Hi all,

I have been googling and looking on eBay too trying to find any good update parts/sets for the early Tamiya 1/35 M1 Abrams.

As of the last item I found online, there is no turned barrel for the 105, but wondering if any other good stuff is out there.

I have a link to another site that has a tweak list to the kit, and it only mentions a track replacement from Armor Track, although I have not been able to find it anywhere yet (seem to be OOB). I have also seen the Trumpy set. What is your opinion of that indy link set?

Thanks,

John

AFAIK there are no update sets designed specifically for the Tamiya M1, although many of those intended for M1A1/A2 are useful.

I think the Trumpeter tracks are the Armor Track tracks. They're a lot of effort to build (5 parts per link!) but worth the effort as the kit tracks are terrible.

I recommend the Royal Model M1A1 update set for using on the M1, as it fixes most of the clunky details on the kit.

http://www.royalmodel.com/it/catalogo_dettaglio.php?id_art=184

Another good upgrade is the Voyager .50 cal meant for the Abrams. The one in the kit is inaccurate, and this fixes that.

http://www.voyagermodel.com/productdetails.asp?itemid=VBS0204

Ed,

Thanks for the information. I had not realized that the 50 cal on the M1 early was a remote control version. I thought those had not occurred for the M1 till this new CROWs system.

John

There isn't a remote control version of the M2 .50 on the early one. He means the manually operated one- Voyager makes an update set for that too- the link provided is for the wrong version

Hi John - I think the commander's .50 cal on the M1 and M1A1 can be aimed and fired from under armour via a mechanical linkage, but without all the electronic gizmology of the later CROWS system. But I'm not an expert - perhaps somebody with hands-on experience could comment?

Anyway, the Voyager set is appropriate for an initial M1 - it matches the photos I have.

EDIT: Jason - just saw your reply, but I disagree - I think the version is right. Possibly Voyager called it by the wrong name though.

possibly- I was under the impression that set was designed to be the remote M2 located just above the barrel on Abrams with TUSK

The commanders .50 cal can be operated from inside the turret in "buttoned" up mode. There is no direct ranging or independent thermal sight but there is a sighting eye piece and can be turned and fired from under cover.
AEF designs used to make an m1 to m1a1 conversion and this can be used to produce a good m1ip , but no other after market was around back then. If you could find a Leo 105 barrel that might work with some modification, or you scratch one. Good luck. Also I might have some ref photos if you need. Cheers.

On the M1A1 the cupola has both manual and powered traverse. Elevation and firing are accomplished by means of a manual crank just inside the cupola. Not at home right now, but I can look in the -10 manual this evening.

That's this one:

http://www.voyagermodel.com/productdetails.asp?itemid=VBS0164