Revell M48 A2CG Patton (03287) - 1:35 Revell

[Julien]

M48 A2CG Patton (03287)

1:35 Revell

 

 

Despite the fact it share the name Patton with the M46/M47 the M48 was designed as a replacement for these tanks, plus the M4 and the M26. The M48 was truly the first generation Main Battle Tank for the US Army.  Designed by Chrysler over 12000 were built and the type went though many upgrades and changes over its life time. The Tank was also sold to many friendly nations inside and outside NATO.  The German Army made considerable use of these tanks until they were replaced by the Leopard 1.  The M48 A2 brought about an improved powerpack & transmission, along with improved turret control.  In German service the A2GA2 replaced the gun with the 105mm L7 cannon and a different MG3 mount. Over 650 M48s were upgraded to this configuration. The A2CG version added a Raumbi rangefinder and smoke grenade dischargers to the turret. With the introduction of the Leopards these tanks were sent to Territorial units.  A mine clearing version of the M48 remains in German service.

 

 

The Kit

This is re-issue of Revell's kit from 2014 with new parts to reflect the latest tank. The kit arrives on 6 sprues of grey plastic, a set of rubber tracks and a length of aerial wire (not shown). Construction starts with the lower hull, the sides are added to the main base along with the rear lower part. The engine grills are added along the the drive sprocket transmission parts.  The suspension parts are added along with main wheels, idler wheels and return rollers. The drive sprockets can then be added along with the rubber tracks. The top hull can then be added and the engine intakes placed in. The front fenders are added along with the parts which hold the track covers up, and the tool boxes on them. To finish the lower hull off the lights are added along with tow cables and a myriad of smaller parts & fixings. Lastly the drivers hatch is added which can be open or closed (however there is no interior in the kit).

 

 

 

 

Now for the turret. The upper and lower halves are joined with the gun movement added in between. The exterior mantlet cover is then added along with the gun barrel. Antenna housings and hatches are then added to the turret. Exterior fuel cans are added along with stowage boxes. The large commanders hatch with its machine gun is then made up and added tot he turret. The searchlight is added to the top of the gun, and the smoke dischargers are added to the side of the turret. It can then be fitted. If you want to model the tank in travelling mode with the gun to the rear then the rear mounted gun carrier can be used. 

 

 

 

 

Markings

The decal sheet is pretty small, but provides three options;

 

• Panzer Battalion 354, Hammelburg 1974
• Panzer Battalion 363, Kuhlsheim 1974
• Panzer Battalion 364, Kuhlsheim 1974

 

 

Conclusion

The tank is a true cold war warrior and a good edition to any Post WWII German Army collection. Recommended.

 

 

 

Revell model kits are available from all good toy and model retailers. For further information visit

  or

[Cometracer]

When I first spied this kit I believed it to be the old Monogram kit, reissued, but it appears to be a completely new kit.  Thanks for the review.