Hi guys. I have the Dragon M1A2 SEP on the way and I wanted to model it as a tank with the BRE. Its my understanding that the tanks included in the decals did not have the BRE. I was looking at the Echelon barrel name decal set and was wondering if any of those tanks had the BRE? Also, does tht decal set include everything i would need to decal a vehicle or so i need anything else? I dont really understand how the numbering system on a M1 works.

http://www.greatmodels.com/~smartcart/cgi/display.cgi?item_num=ECH356023

Also, did the 4ID have the SEP when it participated in the initial invasion? Thanks.

Dave,
I know that 2nd BCT of 4ID were equipped with M1A2SEPs and am pretty sure that 1st BCT also had them. 3rd BCT from Ft Carson had a battalion of M1A1D's M1A1s with Digital applique C2 systems - EPLARS and FBCB2).

Again, I believe that the folding, USMC style BRE was a post 2003 addition to the M1A2SEP fleet.

John

Howdy Dave, your Dragon kit 3536 will have all the stencils/warnings and tactical markings/barrel names for a couple of 3/67 AR, 4th ID Hogs. The Echelon set 356023 just gives you more options to change barrel names and bumper numbers(as advertised). Echelon set 35017 1/67&3/67 AR 4th ID
( http://pachome1.pacific.net.sg/~kriegsketten/T35017.htm )
gives you another bunch of complete markings for eight tanks plus the stencils/warnings. The 4th ID did not participate in the initial invasion of Iraq in March 2003. They were HET'ed up to Al Diwaniyah in late April. And as John points out by 2004 most every tank was sporting the BRE (Bustle Rack Extension). Just keep in mind it is only bolted on and could be easily removed for maintenance, damage or theft. As always your best bet is to find a picture of a particular vehicle and use it as the basis for yours. And I would not worry too much about your knowledge of the US Army M1 marking system, most Soldiers I know are also ignorant of it. I am glad that I am apparently not the only loser on the Internet this Memorial holiday weekend, thank you Dave and John!!! Outta here, Mike sends . . .

Thanks for the help guys. Just so i understand, i can pretty much use the BRE if i model the tank in 2004 or later correct? I dont want to build one that is really common like Armored Ghetto, i was thinking of Bunny Club, Captain America or Boba Fett. If they did not participate in the invasion would it be inaccurate to show the tank with a lot of stowage and person gear? I love that busy look. Thanks again. Oh, and yes, i am another of the "losers" on the internet this holiday weekend. Im a cop so i had to work today and then i have to go back and work 10pm to 3am on a detail

Howdy Dave, yes the BRE is pretty much a sure deal in 2004 or later. When operating out of a FOB or COP the crew would still be carrying lots of personal and SOP load plan junk. Especially since they only have to carry it as far as the tank. It will still be plenty busy looking. Someone lurking should be able to better direct you to some Army Joes and their tanks in 04'. Here is a link to Prime Portals Abrams pics and info: http://m1a1.primeportal.net/photos.htm
Have a swell shift! Outta here, Mike sends . . .

As the others have said, '04 and on is fine for a 4id SEP w/BRE. There will be some gear still on the tank as well.

Here is one I did that represents a 1 CAV M1A2 SEP form the '04-'05 time-frame.

If you want more info on the numbering system, check out my Abrams Variants article.

Good luck.

Thanks for all the help guys,i appreciate it. Ill have to figure out what set of marking to pick up. Want to make this tank look all busy and mean