RoR Review – 20110203 M48A2 Patton Tank Monogram® 85-7853
RoR 20110203 M48A2 Patton Tank Monogram® 85-7853
See the Step-by-Step Review and Photos by Lonny Dyer
The M48A2 was just 1 of the many variants of the M48 medium battle tank. The A2 model was fielded in 1955 (too late for Korea) and was the first version to have a redesigned hull and ONLY 3 track support rollers per side. It is also the first version to feature the rear doors/ exhaust panels. The M48A2 featured a 12 cylinder, 810 hp gasoline engine all later versions were diesel powered. The M48 series tank was widely used in Viet Nam by both Army and Marine Corps units. It also served (and still does) in many countries around the world.
With the advent of the M60 medium battle tank in 1965, the M48 was slowly replaced in American Army units with some units using M48A5 tanks until the mid 1990’s. Also the M48 chassis was widely used for specialty vehicles like the Armored Vehicle Launcher Bridge (AVLB) and the Combat Engineer Vehicle (CEV) for many years.
For the modeler – this kit contains: 152 pieces molded in Olive Drab, full rubber tracks, 2 crew members, 6 infantry soldiers, painting instructions and decals for U. S & Israeli army versions. This 1:35 scale model is rated a skill level two which is just about right due to the number of pieces. The construction is not too difficult and with some weathering and finishing techniques it makes a great display piece with sufficient detail at a very reasonable price.
