Hi there,

I think I need a little help...

In the months after my deployment to Afghanistan in 2005-6 I finished a couple models. Then I had a break for almost two and a half years, but managed to finish a model in the spring of 2009.

Since then I have started on numerous kits... Somehow I managed to loose the motivation on the way. Don'tknow why really.
I have a huge stash of started kits in the basement. I'm not sure that they ever will be built...

But I have a set myself up for a challenge! I will build and finish ONE model this year.
I have decided to build a model out of the box - no aftermarket stuff, as it tend to get a bit complicated, and I will probably loose the motivation.

I have the Dragon M1A1 AIM lying around, and figured that it will make good subject.

But I would like to do a interesting paint scheme or otherwise unusual M1A1 AIM.
But I need to be able to build it without adding too much to the original kit.

So I need some inspiration! Are there any good references for an "unusual" M1A1 AIM out there?

Please help me get started!

Kind regards,

Bjoern

How about a heavily weathered Aussie Abrams:




I can't tell you what, if any, modifications are made to the Aussie Abrams but it certainly makes for a cool looking subject.

The Aussie M1A1s have a cool colour scheme....would it take much to convert am M1A1 AIM to an Aussie version?



Edit: sorry, was typing at the same time....Rob's pics are better!

What about a Krasnovian M1A1 (as used at the National Training Center) ? :












Frenchy

M1 without sideskirts. Wow that is unusual (at least for me).

The steering controls are on the right side.

This is the one and probably only time you will see me post anything about a modern era vehicle. I don't even know if this is the type of Abrams you are looking for but it does have a neat camo:

Mark, that's an early M1, possibly an M1IP from the early to mid-ish '80's. It has a 105mm gun and pre-dates the M1A1, which was upgunned to the 120mm, along with all the other M1A1 upgrades. This one has the "short" turret and correspondingly short storage bins. It looks to have some derivative of a MERDC scheme.

Thanks for all your input!!! Much appreciated.

I kind of like the Australian version. I let you know how I'm progressing.

Bjoern

ROFL, nice one!

Bjoern, MHE do a conversion for Aussie Abrams, but after having sat on my glasses I cant find it atm, so heres a link , you'll have to find it yourself, sorry. http://www.mheaust.com.au/MHE/Catalogue.htm

Heres a review http://armorama.kitmaker.net/review/3344

Some Australian M1A1 walkaround pics :

https://armorama.kitmaker.net/forums/170036

http://www.grubbyfingersshop.com/walkaround_galleries/m1a1_abrams_mbt_walkaround_207058_m1a1_aim_sa_avalon_2011/content/index.html

Frenchy

You'll find the Arms Corps Models M1A1 AIM SA conversion here .

Jim