Tamiya 35120 - 1/35 U.S. M48A3 Patton Military Tank Model Kit - Historical Modelling Edition  [35120]

Summary of the M48A3 Patton 1/35 Kit

The Tamiya 1/35 U.S. M48A3 Patton model offers a faithful representation of an influential Cold War tank that served in Vietnam. Originally developed in the early 1950s by Chrysler, the M48 line superseded the M47 with a cast elliptical hull and the Turtleback turret profile to improve armour protection.

Historical Notes and Mechanical Details

Recognised for its combat resilience, the M48A3 carried a 90mm M41 main gun, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun and a .50 calibre on the commander's cupola. The kit reflects these fittings and mentions the Continental V-12 AV-1790 petrol engine, which allowed road speeds up to roughly 48 km/h.

Later upgrades to the M48A3 included the AVDS-1970-2 diesel variant to enhance fuel efficiency and service life. In Vietnam service, crews often added extra armaments and field adaptations; the model supports depicting many of these variations.

Construction Appeal and Display Use

Built with modellers in mind, the kit features accurate touches such as a coincidence-type range finder and the characteristic five-bogie wheel arrangement used in theatre. When completed and painted, the model sits well in display cabinets or as part of period dioramas.