I picked up the Hobby Craft USMC M1A1 1/35 scale kit from the local hobby store today. I noticed that it is a rebox of the Trumpeter M1 kit. It looks like it may be a good kit. I have never built an M1 of any kind and I thought I would pick it up for the M1 group build in feb. I only paid $19.00 USD for it. Anything that you Abrams guys could tell me about this kit woud be very helpful.

Hey Animal! I also have this kit and it is an M1A2 actually (found this out when I opened the box). All you need to turn it back into an A1 is to replace the commander's cupola ( I am using a DML TC cupola on mine) and you have to leave off the CITV and replace it with the old M1A1 manhole cover. Also, the left front corner of the turret is a bit short. Take a look at Matt's thread about the M1's tweaks list. If I find out any more info I will let you know as I am doing mine.

Since the kit in the box is not a USMC M1A1, you could use the Trumpter decals that are in the box, to do an Army verison of the M1A2. I have got both Hobbycraft kits, I just exchanged the decals so I would have the correct tank/decal match. But the plow will be going on the Army version.


Mike

Thanks for the info. Ithink I will try to build it as the A2 when I get to it. Also Thanks for the insight and heads up on Matt's tweak list It will come in handy.

Hey animal, yeah the tweaks list is a good deal. They are discussing updating it once the newish Tamiya M1A2 kit comes out.

Aside form the turret front problem, the Trumpeter kit is very nice...heavily influenced by DML and Tamiya kits!