No new photos, but there is now information about new M1A2 on English Tamiya web page:

http://www.tamiya.com/english/products/35269m1a2/index.htm

I know this is just their old M1kit with some new parts (OK, many new parts ), but I will get it anyway. There is no such thing as too many Abrams models :-)

I have three built (DML, Tamiya and Academy) and three in boxes (RoG/DML, Italeri, Trumpeter). But actually I only want to have four of those left in my collection: Tamiya M1 (will need to rebuild it as it does not look quite good now), one DML converted to early M1A1 (again will rebuild the old model), one DML M1A1HA with TWMP and Italeri M1A2. Academy kit will be scrapped and used for spare parts (e.g. doghouse will be useful for converting DML kit to plain M1A1), Trumpeter kit will also be parts donor (I will try to use its suspension parts with DML kit to show the effect of TWMP weight on suspension).
If I buy the new Tamiya model I will build it as Marine M1A1HA.

Rgds,
Pawel

Hi Vodnik. Thanks for the infor here. Since you've built many of these things, would you consider this Tamiya version listed here to be better, or on par with Dragon's Marine Bagdad tank they have come out with recently? Am already thinking about getting the Tamiya M1 with the mine plow unit and maybe the Dragon kit, but was just wondering if maybe this particular Tamiya kit may or may not be better than Dragon's.

Thanks and take care, sgirty

Well, actualy I have not seen either DML Baghdad Abrams or Tamiya M1A2 yet, so I can only speculate. Tamiya will be definitely easier to build, as DML kit is slightly over-engineered, but as it is based on old M1 kit it may be less accurate than Dragon in some areas (hull). DML kit IIRC comes with link and length plastic tracks, while Tamiya will have single piece vinyl tracks - the choice is a matter of personal preference here, as Tamiya vinyl tracks in their latest models are very good with better detail than many plastic tracks. I read somewhere that dazzler device in DML Baghdad Abrams is not accurate and most likely Tamiya part will be better. Both kits come with extra gear to hang on tank sides.
So I guess kits are on a par with each other, both having their share of advantages and problems. But I need to see Tamiya kit in the flesh to draw a final conclusion.

Rgds,
Pawel

Sounds like a couple of you guys need to join the Abrams campaign! :-)

Rob

Not true, if you collect Abrams models like I do, then adding another $40+ model to the collection becomes a pain. The only series I didn't get all the variants from is the Trumpeter kits. I didn't want to mess with all the motorized vs. static versions. Plus after dealing with those lumps on the inner track surfaces, I doubt I'll ever build another Trumpeter Abrams again.


I haven't seen the RoG Abrams yet. Am I correct to assume since you list it as "RoG/DML" that they have reboxed a former DML Abrams?

Yes, old Revell's Abrams was a rebox of DML M1A1HA with interior parts and TWMP. New decals, but not very good. And I believe this kit is OOP now, I bought it recently on an auction. RoG now also have 1/35 M1A2 Abrams kit - this time it is reboxed Italeri.

Rgds,
Pawel

I thought about it, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to build any of my M1s in required timeframe...

Rgds,
Pawel