With especial thanks to Gino Quintilani for his advice on which modern tank kit to build, and then sharing some spares with me to make the AIM kit a USMC gem. Thanks to Max (Citizinsane) for an improved MCD unit in resin.
Hosted by Darren Baker
Bad Mofo-- USMC M1A1 AIM in Iraq
bill_c
Campaigns Administrator
Joined: January 09, 2008
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Posted: Sunday, May 30, 2010 - 06:45 AM UTC
With especial thanks to Gino Quintilani for his advice on which modern tank kit to build, and then sharing some spares with me to make the AIM kit a USMC gem. Thanks to Max (Citizinsane) for an improved MCD unit in resin.
Citizinsane
Joined: July 27, 2006
KitMaker: 463 posts
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KitMaker: 463 posts
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Posted: Sunday, May 30, 2010 - 07:14 AM UTC
Hey Bill,
great build! love the wheathering.
a few pointers though. you've installed the BFT, (blue force tracker antenna - square thing on the right side of the range finder unit) which is not in use with the USMC.
Same goes for the bustle rack extension and the fuel/water-can rack on the turret sides. these were custom made items used by the army's 3rd id exclusively. also the 50cal. ammo boxes on the front sides of the turret side baskets should be painted OD.. oh, and the bustle rack seems to be attached upside down...
other than that I really like it!
Cheers Max
great build! love the wheathering.
a few pointers though. you've installed the BFT, (blue force tracker antenna - square thing on the right side of the range finder unit) which is not in use with the USMC.
Same goes for the bustle rack extension and the fuel/water-can rack on the turret sides. these were custom made items used by the army's 3rd id exclusively. also the 50cal. ammo boxes on the front sides of the turret side baskets should be painted OD.. oh, and the bustle rack seems to be attached upside down...
other than that I really like it!
Cheers Max
metooshelah
#011
Joined: February 06, 2009
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Posted: Sunday, May 30, 2010 - 07:25 AM UTC
incredible job Bill!
bill_c
Campaigns AdministratorJoined: January 09, 2008
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Posted: Sunday, May 30, 2010 - 07:33 AM UTC
Quoted Text
You've installed the BFT, (blue force tracker antenna - square thing on the right side of the range finder unit) which is not in use with the USMC.
Sorry, Max, can you circle that on the photo? Total ignoramus here about proper tech stuff in the modern era, LOL!
Quoted Text
Same goes for the bustle rack extension and the fuel/water-can rack on the turret sides. these were custom made items used by the army's 3rd id exclusively. also the 50cal. ammo boxes on the front sides of the turret side baskets should be painted OD.. oh, and the bustle rack seems to be attached upside down...
"Well, besides THAT, how did you like the play, Mrs. Lincoln?"
Sounds like I need to redeploy a good deal of stuff. I guess I missed something in the instructions about the bustle rack. Will remove the extension, since that's not correct.
Frenchy
Joined: December 02, 2002
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Posted: Sunday, May 30, 2010 - 07:50 AM UTC
Here's the BFT antenna Max is talking about (from PrimePortal) :
Another option would be replacing the USMC-style grenade launchers with Army ones, removing the MCD and changing the decals to turn it into an Army 3rd ID tank ...
Frenchy
Another option would be replacing the USMC-style grenade launchers with Army ones, removing the MCD and changing the decals to turn it into an Army 3rd ID tank ...
Frenchy
AngryDog
Joined: March 27, 2004
KitMaker: 1,114 posts
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Posted: Sunday, May 30, 2010 - 05:26 PM UTC
Nice work Bill. I see you used a mixed from Echelon's decals? What's the brand of paints you used for the beastie's main color?
Does anyone have a raw image for the Palm Tree and Marine Corps' Insignia... that's on the smoke grenade box?
Does anyone have a raw image for the Palm Tree and Marine Corps' Insignia... that's on the smoke grenade box?
Citizinsane
Joined: July 27, 2006
KitMaker: 463 posts
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KitMaker: 463 posts
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Posted: Sunday, May 30, 2010 - 09:41 PM UTC
Bill, it's less like a dead president, 'it's alive'!
Now all you need to do is telling it how to deal with the villagers
Nick, here you go.
Cheers Max
Now all you need to do is telling it how to deal with the villagers
Nick, here you go.
Cheers Max
MARPAT
Joined: April 14, 2007
KitMaker: 206 posts
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Posted: Sunday, May 30, 2010 - 10:38 PM UTC
awesome looking build!
AngryDog
Joined: March 27, 2004
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Posted: Monday, May 31, 2010 - 12:02 AM UTC
Interesting..never saw a "white" version..and the 3rd pic looks cool enough to build!
Thanks Max, you have any clearer pics of it? I need to print it as a decal.
Thanks Max, you have any clearer pics of it? I need to print it as a decal.
bill_c
Campaigns AdministratorJoined: January 09, 2008
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Posted: Monday, May 31, 2010 - 01:53 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Another option would be replacing the USMC-style grenade launchers with Army ones, removing the MCD and changing the decals to turn it into an Army 3rd ID tank ...
