Most of the A1's were new build but quite a few were existing M26's that were refurbished. This is the refurbished version. This slightly improved Pershing saw quite a bit of action in Korea and was more than a match for anything the Chinese could field.
First job was the gun barrel. For this I used the metal inner barrel of the original gun. Onto the end of this I fitted the bore evacuator ( styrene tube ) and then the single baffle muzzle brake. The gun is now 50mm longer which is about right, and looks much more impressive.
The M26-A1 didn't have the turret mounts for the engine hoist so they were removed. The only evidence of these fittings is a large patch welded to the turret front.
The glue monkey had really gone to town on this tank. So much that I all but destroyed the hull stowage boxes removing the bits that were glued to them. The only option was to open them up and fit hinged lids.
I opened up the driver and co-drivers hatches with the keyhole saw and filed off the inboard periscopes as the A1 didn't have them.
The gun travel lock was re-sited to the rear deck.
I added a functioning rc antennae behind the loaders hatch made from the original one.
The side skirts and the front and rear fenders have been removed. Apparently the front and rear fenders on all Pershings were a problem as they were too flimsy for combat operstions. The TC's cupola has been corrected and the tie downs added to the hull sides.
I couldn't resist doing a little weathering while I wait for the decals to arrive.
Hope you like it so far.
Cheers
John
