TongDe M60A3 to IDF Magach 6B conversion.

[Rubicon99]

Well since TongDe did such a "questionable" job on their version of the IDF Magach tank I decided to make my own based on the more commonly seen 6B with M60A3 turret.

The version I built is based around the early Magach 6B "Blazer".
Which happens to be one of my top two favorite tanks.

Tongde M60A3 / IDF Magach 6B. Show here in the "gray" paint scheme used during the mid/late 80s.

The tank was built using custom 3D printed ERA "brick" parts done for me by JVM3Dconcepts, I also used a beautifully done M68A3 barrel and recoil system from RichJohnson Models and stuff.


I also used some brand new "modern" .50cal ammo cans. These were made for RichJohnson Models and Stuff and Rich gave me several samples to use on this build. The detailing as you can see is pretty darn good give their small size.

This photo is of the not quite finished 6B. I need to check the color to crew kit contrast in bright sunlight.

A closer look at the ERA "bricks". The gray color scheme turns a little green in low light. This is similar to what happened to the real tanks.

If you would like to see more of this Magach 6B I will have more photos and video up soon if my Instagram @Fsttanks and on my YouTube Channel, Fsttanks1 so feel free to take a look.

[Rubicon99]

A few photos from the 6B IR battling combat qualification testing. With some minor changes anyone can do, the TongDe M60A3 can be made to have unbelievable barrel depression and elevation. Both can give the tank a huge advantage in IR battling "IF" the terrain allows by making the IR receiver a smaller target. This in the real world of tank combat is referred to as "fighting from the hull down" position.

Shown here firing at the target tank from the hull down. The target tank could not score a hit on the 6B. Even at half the distance shown in the photo.

[Rubicon99]

Lots of driving on a dusty sets course to do some fine tuning to the suspension and getting a nice coat of "field use dust" to add to the natural weathering process.