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Here is an interesting M48 snapped during transit...

I was bidding on those on eBay but got beat. I didn't notice until now the damage to the sprocket on the first on. Maybe going in for rebuild?
I initially thought they were unfinished new tanks.

Mike

I would have thought the lack of bore excavator/muzzle brake and that strange device on the turret top would have made it more interesting.

Bore evacuator and muzzle brake got removed when punching the gun tube. They may have been stripped by the unit prior to sending the vehicle in for rebuild. I don't know what that object is on the turret roof.

My impression is She's an M48A1 Mine Test victim,

Damage to suspension and sprocket along with breech of right rear hull. Notice the travel lock is still attached to gun tube. Bore evacuator and muzzle most likely removed to secure tie down cables or damaged to the point that removal was necessary to prevent them from detaching during shipping. Gun El Mech must be damaged preventing it from depressing. Normally tube would be lowered during rail transport. The device on the back can be seen on various test vehicles during the 60's early 70's at Aberdeen. Not sure how it worked or function but if I were to guess it was some kind of indicator that could be referenced when reviewing film footage to determine actual real time verses slow motion (Spins?). Kinda would work like a metronome. Really would like to get more facts on it, but as with all other M48/M60 stuff I research, all has come to a screeching halt for me. To many other distractions/commitments right now. Hopefully I can get back into the swing of things this next year. Great pictures of something you usually don't see.