I saw a big posting/argument on the finescale list in whcih our friend SABOT had a lot to do with. It was about the M1a2 kits. Ok, wanting to add a plow variant, so which one is best. Plan is OOB, so the more detail included in kit is consideration here vs cost

Well, there are three kits with the mine plow.
1) Tamiya M1A1 w/plow #35158 ($30+)
2) DML M1A1w/mine plough #3516 (~$17+)
3) Trumpeter M1AHA w/TWMP ("track width mine plow") #MM-00335 (~$21), this one may come in static and motorized versions. I do know it comes static, but the words "static model" is a sticker which leads me to wonder if there is a motorized version available.

My opinion, for what it's worth, is that the DML kit is the best OOB without any aftermarket accessories. It's also the best overall value, I just won one on Ebay for $9.99 + $6.50 s/h three weeks ago. They can be picked up at local shops for anywhere between $17-$21.

Why do I pick the DML kit?
1) Price is great for what you get
2) Later model M1A1HA (Tamiya kit is an early M1A1)
3) Better (more) detail than the Tamiya kit
4) Sharper detail than the Trumpeter kit
5) Doesn't need the infamous "wedge" that Trumpeter's turret requires
6) Tracks are better than the Trumpeter vinyl or single link (they each have a curious bump on the inner pad)
7) Tamiya's tracks have the center guide in the wrong spot, they depict early tracks
8) Includes a rudimentary turret and driver's compartment interior that gives you something so see through the hatches

Disadvantages:
1) It is a fidgety build, especially the tracks and bustle rack
2) OOP, but still readily available with some looking

Oh yeah, the DML mine plow is also available separately as kit #3804, but is also OOP. It too can be found with some looking. This allows you to turn any Abrams tank kit into a mine plow tank.

BTW, only real argumentative post was some guy who popped in and stated that the new Italeri M1A2 was the old Esci kit. This isn't true, nor could it be since Esci never made an M1A2.This is an example of bashing a kit that the poster knew nothing about. Even though he did not say anything bad about the Italeri kit, referring to it as a reboxed Esci kit would have negative repercussions. Some people would not buy it because they know the quality (or lack of) of the Esci kit.

Thanks for the advice Rob. I'll search for the DML kit.

This is not meant to be argumentative either, but for the mineplow itself, I liked Tamiya's mineplow more than I liked DML's. Unfortunately, to get it you have to buy the Tamiya M1, which has it's problems. If you are like me, you will buy a couple kits, (or in this case 3) to get the best each has to offer. This will eventually, God willing, let me build two good Abrams. I have found that Rob is right in that DML's is the best overall, but I am able to use several pieces from the Tamiya kit for their detail, like the top of the CWS perscopes that has good casting numbers.

Rob

Thanks for pointing that out Rob. I just realized after your comment that I never once mentioned the quality of the mine plows. I got a Tamiya blade from someone who didn't want it. It is nicer than my DML blades (have three of them). I haven't bought the Trumpeter blade tank because while the Trumpeter Abrams kit is a decent build overall, I prefer the DML Abrams.

If you really wanted the Tamiya mineplow just find out what the sprue number is and you could order it direct from Tamiya, or from Rainbow 10 in Japan. That way you don't have to pay for the whole kit.

Mike

Mike, the problem with this idea, and I am not trying to be offensive, is that each sprue will cost around $10 and the shipping will also be $10, while the whole kit can be bought for $15 during a hobby lobby half price sale. I have the sprue to prove it.

Rob

Agreed, with a little luck and some shopping, the whole Tamiya kit can sometimes be snatched up on Ebay for $20ish. Besides, I have more mine plows than I'll ever build. Turning tanks into farm tools just doesn't float my boat. All that plow does is tell the bad guys to shot you first.

Hello All,

Yeah, could not resist posting...

First, I bought the sprues for the Tamiya plow back in 1994...it cost me $10 shipped from Tamiya USA. Not sure if it is the smae now, but I remember it was slightly more expensive, shipped, than the DML kit, and it put me off buying this way again. 'course, I did not understand quality at the time.

Second, the plow in the Trumpeter kit is a near identicle copy of the tamiya plow. Detail is a touch softer, but it builds as nicely as the Tamiya kit. Were it not for the really stupid turret problem on the trumpeter kit, it would probably be the best of the kits.

Best scenario is to get a DML M1A1 kit, any kind, for about $10. Then, get a Trumpeter M1A1 w/TWMP for anywhere from $6-$10 (yup, that low in price) and mix the two kits for a very nice M1A1...The other tank from the leftover parts can be a "fixer-upper". :-)

This gives you a really nice tank without SOME of the hassles...and you can use the Trumpeter bustle rack on the correct DML turret. and for a price that is still lower than the Tamiya kit, even on the internet.