This will be my first ever build log but I have been modeling for about 5 years

The kit should arrive soon and I will actually get things started

This is my plan though: Build a USMC M1A1 painted all green similar to the pic attached. It will be OOB with the addition of spare USMC style smoke launchers, MCD, and maybe wading stacks.I will also add plenty of stowage and maybe even include the tank in a bridge dio.

More pics to come when I start
Evan

EDIT: Sorry, um, forgot to check the BLOG box

Can't wait!!!

Evan,

Your picture (I haven't seen that one before!!) has a Track-Width Mine Plow on the front of the Abrams. Will you be adding it to yours, also?

Can't wait to see your build-log!!

Jeff

Probley not, unless I can get a spare from someone

Intereasting idea good luck evan i will be following your blog mate

Good Luck Evan....I'll watch this with interest....

Sean

P.S. Did those parts ever get used?

Then buy the trumpeter kit M1A1USMC.It is much cheaper than tamiya M1A1 with plow.After that you can sell the rest of the kit, like I did.

Not yet, project got pushed to the back of the stash (lack of interest I think)

is it really ALL green?my eyes grow weak with age but i swear i can see black and brown.......

Howdy Evan, very prophetic regarding the bridge and all. The very same tank in the picture drove off of a bridge one night while crossing the Euphrates in March, 2003 during the opening phases of Operation Iraqi Freedom. All four Marine crewman seen in the photo died as a result. The tank is C-23, pronounced "Charlie Two Three" from C Company 1st Tank Bn, USMC. The markings and color call outs for that particular vehicle are on Echelon Fine Details decal sheet T35006. Happy USMC modeling, outta here, Mike sends . . .

Yup it's all green, that's why I'm picking that specific tank...camo's not my friend
WOW that's ironic Mike...found this article: http://www.patriotfiles.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26154
Sad
RIP
Evan

Here's the start
I avoided the boring wheel stuff by assembling the hull first
There were two bad seams I had to fill between the two hull parts but it has been rather smooth so far





Comments welcome
Update soon
Evan

Great to see you have finally started your M1A1

good, clean start

I noticed your drivers hatch. Is that how it is going to stay, and if so is it an action shot? because if you are going for the open hatch it would have to rotate over to the right side of the hull more, until it almost reaches the little block by the fuel cover. Besides that it looks like it is coming along well.

Ric

I just have it like that...it's not glued and the periscopes aren't in yet
Evan

Ok I have to vent
I read all these reviews about the Dragon m1A1 being great and everyone giving it 95%s and stuff ...so I expected it to be an amazing kit...well the fit is horrible
The engine access hatches are like wet puzzle pieces and I tried to attach the side skirts but they just wouldn't go togeather right so i'm waiting on a Trumpeter kit for spares
Other than that it's Okay
Anyway here's my progress (also, I use testors liquid cement and I cake it on so that's why everything is shiny...it goes away after paint)






Comments Welcome
Evan

Why does the right hand drive sprocket have no teeth on the outside ring?

Outside Rings are seperate on the Kit. IIRC theres 2 choices of ring

Great picture! Fine start with this, sorry you're having some troubles with it. I'm sure you'll overcome it and it'll turn out just fine!

Thanks for sharing your project! Cheers -

Tim

This brings back memories...

The 2 M1 kits are very accurate.This is one reason for the high scores.
You should just take your time with sanding and checking if the parts fit.The building is fairly easy compared to the old trumpeter kits or Zvezda.There's no need for hard work or filling.This kit is no snap-on like tamiya's Abrams.It has a lot of parts and a lot of detail.
Do not over do it with the glue.It will take off lots of detail and it will fill the antislip coating.Use a toothpick or another more powerfull glue with a thin plastic tip.This way you'll add the glue exactly where you need it to be.The gloss will go away when you'll paint it, but it will remain visible under the paint coat.Sand away as much surplus glue as you can.

Compared to the Dragon M1 the trumpeter has lousy side armor plates with no detail and no real thickness.

Take extra care with the stowage compartments on the turret sides.Glue them after you are 100% sure they fit properly.

I'am waiting for more.

I second all the above. Stick w/the Dragon parts, they are much better.

Quick update-most of the hull primed


Comments Welcome
Evan

I got some more work done this weekend...some of the turret
Also, I'm now planning on adding legend's TUSK conversion




Comments Welcome
Evan

2 updates in 1 day!!!!
Here is some more turret details and some of it primed
My next update shouldn't be for a while as I'm waiting for some stuff in the mail to continue the build




Enjoy
Evan

Aout halfway done with the whole project
The major construction is complete and I sprayed a base coat with MM dark green(most places aren't completely dry)...it should look pretty good after weathering




Evan