Thanks, Frenchy, I figured I could count on you. Now I'll have to kill you, however, LOL!
Tnanks, Matan, this one was a ton of fun because I don't know $%#& about modern tanks and felt no pressure. The DML M1A1 AIM kit is fantastic, as Gino and other predicted. Few fit issues, all the parts you need.
Nick, I used the "Bad Mofo" set from Echelon, then their generics for things like "lift here," etc. I gave the rest of the set to Max who is a total Abrams NUT CASE, LOL.
I would like to build an Army Abrams in tricolor camo, but no more USMC ones, my curiosity is satisfied (the other problem being I couldn't find any AM conversion sets for the various USMC parts).J Hogan, thanks!
Gents, I hope to post a second thread "Bad Mofo Fixed" as soon as I finish with the fixing. Removed the BFT device, took off the bustle extension and extra jerry can rack, and brought the sea bag count down to 4. Anyone know if the US jerry cans are plastic or metal?
sgtreef
Joined: March 01, 2002
KitMaker: 6,043 posts
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Posted: Monday, May 31, 2010 - 02:12 AM UTC
Nice job Bill really looks the part indeed.
A real sweet build nothing to say but some rope to hold those bags down.
Most Plastic on the Jerry can's
A real sweet build nothing to say but some rope to hold those bags down.
Most Plastic on the Jerry can's
Tankrider
Joined: October 07, 2002
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Posted: Monday, May 31, 2010 - 02:12 AM UTC
Bill,
Both fuel and water cans are plastic. The fuel cans are an OD color while the water cans are tan.
My comment was going to be that it looks like you mixed features found in USMC as well as US Army 3rd & 4th Infantry Division tanks as well as too much clutter. With crew bags, keep in mind that the key number is four. Also, the gear is normally tied down or wedged into spaces and special care is taken to make sure that the crew can see out of the vision blocks when the tank is buttoned up. Every piece of gear has a purpose and place on the vehicle. Those Coke and Pepsi boxes add a splash of color but they are high value items are are normally hidden from view to prevent theft.
Looking forward to seeing Bad Mofo's "reappearence"
John
Both fuel and water cans are plastic. The fuel cans are an OD color while the water cans are tan.
My comment was going to be that it looks like you mixed features found in USMC as well as US Army 3rd & 4th Infantry Division tanks as well as too much clutter. With crew bags, keep in mind that the key number is four. Also, the gear is normally tied down or wedged into spaces and special care is taken to make sure that the crew can see out of the vision blocks when the tank is buttoned up. Every piece of gear has a purpose and place on the vehicle. Those Coke and Pepsi boxes add a splash of color but they are high value items are are normally hidden from view to prevent theft.
Looking forward to seeing Bad Mofo's "reappearence"
John
bill_c
Campaigns AdministratorJoined: January 09, 2008
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Posted: Monday, May 31, 2010 - 02:33 AM UTC
Jeff, John, thanks for the comments.
Rope, yes, that's worth looking into.
Tan for water, OD for gas, thanks!
Cluttered, eh? Yeah, I guess I went a little crazy, LOL. Should have BM redone in the next day or so.
Rope, yes, that's worth looking into.
Tan for water, OD for gas, thanks!
Cluttered, eh? Yeah, I guess I went a little crazy, LOL. Should have BM redone in the next day or so.
majjanelson
Joined: December 14, 2006
KitMaker: 1,355 posts
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Posted: Monday, May 31, 2010 - 03:40 AM UTC
Bill,
To help with the bustle rack error Max pointed out, your picture:
A similiar view of an USMC M1A1 Abrams . The "thicker" bars of the Turret Bustle Rack should be on the bottom.
This picture shows the correct USMC Bustle Rack Extension.
If you want to scratch build one, this article USMC M1A1 Abrams Bustle Rack Extension by Andy Elesky on Olivier Carneau's website
Modern military modeling should give you all the information you need.
I hope this helps you fix "Bad Mofo", since it's a very good effort otherwise.
To help with the bustle rack error Max pointed out, your picture:
A similiar view of an USMC M1A1 Abrams . The "thicker" bars of the Turret Bustle Rack should be on the bottom.
This picture shows the correct USMC Bustle Rack Extension.
If you want to scratch build one, this article USMC M1A1 Abrams Bustle Rack Extension by Andy Elesky on Olivier Carneau's website
Modern military modeling should give you all the information you need.
I hope this helps you fix "Bad Mofo", since it's a very good effort otherwise.
sgtreef
Joined: March 01, 2002
KitMaker: 6,043 posts
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Posted: Monday, May 31, 2010 - 03:45 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Bill,Those Coke and Pepsi boxes add a splash of color but they are high value items are are normally hidden from view to prevent theft.John
Are you telling me "our" troops are taking coke and Pepsi cans from the Tankers brave souls they are.
