Dragon 1/35 Magach 1 & 2

The Magach (מגח; Ma-GAKH) designation refers to a series of tanks in Israeli service. The tanks are based on the American M48 and M60 Patton tanks. Magach 1, 2, 3 and 5 are based on M48 tanks; Magach 6 and 7 are based on M60 tanks. The Magach 1 is basically a standard M48A1 while the Magach 2 is a standard M48A2C.

The tanks were sold to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) by West Germany (and later by the United States) during the 1960s and 1970s. Several dozen Jordanian M48 tanks, captured intact during the 1967 Six Day War, were also commissioned into service, adding to the 150 already in service at that time. During the war, the Israeli tanks served in their original (American) configuration.

Dragon gets the most out of its moldings and so here we have a great addition to their Patton tank line-up. Since the Magach 1 and 2 are basically stock M48s, there are no new parts in this kit that I can see. You get all the great detail of the regular Patton tanks along with a nice set of DS tracks.

In order to do either the Magach 1 or 2, a separate upper hull is included. The small photo etch fret includes mostly brackets and braces and is not all that onerous so if you aren't into p.e. this will be a nice way to get used to it. The kit's parts count is about 360 pieces, which is relatively low for a Dragon armor kit. There are considerable differences in the upper hull of the two versions, so you won't be using all the bits depending on which one you build. Instructions are quite clear on what is for what and you will also need to do a bit of cutting. Various hatches and view ports can be modeled either open or closed. Included are a steel tow cable and the various mantlet covers are produced in DS material.

Instructions are standard Dragon and and a bit busy. Color information is provided in both Gunze and Model Master paint references. Three of the four are Magach 2 tanks and are painted in a combination of grey, sand yellow and green which are equally mixed. There are aftermarket paints that have this shade, which is almost like RLM 02. I know that MiG has this in their range. The fourth option is a Magach 1 which is actually a Jordanian tank in sand brown with black swaths of paint. The small decal sheet is nicely done.

I build few 1/35 armor kits, but I have built the M48 and found it to be a fun experience. The parts fit well, the photo etch is appropriate, and the end result was satisfying. What more can one ask?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magach

July 2016

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