Unfortunately in M1A2SEP kits that started appearing in hobby shops worldwide small design error slipped through all quality checks... This error does not make it impossible to build a correct model from the kit, but it makes it a bit more difficult. The problem is that there are no locating pins and holes on some of Commander's Weapon Station (CWS or just cupola) parts and this means that proper aligning of these parts is tricky and it has to be done with only Mk.1 Eyeball as a guide... I decided to post some photos that show proper alignment of these parts, suggest the best assembly sequence plus some other tips and also show some features of the kit not shown well on any of reviews published so far. Please visit this web page to see them:

http://strony.aster.pl/vodnik/pages/SEP/SEP.htm

Pawel

Thanks Pawel. This info will be usefull when time comes to build one of these beasts.

Erik

Thanks for the information, Glad I haven't bought the kit yet
Yufkey

Thanks Pawel, great info.





Why? There is nothing there that makes it unbuildable or inferior. Just a couple minor tweaks and tips for ease of construction.

Thanks for the info; I am assuming that this over sight is being corrected on the latest production runs since it came to light?

Pawel,

Great information and very well written!

Michael

Excellent! Thanks for the heads up Vodnik!

This is good since I'm getting mine today.

There is a chance for these problems to be corrected in one of future production runs, but I have no idea how soon it can happen. At this time kits are still being produced with these ovesights.

Pawel

Pawel-- thanks for the update. Looks like a superb kit and one which I look forward to receiving.
thanks again
DJ

Pawel - My thanks as well. I'm about 1/2 of the way through constructing this kit and am just about ready to tackle the turret - no one should be discouraged about this kit - in my opinion it's exceptional and nailed all the fine details that go into the SEP varient.

My only nitpick on the new Abrams kits from dragon is the packaging - I have 4 of them (3 AIMS, 1 SEP) and 3 of the 4 have broken side railings and or bustle rack parts. Like the TC station on the SEP, nothing a modeler of average skill can't fix - again my opinion is these are the most detailed Abrams kits you can build out of the box.

Thanks for the great info! This will help us out when we tackle ours. Looking forward for more findings and updates.

Ronnie

Great update for the SEP kit. You and DML outdid yourselves in producing what looks like the ultimate M1 kit. I am very interested to see how the skirt SN tags look on the model. I am currently backdating a AIM into a early 90's HA tank, so I had to add the tags back to the skirts. So when I finish, am I going to hear the 1:35th scale whine of the turbine engine stating???

John

Crap and I just ordered mine today.

Thanks Pawel.

Thanks for the info Pawel. I would like to suggest that a link to your info page be added to the M1A2SEP review. That way anyone reading the review would see this as well.

Mike

I agree, very timely information.

Pawel, why didn't you do the review for this kit?

Pawel- Thank you for the info. My 2 kits just got into my LHS today. I also copied the review on you sight.
Thanks
Joe Bevans

Because I was DML's principal technical advisor for this kit design project - obviously it wouldn't be right for me to review it.

Pawel

Great report !
It helps me a lot.
Thank you

Thanks for the headsup and article, Pawel.
My SEP kit should arrive in a weeks time

It wouldn't be right for you to review it?

I think you kinda did that by showing and explaining all of those additional features.

It's your perogative but the information you posted on your "M1A2 SEP information page" is already the best review information of the kit so far.

Either way, thanks for the information and keep up the excellent "principal technical advisor" work.