Taiwanese M60-2000

[Supertom]

So while I was disappointed that I wasn't able to complete my Indian Su-34 before my trip, realistically I couldn't bring that long without some major logistics in the packing department. About halfway through my flight I realized I could have packed my F-20, but it was too late. I wanted to bring something to the What-If table at SMW, so I started thinking about something small and compact that I could pack easily - so how about a tank?

I somehow randomly came across the M60-2000 (and it's later iteration, the 120S (the S stood for Speed), which was in its simplest terms an M60 with an M1A1 turret grafted on to it. Mechanically it wasn't that hard, a turret adapter ring was used to mate the two sections together. An upgraded AVDS-1790 diesel engine was installed to give the tank a little more power to handle the added weight and improve its speed and maneuverability. The upgrade was originally offered to Turkey and Egypt, but Turkey opted for the M60 Sabra upgrade while Egypt went with the full M1 Abrams. I imagined Taiwan would be a great candidate for the tank as it's ideal for defensive purposes - their CM11 Brave Tiger tanks aren't meant to take on an invading army head-on, but to sink incoming landing boats full of soldiers and tanks from the coast. Later on I found out that the Taiwanese ended upgrading their tanks with AVDS-1790 engines and 120mm guns anyway but without grafting on an M1 turret, and they'll be getting M1A2T tanks in a year or two. But hey, that's what What-If's about!

Anyway it was the perfect What-If to bring on across the world - it's small, compact, easy to build. Being 1/72 I. could pack it into a small box. The only issue is that I don't have paints, and I can't get the wheels and tracks on until it's painted, but I could get it done as far as possible and bring it in as a work-in-progress. Anyway, here it is.

The donor kits:



When I bought the kits, I assumed that the Academy M60 and M1 had the same size of turret ring, but my old sergeant major's words came ringing back to me about making assumptions. So the trick here would be to graft the M60's turret ring onto the M1. Unfortunately this meant having to destroy the M60's turret bottom, and M1's turret ring, so no M1 with M60 turret unless I find replacements.

[Supertom]

Oh, and I'm staying with my parents in Singapore at the moment, hence the reduced workspace and lack of paints to complete it.

Fortunately, I brought a razor saw, and was able to cleanly separate the turret ring off the M1.



With the ring separated and the based sanded smooth, the turret ring was cut off the bottom plate of the M60 turret.



A dry fit indicated that this is doable (I mean I did do a rough fit before I made the cuts), and while it's doable, the turrent would sit quite proud of the turrent as-is:





So I'll just need to bring out some sandpaper and thin the turret ring down a little.

[kerick]

Great start!

[Old Wombat]

Tiny tank! 

[Wardukw]

Damn it Tom!! ..ya beat me to it   
I was going to build this as a RW model now i've got plenty of M60's and M1's to play with .... oh well ,such as life eh 
I'll be watching matey ,,,,even tho it's in the wrong sale     

[Supertom]

Damn it Tom!! ..ya beat me to it   
I was going to build this as a RW model now i've got plenty of M60's and M1's to play with .... oh well ,such as life eh 
I'll be watching matey ,,,,even tho it's in the wrong sale     

Sorry mate. We're always beating each other to each other's ideas, such is the nature of Whiffing. I think this is the first time I've actually beat someone to the start! By all means start yours too, it's unlikely we'll come to the same result 

[Supertom]

The chassis doesn't have a lot of changes. The General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) M120S version has a "newer" chassis, as in, some bodywork, while the M60-2000 is more of a straight conversion and more of a prototype. I don't have a lot of tools, materials, or time  at my disposal to do any bodywork at the moment, but I will be adding side armor and possibly ERA blocks.



The M60 turret ring has had about 1mm thickness sanded off, and mounts almost flush to the M1 turret. Taking a deep breath, I glued the parts together. Looks good! I will need to relocate the fuel cap though.

[Wardukw]

Damn it Tom!! ..ya beat me to it   
I was going to build this as a RW model now i've got plenty of M60's and M1's to play with .... oh well ,such as life eh 
I'll be watching matey ,,,,even tho it's in the wrong sale     

Sorry mate. We're always beating each other to each other's ideas, such is the nature of Whiffing. I think this is the first time I've actually beat someone to the start! By all means start yours too, it's unlikely we'll come to the same result 

No no no ...no sorry needed mate ,,cause you beating me is a good thing ..cause now i can go right into left field with mine 
Evil thoughts are already running amuck in my noggin and the word TUSK is being heard ..yeah dude ,,a mutant i see in the future   

[buzzbomb]

Nice, nice   

[Poz67]

I had completely forgotten this concept, great inspiration ! Keep the good work !

[chrisonord]

I am looking forward to seeing what you do with this, it very well could rekindle wanting to build some armour. 

[Supertom]

My manager asked me to do some self-care, so I thought i'd work on my tank a little. The fiddly bits are starting to come on, which means a slowdown. Hint if you're building the Academy M1A1 kit: Add the turret's bustle rack before the tow cables, or you'll be fighting the tow cable when fitting the rack.





Going to bed now.

[Old Wombat]

 

Goodnight!

[chrisonord]

This has reminded me of a build I did for my Honduras armour. An Israeli modification to an M60, and I put a Merkava turret on it. It looks right, and went together very easily.

[Supertom]

Fresh back from SMW (but with a sinus infection), I am inspired, excited and determined to maintain my momentum:

I've added more fiddly bits, such as hooks and little boxes:



Now to focus on the turret. Holes are drilled to accept more modifications.