I have greatly enjoyed the Dragon M1A1 AIM kit (#3535), and will be shortly building a USMC version of the 14 tanks deployed to Afghanistan.

I have heard DML's M1A2 SEP (kit #3536) is even better, and wanted to know if that's so, and if so, why?

Bill,

Besides looking at the M1A2 SEP Review here on Armorama, you may want to look at Vodnik's M1A2SEP Kit Information Page. The biggest change to me is the DS100 T158LL Tracks. According to Pawel "VODNIK" Krupowicz, who was a consultant to DML for the kit, you cannot make a M1A1 series Abrams from the kit, primarily due the changes made to the engine deck for the UAAPU. I've read that you can make an Aussi M1A1 Abrams with the Mouse House Conversion Set.

But you probably already know about all of this.

Thanks, Jeff, I did see the review, which is very good, but did not know about the others.

I have so many kits, I only acquire new ones to build (or at least "new to me") when they're really outstanding or I'm reviewing them.

Much obliged!

For a USMC M1A1 using the PSM set, you still have to use the M1A1 AIM kit. As stated above, the M1A2 SEP will not build into an M1A1 without a major rework of the rear end.

The M1A2 SEP kit is basically the same as the M1A1 AIM kit. The only real changes are the DS T158LL tracks, added folding BRE, the changes on the left hand side rear deck for the UAAPU or Hawker Batteries, and the M1A2 SEP specific parts; VCU (A/C compressor) in the rear bustle rack, armored conduits, new Commander's Weapon Station, and CITV. It also has the rear T/I phone and slave cable receptacle.

Thanks, Gino.

To clarify, I am not looking to convert a SEP into an AIM. I've already built a USMC AIM, and will build another with the PSM A'stan conversion I reviewed.

But I wondered if the SEP kit was better in any way AS A KIT besides the DS tracks (I couldn't even give away the AIM's Magic Tracks). I used Bronco's workable tracks on my AIM, and they're good, but cranky: if you use Tamiya or other caustic paints, they will come apart as the styrene is very vulnerable to chemicals.

I'm actually thinking of building a SEP with PSM's TUSK 2 conversion. It's pretty cool.

That, or their Canadian Leopard with Barracuda camouflage.

So many kits, so little time....

Bill, if you still have them, what do you want for them? I have an AIM Kit and I am thinking of being very masochistic and "making" workable tracks.

Now I am following. It is basically on par with the M1A1 AIM kit with the new tracks and a few newer updated pieces since the AIM kit came out. I liked it and highly recommend building one.

Jeff, I still have them and the ones from the new kit I acquired. If you pay for the shipping, they're yours. PM me with your address, though I'm going on the road for 2 weeks and may not get them out in time.

Thanks, Gino, you're one of my gurus for this.