I have been working on this project for a while, but just haven't had time to post about it. I am building an M1A1 named "Bad Blessing" from B Co, 1-35 AR, 1 AD seen in Iraq in July of '08. I am using the below pics (among others), from the Tankograd TUSK book (I think thats where they were from) as references.





I started with the Tamiya M1A1/A2 kit and added anti-slip coating using the Rust-Oleum Terra Cotta spray technique that I showed here a while ago.



I also used as many left-over parts from my last Dragon M1A2 SEP project (grey parts) as possible to raise the level of detail a bit. I added wire springs for the front fenders too. I also scratched the shields around the TC and the loader with 0.30 sheet styrene. I found some "Z"-shaped rod from Plastruct that worked perfectly for the frames around the armored windows. A bit of expanded PE mesh for the one shield between the TC and loader finished them off.

For the rest of the TUSK parts, I used the excellent Legend TUSK I set.

Here it is with the TUSK parts propped in place prior to painting.





Next I applied the camo paint to the tank and the sand paint to the TUSK parts separately, then joined them after painting. I detail painted the TUSK parts and hull before combining them and adding weathering. I used Testors Model Master enamels for the base coats and acrylics for the weathering.

Here is the finished project.







More pics here.

As always, all comments and critiques are welcomed.

Gino,

Superb!

The chain looks a little too large (1/32 maybe?), but everything else is VERY well done. What tracks did you use, the Tamiya ones?

This looks really good Gino, I'm going to take a little more time looking things over when I get a chance. I'm still looking for that Terra-Cotta spray paint, but in the meantime I found some GW textured paint that I'm going to try out on my Tamiya Chally II build.

Thanks Jeremy and Jeff. The chain may be a little oversized. It is the closest I could find to the one in the AFV Club M88A1 kit, which has the same tow chain. For tracks, I used the Magic Tracks from a Dragon M1A1 AIM kit. They went together without any issues for me. I did bend the end connectors to match the curl around the sprockets and front idler though.

Hey Gino !

Looks like "Bad Blessing" didn't turn out that bad
Did a nice job there, especially with the anti-skid surface !
Saw the 1-35 last in 2007 in Grafenwöhr, preparing for their tour in Iraq ... in real [auto-censored]ty weather as I recall.

Cheers
Christopher

Nice one!

few things I've noticed: there's a little paint over on the rubber edges of the loader's rear blast shields, the cooler looks a little monotone, maybe a darker washing would do, and those front CIP's look a little 'stickerish', how about some 025 evergreen and some tamiya tape to up that?
oh yeah, where did you take the doghouse from, shouldn't be leftover from an SEP tank, right?

but apart of that it's really coming along nicely, well done!

Cheers, Max

Every time i see your name I always check it out and this one as usual is realy good your work is always good and this one is excellent good job mate.
cheers cuny12.

Thanks for the compliments guys.

Maxx, the doghouse is from a partial Dragon AIM kit I acquired after someone hosed it up. It is not extra in the SEP kit. The color on the shields and the CIPs look better in person. The harsh lighting washes them out.

Gino,

without a second thought, this has got to be the best weathering job I've seen to date. Not over weathered to the point that they looked ready for the bone yard, but well used. I loved the paint job with the faded colors and a light coating of dust.

Your build is a winner
gary

Thanks Gary. I am very happy with the way this one turned out as well. I especially like the contrast between the sand and camo paints.

Fantastic...I've always like this one since seeing it in the Tankograd book, and you did a fine job replicating it.

Thanks Chuck. It was a really fun build.

Gino,your attention to detail is awesome-great job.

Anthony- Thanks for checking in. Glad you like it.

I suspect a good black & white photo could pass for the real thing. As for the chain issue, I found some very small sizes over at Hobby Lobby, but even then what I bought maybe a little too big. It does seem like I saw some cast in resin awhile back that would be pretty close to what your after
gary

Thanks for the info Gary. Unfortunalety, I don't have a Hobby Lobby anywhere near me. Also, this one is done. The slightly oversized chain will have to stay.

Gino,
Nice representation of Bad Blessing. I like the scratchbuilding of the TC & Loader's shields. I was going to opine that the .030 was a bit too thick until I saw the shields painted with the black edges and decided that it looks fine. I like the combination of NATO-flauge and sand, it gives the model some "pop'". The finish is nice - faded and dirty but not over the top...

John

Another masterful build Gino. Set me on doing an M1A1/2 as my first modern piece.

John - Thanks for looking in on it. I thought the 0.030 would be too thick as well. I started with 0.020 and it didn't look right. Also, the shields in the Legend TUSK II set are also 0.030, so I went with it. I think it came out pretty nicely.

Matt - I'm glad I could convince yo on an Abrams. You won't be disappointed.

Thank you Gino for that "beauty", it's also the contrast between the sand and camo paints that i like most in this tank.

Thanks Jamal. I'm glad you like it.

Gino, as usual, great job! Will try the terra cotta spray for anti-slip on my next M1 build.

Thanks Thomas, I'm sure yours will come out just as good.

Looks super good, Gino! I had been hoping you;d post up pics of this build ever since you told me you'd be building it. And it's superb as usual. Well done.

Thanks Dustin. I enjoyed building it.