i recently picked up monograms old M48A2 patton tank in 1/35th scale and i was wonder what the difference was visually, namely the exterior of the tank to the M48A3 that Tamiya makes?
The main visual thing is the cc's cupola and. depending on the year of production, the tracks and headlights can be different on the A3 vs the A2....not sure about the kits tho....
What i can do for you is post a pic of my Tamiya A4 kit so you can compare...
Look at the headlights and the number of rollers on the track assy...as far as I know they are the only visual differences (the big thing with the A4 was going to a Diesel engine)