armor modeller.

I you didn't have one of these tanks in your collection during the Cold War you most likely missed that era! I know because I built one during the largely un- heard of push by the Soviet Union to invade Western Europe via East Germany. These tanks which were equipped with the huge Infra red light on the turret were made famous by being able to at least slow that advance and thank goodness it never came. The night vision version of this U.S. Army heavy was far advanced past that of the USSR forces and could counter an attack. As always with Tamiya the ease of the build was the appealing part and I had no problems with it at all. For a historical and easy to build model, this is one war hear that never went into combat.

I put this together in a few evenings of work. I spent little bursts of time on this tank it came out wonderfully. I do recommend using a thicker glue like Gorilla gel glue for the far front road wheel suspension as the tracks may pull on it and pull it off the hull. Take your time, don't furiously rush through it, and pay attention to the fine details and this kit will turn out fantastic. If you choose to weather this tank and have no experience what ever in weathering, use the AFV Green Vehicles Weathering Set. That kit really makes your build pop and look great. I'm pairing my M48A3 with a Master Box Limited Jungle Patrol figure kit.