Hi Everyone, here's my 2nd blog..an Abrams with Transparent Armored Gun shield and Counter Sniper and Anti Material Mount. This build is basically a "catwalk" model with the last prototype (not master) for my future resin kits release. (which is ever so long delayed).
The tank is depicted after the real version with the exception that mine is modeled as in combat or patrol.

I lost track how many attempts I made for the upgrades, and I certainly think there's more room for improvement.

Final details such as small chains, mounted ammo can,etc will be added shortly and painting should commence sometime next week.

Hope you like what I done so far..

Nick, looking good so far! Where will you be selling your resin kits? I'd like to add my name to the waiting list...

Nice Abrams cant wait to see it finished.

Hey guys, thanks for the comments.

When my resin kits and decals are finally finished......they'll be available direct from my website via shopping cart. Way before that, I'll post the final update and request those interested to drop me an email. This is so I can estimate the number of the production runs I have to make for the first batches. I've been informed by the resin caster that in order to ensure quality for such complex /delicate casting, I should limit a maximum production run of 25 copies per mold. Of course this is tentative.

thanks for the interest,
Nick

Hi, I like this upgrade really much. But have several questions.

What's your email
What's your site
Do you have more upgrade sets for the abrams (because i wanna build a lot).
What will be the price (not exactly)
What are the costs to send it to Holland/ The Netherlands

Lars

The only problem that I see is that if you are adding these items to an A1 version, you will also need the extended bussel rack. The one on your model was only used by a few units early in the Iraq invasion and isn't seen on current Abrams that would have the loaders shield and gun mounted .50 MG.

This is a problem since the Dragon A1 version does not include this bussel rack. The only aftermarket bussel rack is from Eduard and is nearly impossible to fabricate. I would buy your kit in a second but only if it had the rack as well. Otherwise you can't make an accurate A1 Abrams.

Regards,

John

John, that's an excellent comment and you are totally correct. My sets are so far addressed only to the early tank units.
But now that you mentioned it, I shall elaborate..
Using eduard's set and photos and measurements from the real thing,I have all the paper work/measurements down for the present extended bussel rack. (among other items) Initially I have had an individual who was willing to convert my data to CAD files, unfortunately he has changed his career choice and so I had to start from scratch again. My attempts to find an affordable photo etch company locally has been unsuccessful. They're asking a minimum of a 10K contract.
So now, I'm slowly trying to understand CAD on my PC,and I am still searching for individuals and smaller businesses locally to do CAD conversions and photoetching .. I have also opened my focus elsewhere and I'm in slow process of researching more into making a trip to the neighboring Asian countries for getting it done or contracting recommended companies in the US.
I'm working 24/7 to make this a success.

If anyone has recommendations for local or international individuals or/and companies who offer paper/hardcopy measurement conversions to CAD,etc. And similar photoetch companies--- Please drop me an email.

HI Lars, and thanks for your interest.
My email [email protected]
My website has not been updated in a very time (tentative update: end next month) angrydogproductions.com

I am working on other upgrades as mentioned in my older post https://armorama.kitmaker.net/forums/75248#629051

Sorry, but prices of the sets and cost of shipping can not be confirmed until the sets are ready and I've signed an account with local post. I will try to make it as afforable as possible in all aspects.
Although courier services will also be available as I've accounts with them.

A question about casting the CSAMM. Can cast resin be made to look like mild steel welded together to make this mount?

Reason I'm asking is, you may have a second option to resin casting the mount, but sell scale plans for others to cut and build there own or sell a kit that the person has to assembly themselves, the kit would come with the parts pre cut.

John,
The actual problem is that the people will mistake the model for an 3ID "invasion" tank (2003) from 2nd BCT, 3ID, due to the add on bustle and water can racks, when it actually replicates a tank used in 2005 in Baghdad by either 2nd or 4th BCTs 3ID. Some of the extended bustle and water can racks came back to Ft Stewart in late 2003 and were sent back when 2 & 4 BCTs deployed in Jan 2005. I know that we, in 1st BCT, had one TAGS that was on HQ-66, 3-69 Armor, no CSAMMS and no extended bustle racks... I also helped Nick with some info, so I am familiar with what he is trying to build, I think...

Nick,
Nice work.
John

Nick,
Great looking build, I especailly like the loaders 240 shield.


Andy

Gary,

Resin casting is basically duplicating the subject, so yes as long as the master to be duplicated is done with minute details such as the welding--it will be copied in the duplicates, and to ensure this a short production run of 25 copies per mold.

In regards to scale plans and pre-cut kits..Your idea is great, thank you, although I have thought about it and did some experimenting (as photos show below of the ammon frames and boxes), it's great to actually hear there is an interest in various methods of selling.

I don't want to mention too much as I am already very very late in getting my kits out.. But to sum it out here's the possible availabilities of all my planned AM kits:

1)Resin kits (with or without photoetch)
2)Scale Plans (DIY)
3)Precut Styrene

I did some experimenting using legend's 50cal and 7.62 photoetch as a template, this was done using a styrene cutting machine. The 2 large "sprues" are 1st and 2nd attempts. The guy who did this tried to sell these parts until I found out and kicked his but*! Not only was he breaking copyrites, he was making me part of it! Thankfully his biz went elsewhere and he is blacklisted locally. The good news is that I still have another resource who's an ex-Navy buddy.



