I have a couple of question about the Abrams for all experts out there. How would you short track the SEP with the new tracks that it comes with the kit, and would you see another Abrams towing another Abrams back to the FOB. And would you see an Abrams with damage, engine and short tracked. Could you blow an engine short tracking a Abrams with a damage road wheel. Also what panels would be removed when an engine is being repaired or pulled out, and what would the panels look like when you pulled them out, the under part of the panels. Also when putting the smoke grenades into the side container would it be put in at random or would they be put in order of some kind. I'm planning on opening everything that i can on this project and show it all the driver’s side and internet the engine everything that you can think of is going to be open on this. Also would you see two different armor units being used like one seeing a M1A2 SEP being towed by an AIM, with the Sep in TUSK gear, or would it be two heavily to be towed by the AIM? Also if you damage an engine would you pull the ammo of the damage one into the one that can still fire for protection? If the engine were to go down need to be repaired would it have enough back up battery power to last for the gunner to use the main gun until towed back or, if the engine dose go down would you have to take the whole turret down? I know full of question tonight.

Remembering when I was there in 2005, we had 1 Co of tanks at our FOB. They were all of the same type, not mix and match. As far as recovery of a damaged tank I would guess that would be up to the Co SOP. Yes they could self extract with another M1, or wait for an 88 to recover them. Would depend on the current situation, are they under fire? If so I see no reason to crossload ammo from 1 to another. A Plt of M1's are a very intimidating force. They could easily defend in place until a recovery asset arrives. As far as removed panels go, everything from the exhaust grills back towards the turret would be opened for an engine replacement. This would not be done until u arrived back at the FOB and were at maint. The interior space for the engine would be in a white paint, the underside of the removed panels would be painted the same as the exterior surface. You could use battery power for awhile, I am not sure for how long. Our batteries would drain rather quickly until we started the engine while training. In your scenarios you are either going to be back at the FOB completely opened up or buttoned up awaiting recovery. Hope some of this helps.

For short tracking, it is no different w/T158LL tracks as standard T158 track. Also, there would be no reason to short track it with the engine removed. As stated above, engine replacement is not usually done outside of a basecamp.

Gino, your answers are always very informative (and thanks for your service to America if noone has mentioned that recently). In this instance, though, I think Alldredge's question was more 'how do I shorten the Dragon rubber-band tracks?' than 'how are the 1:1 tracks shortened?' Alldredge, please correct me if I've read your question wrong.

Maybe so, I might have misread it. If so, simply cut the tracks at the needed shortened length and reattach the ends using either sewing thread, staples, super glue, etc. The same way you would reattach any broken track section.

Here is a pic of a short-tracked M1A1 w/T158LL track for reference.

Here is a picture from Prime Portal that might help you.



There are lots of other good photos of the M1 in the M1 section.

HTH
sweaver

Another option would be to use AFV Club T-158 track for the short tracked side of the vehicle. That way, you cna have the section that was taken out laying next to the tank in the dio.

Tim,
That sounds like a C/2-7 tank that you are describing...

John

John, when I got to Summerall the 1st ID was there, around Jan/Feb 3rd ID showed up. I think B 2/7 was one of their Companies. Both had a Company of tanks. We were the Battalion TF (Dragoon) from PA 28th ID(M). I believe they had M1A1's. My Co. B1/103 was a tank Co but we operated in M1114's. Have we had this conversation before and I am just forgetting? If I am I apologize.

Yea,
I was the XO for 1st BCT, 3ID at the time that you and the rest of the the thugs from PA were terrorizing those kind people of Bayji... Not.

I still stay in contact with your old battalion commander.

John

Hey Sir, now I remember. Hope all is well. Some of the guys went back over with the 56th SBCT to Taji. I was supposed to go as Plt Sgt but my ex wife decided to divorce me instead. Been away from the hobby since. Trying to get back into building, so the forums are my motivation. Sorry to take things off track on this topic. Miss cruising the main drag in Bayji though.