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All Bout Da Bones

BACKGROUND

This project started as a request from fellow Armorama modeler and author, Mr. Robert Burik (“Thunder Run: The US 3rd Infantry Division's Drive to Baghdad”, Concord Publishing, 2005). Bob was in the process of putting together a group-build representing vehicles used by elements of the US Army’s 3rd Infantry Division during the April 7th, 2003 Thunder Run (TR) into Baghdad, Iraq. Once completed, all of the models from the build would be displayed at the newly renovated Fort Stewart Museum to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Thunder Run. Roughly thirty modelers were involved in this project and each modeler volunteered to build one or more specific vehicles from the TR. We would be provided with primary photographic references (many from private collections) and would also receive technical input from the actual veteran crew members that had agreed to participate in the project.

I was asked to builda tank designated A32 and named “All Bout Da Bones”, an M1A1 Abrams from 3rd Platoon, Alpha Company, 1-64 Armored Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division. To whet my appetite, Bob sent me the rather iconic image of this tank and its crew standing guard duty in Baghdad, post-TR. In addition, several unpublished images were provided to assist with details for the build. Once I saw the photos, I was hooked…I knew this would be an interesting and challenging project.