You really did a fine job there Bill be proud and dang quick also.
So planning on a base for it?
Brent posted some great pics on Prime portal.
http://data3.primeportal.net/tanks/brent_sauer/m1a2/images/m1a2_13_of_33.jpg
bill_c
Campaigns AdministratorJoined: January 09, 2008
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Posted: Monday, May 31, 2010 - 03:47 AM UTC
Jeff (majjanelson), thanks. I have fixed the bustle rack, but will pass on an extension. I think it's great you posted that information, however, and I would encourage others to look into scratching their own.
And Jeff 2 (sgtreef), I haven't thought about a base. But the "theft" of victuals from one unit or branch of service seems to be a recurring thing in the military, as the scene in "The Pacific" with the Marines robbing the newly-arrived Army officers of their high-quality chow, cigars and even slippers comes to mind.
I really appreciate all the kind words and suggestions, Gents. I really do.
And Jeff 2 (sgtreef), I haven't thought about a base. But the "theft" of victuals from one unit or branch of service seems to be a recurring thing in the military, as the scene in "The Pacific" with the Marines robbing the newly-arrived Army officers of their high-quality chow, cigars and even slippers comes to mind.
I really appreciate all the kind words and suggestions, Gents. I really do.
trickymissfit
Joined: October 03, 2007
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KitMaker: 1,388 posts
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Posted: Monday, May 31, 2010 - 06:24 AM UTC
is it perfect? I don't know, but I certainly think it's the best M1a1 I've ever seen!! Give vthat thing a good coat of mud and dust, and then shoot a photo in B&W. You'd mistake it for the real deal
gary
gary
bill_c
Campaigns AdministratorJoined: January 09, 2008
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Posted: Monday, May 31, 2010 - 06:34 AM UTC
Thanks, Gary, it was a ton of fun doing something non-Wehrmacht.
Nick, the color is ModelMaster Sand (acrylic).
Nick, the color is ModelMaster Sand (acrylic).
trickymissfit
Joined: October 03, 2007
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KitMaker: 1,388 posts
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Posted: Monday, May 31, 2010 - 06:36 AM UTC
question: I noticed that you are using extruded metal in that added on racks at the rear. Where did you find it?
gary
gary
bison126
Joined: June 10, 2004
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Posted: Monday, May 31, 2010 - 06:54 AM UTC
Apart from some pointers already mentioned, I find you did an excellent job with your Bad Mofo. I love the decals of the palm trees insignias on the grenade boxes. They definitely have a Deutsche Afrika Korps look !
Maybe you could add some straps to have all the stuff well attached to the beast.
Olivier
Maybe you could add some straps to have all the stuff well attached to the beast.
Olivier
bill_c
Campaigns AdministratorJoined: January 09, 2008
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Posted: Monday, May 31, 2010 - 07:23 AM UTC
Quoted Text
I noticed that you are using extruded metal in that added on racks at the rear. Where did you find it?
gary
All racks are OOB from the DML M1A1 AIM kit.
Quoted Text
I love the decals of the palm trees insignias on the grenade boxes. They definitely have a Deutsche Afrika Korps look !
I was thinking the same thing, LOL!
Quoted Text
Maybe you could add some straps to have all the stuff well attached to the beast.
Olivier, the photos I have seen seem to show gravity as doing the job by itself. I did fashion some straps for the backpacks mounted on the side from old PE frets. The Coke & Pepsi boxes and MREs need something I admit, but I don't want to overdo it any more than I already have-- see John Charvat's comment (AKA Tankrider).
chnoone
Joined: January 01, 2009
KitMaker: 1,036 posts
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Posted: Monday, May 31, 2010 - 07:36 AM UTC
Poor Bill,
now you have to rip it all apart again thankx to all the "spectators"....... friendly fire !
But they have some points there.
Otherwise you did a nice job on foreign terrain !
Cheers
christopher
now you have to rip it all apart again thankx to all the "spectators"....... friendly fire !
But they have some points there.
Otherwise you did a nice job on foreign terrain !
Cheers
christopher
bill_c
Campaigns AdministratorJoined: January 09, 2008
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Posted: Monday, May 31, 2010 - 09:18 AM UTC
Thanks, Christopher. The suggestions are all good, really. Mistakes are what make us better modelers.
And to show I was listening, "Bad Mofo 2" is now here.
And to show I was listening, "Bad Mofo 2" is now here.
Citizinsane
Joined: July 27, 2006
KitMaker: 463 posts
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KitMaker: 463 posts
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Posted: Tuesday, June 01, 2010 - 12:08 AM UTC
Quoted Text
you have any clearer pics of it? I need to print it as a decal.
hey Nick,
is this clear enough?
cheers Max
HeavyArty
Joined: May 16, 2002
KitMaker: 17,694 posts
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Posted: Tuesday, June 01, 2010 - 12:22 AM UTC
Posted in completed thread.
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