My attempts at the 2 BREs (this was before I got measurements), taught me that it would be possible to do them both in a combination of precut styrene via machine or available sizes for the square rods,etc, plus resin parts for certain details, however photoetch parts will still be necessary for the mesh....(which is not avail in the exact size) ..which is the problem I'm trying to solve for a long while.




Thanks John Charvat for your input.
In regards to the particular tank I'm representing,here's the photo..same one that started my interest.. It does have the rear extended BRE-rectangular type based on zooming into the other photos. This is the only other tank which had the TAGS & CSAMM combination..(the other tank's photo of which I'm keeping out of an open forum, sorry)
I've found a lot of tanks with either upgrades..and most with the newer BRE.



My sets will include a very comprehensive guide and either drawings or photos of the real tanks with the upgrades in order to prevent confusion ....another slow process of scrutinizing and analyzing all the data and scratch building all those little masters..as my guide/instructions will also include placement and info of all other bits, such as water cooler types, particular tow bar carried, traffice cones, antenna types, gear placement,etc,etc.. I just need to clone myself to speed things up...


Andy, thanks for your comments, and thanks for your views via you PM.


Guys, please keep the comments coming, just keep in mind not to hold your breath for a quick release of my sets.. They will materialize when the time comes.
Thanks,
Nick

looking nice.
I wish i could do the same.

Lars

A little update, all's basically done, more photos soon.

Hope someone can help with my questions:

I intend to leave the APU off, I think Dragon had molded the APU to the mounted frame, thus no mesh.? I would like to make the APU's Frame. Any photos of the real thing?


This may be a tough one regarding photos-- the CSAMM's 50cal has two sets of cables which runs to the Commander's or Loader's hatch? There should be a handle of sort which attaches to these cables-What do they look like?


Thanks!

WOW thats looking really good keep up the good work.

The base of the APU stays mounted in the bustle rack. The part supplied in the Dragon kit, with all the topside detail removed works.

HTH

Greg

Stand fast Nick, I got you covered. I get you that info along with all the other.

Great thread of an interesting tank. I have one question about the up-grades. Why would a .50 cal be mounted above the main gun when a co-ax MG is already there. Not to mention the one mounted on the Cmdr's cupola. Is it simply for even greater firepower?

-Matt

THANKS GUYS!

Greg and Pete, roger that on the APU's base mount..I'll wait for Pete's reply and scratch built it. Hopefully Pete can bring closure on the CSAMM's 50cal firing cable's handles..as I'd no luck since I 1st posted a related thread in 2006.

Matt,

from the makers themselves :

Hi Nick
What about adding a work light to the CSAMM mount ? :


Here's another LARGE picture showing a similar assembly (from Dodmedia website ) :
http://www.dodmedia.osd.mil/JCCC/Still/2007/Army/071222-A-6145T-013.JPEG

Frenchy

Hey Henri,

The tank I'm building is an earlier version, although the light would be tempting to build--I'll leave it for a future build with the improved CSAMM and additions! THANKS!

Photos of paint process will be up next week.
OK here's the last things I completed.....



...arrow points to a scratch "angle bar" nasty bit that's difficult to secure to the 50 cals since the "connection" is only a tiny wire. Don't know what 's the correct name for the "bar" "remote" firing attachment???

..sorry couldn't resist the dog's paw..

All chains were done using 0.00 ? copper wire..the ones found wrapped around those small motors in toys. Just twist two strands and separate the links with a pointed object.I'll try to post pics later on how their done.




Ok I lost track how many attempts I made on the CSAMM, Ammo can and tiny locking t-pin for the top, but this is as close as it gets..unless someone can come up with the actual measurements...Pleaseeeee!


Tiny handles for the CIP were done by 1st drilling a 0.4 hole with a pin vise slowly..otherwise you end up with the drill bit in your finger like I did! Then bend to shape a wire and superglue in.


Chains for the fuel caps done the same as for the weapons. IMHO dragon's version wasn't convincing.


I didn't enjoy doing this but I wanted to give the wheels and track pads an abused look, using a not-so-sharp Exacto blade I cut away the plastic and followed with a little sand-papering. I'm a little lazy to drill out all the holes for the track pins though..

Nice job Nick ! Your chains are much more convincing than flat PE ones...

Frenchy

SLOW YOUR ROLL NICK!!!!!!!!! Your moving to fast and I havent cought up with all he pages I promised you.

Ok, ok, after Battlestar Galactica tonight, I will sit down and try to get everything out to you.

Thanks Henri! I should get a magnifer though, killer on the eyes!

Pete, no problem....Although I'm just envious we're still stuck on Battlestar's Season 3...maybe I should import the dvds..

Season 3? I'm waiting for mine to come in the mail, should be here in the next couple of days. yea, tonight is espisode 3 of seaon 4. it's pretty good so far.

But seriously, I have all the manuals for all the Abrams on CD, but it is a year or two out dated. I will see what else you can use.