This again is Tamiya's new abrams kit. TT has already started a hit list for this kit, and how to fix them. I'm still looking for the recipe for Non-Skid. If someone could post it, it would be appreciated. To note I have add a Mine Plow from Tamiya's old M1A1 kit. I had no Problems mating it to the hull on this kit. Also of note Tamiya supplys clear plastic card stock and white card stock with this kit. I've added The clear stock for the periscopes and have yet to make the CIP's for the front of the Turret. Enough of each is supplied For several tries at making the parts. Now for a few pics.




Again comments are welcome. There is still a lot to be done. I hope someone will help with the Non-Skid recipe, as I'd like to add it to this kit. STUG

Stug,
My recipe for non-skid surfaces is here: http://vodnik.net/index_feat.htm

Regards,
Pawel

Thanks for posting Pawel. I hope other see it there. Any suggestions for the rest of the Tank? STUG

Although it might be too late now but a common theme I've noticed on other sites when building an Abrams with a mineplow is to lower the the front suspension some. The extra weight of the plow tends to pull the front of the tank down. But seeing as your plow is in the raised position maybe it wouldn't affect it as much as when in the lowered position. If not, you may wish to lower the suspension a bit for a more realistic and accurate miniature.

Actually when the plow is in raised position, it affects the tank suspension much more, as it has to cope with the whole weight of the plow. Once the plow is lowered, its weight is mostly resting on the ground, and tank is just pushing it forward.

The problem with Tamiya model is that suspension arms are molded together with lower hull part and modifying it requires MAJOR plastic surgery... For my plow equipped Abrams I plan to use Trumpeter lower hull and suspension parts (with separate suspension arms) with Dragon M1A1HA kit (for much better detail).

Regards,
Pawel

Thanks for the comments. Pawel hit it on the nail as why I didn't drop the front suspension. Tamiya's suspension are molded in place. But i have a plan to fix this little problem. I remember a pic of a Marine A1 knocking down a sign with a pic of Saddam on it, so I feelknocking down reenforced concrete would temperaraly lift the tank on its suspension. I also havn't decided on the plows final postition. the design of the Tamiya leaves the majority of the assembly as an actuated equipment. Again, thanks for comments STUG

Hi all!! There is one thing I have noted by alot of these posts,here and elsewhere, when the plow on a tank is dropped and the Abrams is stationary, all the weight is off the front end and the tank will sit level. When the Abrams "pushes" the plow, and it bites into the surface, the resistance of the plow pushes the front of the tank upward. The suspension actually is extended in the front.
http://www.defenselink.mil/photos/Jul1997/970628-M-9816M-014.jpg
Here is a pic (hope the paste worked). I have run alot of heavy equipment and that is what got me wondering about this.
As for the lowering of the front with the plow up, I have seen pics of the tanks sitting level but, these were on the move and therefore could have been enertial (spelling?) lifting. I leave that for more searching (ahh the internet).

Ya forgot the Img brackets

Jon and Matt, thanks for the combined effort to show that load can even out the suspension and even raise the front of the tank off the ground. This is a good pic to show this. I haave another one from TT that show the plow lowered and being used to reduce the strain on the front suspension when parked. I'll post it after I get it up loaded tomorrow night. Thanks for your comments guys! STUG

Looking good there Stug ,one question . Are you going to add all the chains and the fabric straps used to raise and lower the plow blades , and this being a USMC tank i think ( not a 100% shure ) that they use a different " dog - bone " on the center drag chain looks more like a 5 gallon can with bolts on it to me . Have to dig up a pic and post it .

TT, I know what you're talking about the one in the pic has the one you're describing, but I have to check with some of the Marines that are up here for training in Yoko. It seems to me that it depends, like may things on what stock number was used for the part. If I find out out I'll let you know as well. As far as the straps go I'll be adding them as well and all the little tid bit of chain that you included in the pic you sent me. thanks for the help it reatly appreciated. STUG

TT found some pics fo the "dog bone" for the Marines, but it also looks like the Army in bosnia have adopted this Little modification to standard metal pipe!! Looks to mee like it just been covered by concrete. Maybe Sabot OR Bro Abrams can give us more info on it design.

This a M1 Panther, caption said the pic was taken recently in Kosovo. Notice it has the same type Dog Bone that The Marine Abrams have mounted on their plows.


I hope this helps others who are building US Marine M1's STUG

"Field" Improv perhaps????? maybe they blew up the "stock" ones w/ mines??

I bought and M1A1 Abrams a while back from Tamiya and these pic have made me think about doing it. I have never did a 3 color camo and think it would be a nice change for me to do instead of sand color in Iraq. Did they use any 3 colored camo on tanks in Iraq.


Happy :-) Modeling

Tom, yes there were several units in Iraq this last time who still had the #-tone Nato Camo scheme. In fact that fisrt Tank is a Marine vehicle with the 1st MEU Charlie Company. These guys were playing in Kosovo at the time the order came to go to Iraq. Some were painted the sand colour before hand but many, like th one in the first pic still had their overall Dark green paint job when the war started. STUG