U.S.M.C M60A1 put out to grass

[Richard48]

Hi guys..
I was inspired by some google images of u.s.m c m60a1 tanks left to succumb to the elenents in California arround Cirroco summit and a museum.I believe many of the tanks had served at the 29 palms base in California and now reside in the desert.Most have had various parts removed like sprocket wheels and range finder blisters on turrets.Im using the old Esci m60a1 kit from the early 90s and it goes together well and better detailed then the Tamiya USMC one with ERA armour and their m60a3 kits which hulls were from 1970 and turrets from 80s.Ive left one sprocket wheel off and scratchbuilt the area behind the missing wheel.Im hoping to make it look like an abandonef tank but not a total wreck.Tatty machine gun cover etc and faded camouflage finish.Real tank picture shown below.
Richard

[PaulTRose]

I like the sound of this one....will watch with much interest

[Jim R]

That will make an interesting build.

[Richard48]

Thanks fellas The white plasticard is some paper thin plastic to cover some very deep sinkholes in the plastic.Actually enjoying this build and not losing interest which im pleased with.Ive seen mostly MERDC camouflage ones in the desert scheme.Im hoping to put him in a diorama with him slowly sinking into the sands.
Thank you for taking an interest.
Richard

[scottie3158]

Richard,
Great idea mate I will pull up a chair and get in your way.

[Richard48]

Hi Paul.
Always welcome my friend.Im really enjoying making this one.Ive been doing a bit everyday on him.Ive got a few different photos so im using various ideas from a few.
Good to have you here.
Richard

[Richard48]

Bit more progress today Tuesday.Most of construction done.My least favourite part to do next The turret basket!!.Now if anybody has built an M60a1 or A3 or an Idf one then they know what im getting at.Well fragile parts to make up the basket is an understatement.Bad enough trying to scrape fine seams and flash from the Tamiya basket im using.There is a jig provided but i found putting the basket supports on the tank first better because if you dont get things lined up then when you fit the rails around the supports then the proverbial hits the fan.The m esh provided is the awful rubberised stuff thats a pita to cut and stick.I have an etch mesh set by Eduard but you know my love for etch not!!!.I did see a 3D printed one for the Afv club m60s but at 35 quid for the basket no thanks!!!.Two of my kits cost that.

[minitnkr]

Excellent idea. Maybe a mix of plastic & PE for basket?

[Richard48]

Thanks for looking

[scottie3158]

Richard,
this is really looking good mate and I'm sure you are well up to the basket challenge.

[Richard48]

Hi Paul.
Thanks for dropping by.Well ive tackled the blasted basket.I did it in stages.Got the rail supports lined up and then added the bottom with P.E mesh on top.Few bits managed to get out of synch but if you try wiggling rails about then its trouble.Still get a few breakages but with a few dabs of Cyano i managed to get it stuck to the tank.Certainly glad thats over.Now i can leave it and then clean a few areas up and get some primer on and try and get a tank finished for once.Did think about starting another one during a late 70s exercise in Germany with winter white patches.Dont know if my sanity will allow me.Might have to go onto something else.
Richard

[scottie3158]

Good man I knew you were up to it lol

[Richard48]

The language was fearsome mate hehe.I nearly hurled it at the wall but ive already trashed 1 m60a1 kit and a turret so patience and put music on and a brew and i didnt give up thankfully.

[HAWKERHUNTER]

Thats looking impressive Richard.

[Tworrs]

Looking good Richard.

[Richard48]

Thank you kindly guys.I remembered this morning id forgotten to put towing cable clamps on turret doh!!.Managed to use the tiny etch ones in Eduard update set but boy tiny and fiddly.Got there eventually sort of.
Richard

[scottie3158]

Admit it you love that etch

[Richard48]

Nooooo Paul.Im just too clumsy and messy to get on with etch mate.