I was going to post a moderate detail log of my M1A1 build but since Pete Becerra aka "Epi" is doing an official one I'll just post quick updates and you can always follow the link in my sig to my website for the in depth version if desired.

No real construction issues so far with the first few steps completed, some minor issues with the instructions were encounter but these were easily solved. So far considering this is only RFM's second complete kit I am impressed and looking forward to more from them in the future.







Andrew

Man, This one looks really good, the details and the plastic...Now I understand why most of the Chinese builders prefer RFM's m1 more than Meng's. Too bad I heard they made a big mistake somewhere on the turret?

Thanks Jay

From what I've read so far the biggest issues are the belly armour (not wide enough) and according to Pawel some of other parts around the hatches (IIRC) are not of the right dimensionally (to thin?). A big mistake on turret? Not sure about that one, would like to hear more..

Pawel pointed out that the commander's station is too small around. When the sprue shots became available there were numerous threads where many debated each piece of the kits. When he saw the actual pieces built up in an early build, he gave very precise reasons why RFM got the size of the commander.s station wrong. There will be no way to correct it either. The debate will never be settled of course. Many will prefer RFM and many will prefer Meng. I am sure even Academy, with the apparent quality of its kit and lower price will have its proponents. I will probably at some point buy the Meng kit. From the discussion so far I think it will be the best bet for me. I will follow both your build and Epi's. Thank you for sharing your experiences.

Regards from communist California,

Eric

I would like to see a build up of the Meng kit and from I've seen of the Academy kit it has some issues as well, with the detail not being as fine as either this kit or a presume the Meng version, see below for examples.





Anyway as for my build progress I have managed to complete further parts around the main gun mantlet and keep it movable was well. Construction on side boxes and launchers went off without a hitch. The turret bustle racks however proved a more challenging issues as a part was bent in packing/transit which made end fit more difficult. Also from what I can tell where the bustle rack extension joins onto the main rack is inaccurate in design as well. On the flip side though the quality of detail molding in general so far has been very, very, nice.






For more detailed information on this build follow the link to my website

So Andrew, it is a packing thing when it came to the bustle rack. You had the same issue as me.

Did notice though Andrew that you glued parts M28 and M30 wrong. Wait, never mind. It's an issue with the instructions. Thanks for doing your build along with mind. I'll post on my thread what I found out.

[quote]I would like to see a build up of the Meng kit

Here you go

http://www.moxdao.com/thread-13362-1-1.html

http://www.moxdao.com/thread-13358-1-1.html


This one has 8 pages.

http://www.moxdao.com/thread-13445-1-1.html

Just in case you haven't seen it on my thread Andrew.

The link to the meng buil is nice, but don't the tracks look a bit lose at the rear?

Pete, thanks for correction, you're right the mesh for the jerry can holders on the bustle rack extension should be UNDER not on top, will fix

Only just noticed looking at these pic's the larger piece of mesh absconded while gluing the main and extended bustle racks together, will reattach when I fix the 2 small pieces of mesh.




Jay thanks for the Links

More done, did a little of work on the hull while I was waiting for the bustle racks to dry on the turret. As Pete mentioned in his thread there appears to be version coming with internals or at least it was in the original plans. Why do I say this? Torsion bars are supplied for the suspension but they are useless as the road wheel supports/suspension are keyed to position and can't rotate if they wanted to. (Also there is quite a bit of detail on the bottom of the turret).


After the road wheel suspension and front idler wheel is added you move onto the rear grills which go together with no problems



Bustle rack PE corrected


Turret hatches on place.




Upper deck and turret sitting in place

Looking good Andrew. I kind of slowed down on my build due to waiting on that Sprue J coming from RFM. I'm about were your at on your build. Will post update tonight or tomorrow morning.