Guys, these have been started around the same time as my Stryker RV, M1200,etc....I shouldn't post so many WIPs as I also have a lot of kits on the bench including an LAVA2 and Warpig..but what the hell..

One of each version are priority builds for a client, another for a friend and the rest for myself which will finish the latest.
Instead of posting multiple blogs, I'll be keeping all TUSK builds here..thus a Tamiya TUSK II conversion may join in much later on.

I am running late due to my other life commitments but most of the main work at least for my client's tanks are complete, I'm still scratch building the bits and adding small details as well as the photoetch, some from Eduard's.

2 TUSK Is and 1 TUSK II are being built off the Tankograd book.


TUSK I with Mine Roller for myself..


Photos are of work done from months back.

M1A1TUSK I parts..



"OOB" version for a friend


More accurate version for my client..Note the size difference of the frames for the shields.


Tank is going to be camo colored...so leaving the shields off for ease of painting sand color..


I'll post photos of the anti-slip modification later..

forward belly armor installed..



M1A2 TUSK II
Can't remember if I took pics of the parts..but what the heck..
Anyways..following Vonik's M1A2's info..I made the weapon ring movable..it's pesky and flimsy but it will rotate. Only after I glue everything in will I figure if I'm going to glue it or not..




Removed the top etch frame for each viewport..for ease of painting, then installing the "glass" then adding the top frame.. I hate to mask!


Positioning the tiles and getting the sides to sit flush enough to the turret were a b*tch. As I couldn't decipher from photos if the main etch piece was to be bend slightly, or angle the resin frames instead..In the end I bend the etch a bit.



There is a discrepancy in both the TUSK I & II side armor bits..the etch parts are either a bit too long or the entire slab of resin tiles are so. Why? Because if you follow the instructions to the eye..then there will be hardly any gap on the rear end and top of the 2nd last armor skirt. I repositioned mine to simulate this best. But it is obvious if you compare to the rear thing.
Still these are very nice kits.

More photos and nit picking later on..

Looking good. Nice start on the TUSK. I have done two so far using the Legend sets. They are really nice sets. Keep up the good work.

Excellent work so far Nick! Really eager to see how these two turn out. Did you have any problems with the side skirts? The ERA skirts on my conversion were badly warped.

I too built this conversion, heres my take on 'Bad Influence':

A worthy build, If I might say so myself! I've been looking around for some goood conversion Kits for the TUSK! This one fits.

Good start Nick, Looking forward to seeing some more progress soon. Which kit are you going to use for the mine roller? DML or Trumpeter? If you haven't decided yet I'd recommend the DML one from the Panther II since its just better engineered.
Also how badly warped are those side skirts? Have you tried asking Legends for replacements.

Keep up the good work
@Great Abrams Rob, it look perfect!

Anirudh

As usual Nick, great build! Email me pictures of your LAV-A2. Also, email me your mailing address. I'll explain via email.

Great work, Nick! Looks great

hey Nick,
looking good so far. any news on your usmc m1's?
looking forward to seeing the tam. version, still got my tam m1 in the works, somehow it's difficult appreciating the tam kit after having built the dragon version :D:D

Cheers, Max

Thanks guys,

Gino, for myself I'll be building the same TUSK with Mine Roller as you did..Your build inspired me and I'm pondering for a long while doing such a full interior and engine as you The time commitment is the drawback..and with having so many kits going for clients .. I just wish for once I could just build a kit without going all crazy on it! Yeah right!
How long did it take for you to do a full interior BTW? DO you have any measurements or templates?
~Any input guys~ ? It's all anxiety to me thinking about doing such a FULL BUILD M1.



Rob, nice 'Bad Influence' ! Did you add the stretcher mounted at the rear of the bussel rack?
Yup all my ERA skirts were warped..Took me a couple of hours and wrinkled hands with hot and cold water to sort them out..
Why can't these companies just take a little more time to let these bits rest in the mold before pulling them out..? Or at least securing them on cardboard or something to ensure they stay flat.

Alex, yes Legend's TUSK looks better than PerfectScale's..at least in terms of thickeness for some parts.

Anirudh, I'm using only DML's AIM or SEP kits for all such work. Including the one for the Mine Roller. I have a stash of older DML M1s as well as Trumpys but those are for other "purposes" .
The ERA skirts were warped bad enough, I cut off the lower running edge (to release tension) and replaced with styrene sheet .. Didn't ask Legend., I won't bother unless the parts are too screwed. Maybe I should drop them a mail for my M1151 windscreen frame)

Sean, looking forward to seeing you soon with "those" builds!

Jason, I haven't forgotten about our pm..I finally have some time and will have it out to you in the next couple days..sorry for the long wait!

Max, my USMC M1s will have to wait..again and again... I have lesser time for modelling and it just sucks!
I know what you mean about the Tamiya kit..I may very well use one for a TUSK..But I have a few more so they fall into the "other purpose" stash. If you know what I mean.