Tamiya 1:35 US M60A1 Tank
Striking a Balance
The sublimely balanced M60A1 is a dominating presence in U.S. tank history. Its
development was prompted by the U.S. realization that in the late 1950s, the
top-line M48 was no match for its Russian T-54/55 counterparts. In an attempt to
redress the balance, the M60 was developed using the M48 design as a building
block and adding a 105mm gun.
When even this failed to provide satisfactory results, focus turned to the creation of a new variant: the M60A1. Production of the tank started in 1962, and it possessed a redesigned turret with 254mm-thick front armor, plus a 105mm gun which was capable of piercing frontal armor on T-54/55s and T-10s from over 2 kilometers away.
The M60A1 also gleaned an impressive 48km/h from its 750hp air cooled engine, and boasted a range of 500km. Excellent maneuverability was combined with enhanced night-time capability thanks to infra-red night vision scopes. It was just such an impressive array and balance of functionality that allowed the M60A1 to serve as a main U.S. armored weapon for in excess of 20 years.
About the Model
- This is a 1/35 scale plastic model assembly kit. Length: 273mm, Width: 104mm.
- The form of the tank including cast turret and boat-shaped lower hull underside is accurately recreated.
- Infra-red scope above the gun is recreated using separate parts.
- Features moving commander's cupola and 12.7mm machine guns.
- Crew hatches on the turret open and close. The model faithfully replicates the form and sliding mechanism of the driver's hatch.
- Tracks can be painted and cemented.
- Contains a commander figure and 3 marking options.