Hi guys. I did a search and did not come up with much. Im sure this has been asked before. What would the best photo reference be for a M1 Abrams in Operation Iragi Freedom? No so much for detail shots but for painting, weathering and stowage? Id like to make my Dragon M1A2 SEP look like its been in the fight for a while. Thanks.

There is no "one best" image of an M1A2 SEP in Iraq. A quick Google Image Search brings up a bunch of photos though.

M1A2 SEP Iraq

Remember though, by the time M1A2 SEPs were in the fight (after the initial invasion once we had occupied FOBs), they weren't typically loaded down heavily with gear.

This is a good example of a typical M1A2 SEP loadout.

Thanks for the help HeavyArty, I appreciate the image. I wasn't really clear, I meant a good book for photo references. So, operationing out of the fops the tanks wouldn't have the rucks and bags on them? Was that just for the initial invasion? Probably should have researched that a bit more. Probably should've bought and AIM then cause I'd like to have the tank with a lot of stowage.

Gino, is this a SEP? because I notice that it still has turret bustle APU.

Jamal - Nope, you are right. That is a straight M1A2. (non SEP). Good eye. Same applies though.

Dave - Yes the heavily laden tanks were mainly seen in the initial invasion. Once we were established in and operating out of the FOBs, they were not out as long (mostly just a few hour patrols) so most of their personal gear was left in the FOB.

So...does anyone know or can anyone recommend a good book reference source for the M1 Abrams in Operation Iraqi Freedom? Preferably with good photos of the tank in combat conditions? Thanks guys!

I personally like the Tankograd's "M1A1/M1A2 SEP Abrams TUSK", SAM Publications' "Operation Iraqi Freedom-US Army", Concord Publications' "Iraq Insurgency, Part 2", and Zenith's "M1 Abrams at War".

Awesome Firecap, that's what i was looking for. Ive been away from the hobby a while so i dont really know what publishers are out there putting this stuff out. Ill have to check those out. Any good places online to find them?

Dave, I just checked and both Sprue Brothers and Squadron have the SAM Publications book, there is a used copy of the Tankograd title on Amazon, and I bought the Zenith book at Barnes and Noble. Didn't find the Concord book with the quick look I did, but I have seen it fairly often on eBay, and some of the other vendors I don't frequently use may have it.

Wow, I didn't expect you to go look everything up for me, I appreciate it. I didn't know if there were any hobby specific books stores out there

Not a problem; I seem to ask for help on here more often than I give it, so I like to do it every chance I get, LOL

Dave and Chuck, the concord book is available at greatmodels.com, item # CPC7519, do you recommand it Chuck? I have the SAM and Tankograd books and they are great.

I do indeed, Jamal, because not only is the Abrams featured in this volume, but also the Stryker, M109A6 Paladin, M93/m93A1 Fox NBC vehicle, Cougar MRAP, M88A1 & A2 Hercules, HET , FMTV family, and HEMTT family as well; and great photos of all.

Hay "HeavyArty" that photo would make for a grate Dio.

Hay=herbage and especially grass mowed and cured for fodder.
Hey=used especially to call attention or to express interrogation, surprise, or exultation.

Grate=to reduce to small particles by rubbing on something rough.
or as a noun=a barred frame for cooking over a fire.
Great=notably large in size.
or large in number or measure.
or used as a generalized term of approval.*

This English language class has been brought to you by the Merriam-Webster Online dictionary...

Jim