Small Scale Military Headquarters

I recently won an M60 Patton Tank on eBay that was damaged as a result of Hurricane Katrina. At first I thought it was gimmick, but after further reading and seeing the photos I realized it wasn't. The damage in the photo didn't seem so bad, but when it arrived and I pulled the tank out of the flood soaked box, I knew I had a job ahead of me. I took the tank completely apart, which included removing some 32 screws and soaking everything in a strong mixture of nasty chemicals and hot water to sterilize it and remove the odd smell. After a good soaking, I began scrubbing the tank down with mild soap and a soft bristle toothbrush. I was worried this might damage the weathered paint, but wasn't effected at all. I also had to clean the rust off the screws and 2 metal axles with Naval Jelly. My girlfriend freaked when I brought this thing into the kitchen and explained where it came from. She also made a comment about the fact that I pay more attention to my tanks than I do her! How many of you have heard that one?! But, after I put the tank back together she was actually impressed at how well it turned out and christened it, "Katrina."

is this the XD M48 or the FOV M60? I can't believe the FOV has 32 screws?

It was the Forces of Valor M60 Patton tank in woodland camo. I couldn't believe all the screws either when I opened it up. The tank does have a lot of reactive armor panels, which explains all the screws.

Is that a new M60? I have the original FOV M60 and the reactive armor is only glued on, with no screws or holes. The only screws I saw is on the bottom of the hull, those attaching the turret to the hull, and those holding the bottom and top half of the turret.

The new (woodland camo) M60 enthusiast version is simply a repaint of the original Desert Storm tank. The reactive armor "brackets" are attached to the turret with screws. However, the reactive armor on my 4 M60's snaps onto the brackets...not glued. Do u have the Action Series?

Are just pushed/snapped/glued into the brackets on the enthusiast model; but the brackets themselves are screwed in? I sold mine so I can no longer check.

Here's a pic:

http://timeword.homestead.com/files/FOV_guts.jpg

It's kind of like looking at an autopsy.

Yeah, it does.

I plan on stripping the brackets off one of the M60s and converting it into the pre-Desert Shield variant, M60A1.

Which happens to be one of my favorite tanks and my favorite of the modern era (along with its sci-fi brother, the A2). If I had known about the screws I might have held on to mine and converted them myself. I'd love to see the final result.

Now that's dedication gentlemen! Tell the girlfriend that you will take her apart and scrub her anytime she likes.

Chicks! Will they ever understand?

Mark