Hi all... I'm getting this kit this Wednesday; I've been unable to find any in depth reviews of it, and was wondering how good the detail, finish, accuracy, etc. is? Unfortunately, the box doesn't have photos of the actual finished product...

My local guy has it for $25 USD, is it a good deal or should I go with another manufacturer? I'd like to get started on an "Iraqi Freedom" dio, but I really hate the thought of having to repaint my NATO woodland camo'd one...

Thanks in advance! :-)

While all Abrams models (to my knowledge) have some faults, Trumpeter is supposed to have the most accurate kit. Personally I have never built this kit, so I can't comment about fit, surface detail, etc.

I have the M1A1 HA. I think it's a nice kit. It has nice texture on the hull and turret. choice between ind. links track or the rubber band. both have the Big Foot type track.
anyway, for me it's an OK kit.

perhaps you can alse try visiting missing-link. there is a nice think tank review about the different M1.. Abrams kits.
http://missinglinks2.tripod.com/index.htm

groetjes Jan

Gunner,
I have not personally seen this kit, but over on Missing Links the general consensus is that it is the best of the lot, with just a few correctable errors. Do a google search on the modern DG over on ML and you will get a good bit of info. There is a "tweaks" list over there also. Beyond that Rob (Sabot) can probobly tell you more also when he sees this thread.

HTH
Mike

I picked up a Trumpeter M1A2 today (can't beat the $19 price tag!) and looking at it real quick it seems very nice. I certainly appreciate the length and link tracks.

Right now, I'm building a Tamiya M1A1 mostly OOB and as far a fit its good. I think the Trumpeter kit may have even more detail.

The general opinion is that the Trumpeter is more accurate as far as shape, but I'm no expert when it comes to subtle differences of a mm or two.

Steve

First, really do go check out the tweak list for the M1 series on Missing Links...they give you all the info.

also, www.rollmodels.com sells the M1 trumpeter kits for $15 and I see them on ebay for $5-$10 on and off

andyes, the Trumpeter kit, compared tot he DML and Tamiya kits, seems the best OOB.

For overall looks, I prefer the DML M1-series kits. For ease of build OOB, Tamiya wins it. For best overall value, Trumpeter wins with their $15-20 price tag, two set of tracks (link & length and vinyl) and mine plow or roller included. The only thing the Academy kit is good for is to swipe some updated parts for the Tamiya kit. If you run across the old Esci/AMT/Ertl M1 or M1A1, pass it by. One of DML's kits include a decent set of crewmen.

Did you have any fit problems with the underside of the turret? I had some fairly sizeable gaps that needed filling...
Other than that, the Tamiya kit is a pretty nice build. :-)

YodaMan

The "toolbox" is a the APU, replocated fromt he right rear bumper to the Bustle rack...and unless I am mistaken (hey, it's been known to happen) The most current M1A2's have thier APU's under armor. Sabot?

That would mean we could forget about all those APU's...

I am in the building process of the Trumpeter M1A1HA as we speak. So far, no fit issues; going together quite well, in fact. As this will be a straight OOB, I'll keep you posted. I have the kit completed to step 9. I will probably leave the skirts off until I get the roadwheels painted.

I believe the large antenna is a sensor used during wargaming; it senses a "hit" scored by an OPFOR vehicle, and sets off the "whoopie light" (the orange strobe in front of the doghouse), signaling a "Kill"...

Well, I was on a mission yesterday to find extras for the new M1 kit, and found the Trumpeter M1A2(SEP) for $17.00 USD, soooo... :-) ; Got it home and opened last night and I am extremely happy with it! The level of detail and options available impressed me greatly... I really like that the roadwheel arms are individual pieces (Hmmm, scratchbuilt torsion bars? )...

This kit is gonna be fun! I'll keep y'all updated!

M1A2 Re- the large antenna in the middle is linked to the STAR WARS Bulding at FT. IRWIN CALF. When a vechile is in the BOX they are tracked so when they wander into a mine field arty pre-plot ect. they are told by a female voice over the helmet inter-com what has happend. Believe me she gets your attention. Im just about through with TRUMPS.M1A2 When i was at NTC in 99 TEAM TEXAS used mud to "PAINT" their tanks desert tan so im gonna try the same in a dio TURRETTOAD13 OUT.