Hi Guys I thought that I would do something different for a change.
I have 2 kits here, first the Dragon M1A2SEP Abrams V2 (the new one that just came out) & the Tamiya M1A2SEP Abrams TUSK II.
I'll be updating the Tamiya kit with the Bronco M1A1/2 tracks as the track in the kit sucks, & DEF Models up grade set.
I also have SKIP lense sets for both kits.
First off here is the Box Art for both kits.
And now the Dragon Box.
( A WORD OF NOTE, IF YOU CANNOT VIEW THESE PICTURES TRY RELOADING THIS BUILD. THE PICTURES ARE IMBEDED here FROM MICROSOFTS CLOUD AND MAY TAKE A LITTLE TIME TO SHOW UP>
Donald
Hosted by Darren Baker
M1A2SEP Comparison Build Tamiya / Dragon
OldWarloke
Joined: October 14, 2012
KitMaker: 2,663 posts
Armorama: 2,649 posts
Posted: Friday, February 20, 2015 - 10:28 PM UTC
OldWarloke
Joined: October 14, 2012
KitMaker: 2,663 posts
Armorama: 2,649 posts
Posted: Friday, February 20, 2015 - 10:35 PM UTC
I'm starting with the lower hull first.
The Dragon kit is much more detailed than the Tamiya kit.
In fact the Tamiya kit is stamped 1982 when their first Abrams came out, man that's ancient.
The Tamiya kit is the tan one , Dragon is in grey.
Note the motorizing fittings in the Tamiya kit.
a close up of the sides.
That's all for now.
Donald
The Dragon kit is much more detailed than the Tamiya kit.
In fact the Tamiya kit is stamped 1982 when their first Abrams came out, man that's ancient.
The Tamiya kit is the tan one , Dragon is in grey.
Note the motorizing fittings in the Tamiya kit.
a close up of the sides.
That's all for now.
Donald
M4A1Sherman
Joined: May 02, 2013
KitMaker: 4,403 posts
Armorama: 4,078 posts
Posted: Friday, February 20, 2015 - 10:46 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Hi Guys I thought that I would do something different for a change.
I have 2 kits here, first the Dragon M1A2SEP Abrams V2 (the new one that just came out) & the Tamiya M1A2SEP Abrams TUSK II.
I'll be updating the Tamiya kit with the Bronco M1A1/2 tracks as the track in the kit sucks, & DEF Models up grade set.
I also have SKIP lense sets for both kits.
First off here is the Box Art for both kits.
And now the Dragon Box.
HI! It's GREAT that we're seeing a comparison build of the TAMIYA vs. DRAGON M1 kits. I agree- the DRAGON M1A2 SEP V2 is a MUCH better representation of the M1-series tanks... I'll be following your progress with GREAT INTEREST!!!
OldWarloke
Joined: October 14, 2012
KitMaker: 2,663 posts
Armorama: 2,649 posts
Posted: Friday, February 20, 2015 - 11:06 PM UTC
I'm glad you like it so-far.
The Dragon kit is actually cheaper than the Tamiya kit.
Here is a breakdown of the costs I have invested here.
Dragon kit #3556 M1A2SEP Abrams V2 = $80.00 U.S Dollars
Tamiya kit #35326 M1A2SEP Abrams TUSK II = $92 U.S Dollars
Bronco track #3522 M1A1/2 Big Foot Track= $17.95U.S.Dollars
DEF Models #35006 M1A2SEP Upgrade Set = $11.99
That's a total of $121.94 to do the Tamiya kit nit counting the SKP lenses.
Donald
The Dragon kit is actually cheaper than the Tamiya kit.
Here is a breakdown of the costs I have invested here.
Dragon kit #3556 M1A2SEP Abrams V2 = $80.00 U.S Dollars
Tamiya kit #35326 M1A2SEP Abrams TUSK II = $92 U.S Dollars
Bronco track #3522 M1A1/2 Big Foot Track= $17.95U.S.Dollars
DEF Models #35006 M1A2SEP Upgrade Set = $11.99
That's a total of $121.94 to do the Tamiya kit nit counting the SKP lenses.
Donald
CMOT
Editor-in-Chief
Joined: May 14, 2006
KitMaker: 10,954 posts
Armorama: 8,571 posts
Posted: Friday, February 20, 2015 - 11:52 PM UTC
Donald I have watched a few of your builds on the network and they usually turn out quite well. As such when this is complete perhaps you would consider sending in a write up and pictures to be used as a build feature on the site?
Epi
Joined: December 22, 2001
KitMaker: 3,586 posts
Armorama: 2,556 posts
Posted: Saturday, February 21, 2015 - 10:49 AM UTC
Hey Donald,
The Dragon M1A2 SEP V2 is based off the Dragon M1A1 AIM and M1A2 kits, the AIM kit being the first one. Some, if not most of the measurements for the R & D of the kit came off an Abrams parked in the motor pool I worked at the time of the that kit. The R&D was headed up by Pawel Krupowicz. On his FB page he mentioned that his name is on the SEP V2 instructions as well and he had nothing to do with the R&D of it.So as for accuracy between the two kits, Dragon is almost 100% accurate as compared to Tamiya's.
No point to my babbling, just some needless info.
The Dragon M1A2 SEP V2 is based off the Dragon M1A1 AIM and M1A2 kits, the AIM kit being the first one. Some, if not most of the measurements for the R & D of the kit came off an Abrams parked in the motor pool I worked at the time of the that kit. The R&D was headed up by Pawel Krupowicz. On his FB page he mentioned that his name is on the SEP V2 instructions as well and he had nothing to do with the R&D of it.So as for accuracy between the two kits, Dragon is almost 100% accurate as compared to Tamiya's.
No point to my babbling, just some needless info.
OldWarloke
Joined: October 14, 2012
KitMaker: 2,663 posts
Armorama: 2,649 posts
Posted: Saturday, February 21, 2015 - 11:28 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Donald I have watched a few of your builds on the network and they usually turn out quite well. As such when this is complete perhaps you would consider sending in a write up and pictures to be used as a build feature on the site?
I'll save the Pics. in a larger size than I'm using here. Please reminde me when this is finished, and I'll try.
Donald
OldWarloke
Joined: October 14, 2012
KitMaker: 2,663 posts
Armorama: 2,649 posts
Posted: Saturday, February 21, 2015 - 11:31 PM UTC
I've been working on the upper hull, here is the engine deck.
The fit is a little touchy
.
The fit is a little touchy
.
OldWarloke
Joined: October 14, 2012
KitMaker: 2,663 posts
Armorama: 2,649 posts
Posted: Saturday, February 21, 2015 - 11:37 PM UTC
I drilled out the holes for mounting the front fender springs.
OldWarloke
Joined: October 14, 2012
KitMaker: 2,663 posts
Armorama: 2,649 posts
Posted: Saturday, February 21, 2015 - 11:39 PM UTC
The Tamiya kit looked rather plane, so I scratched some springs for it.
Drilled the holes.
Made the parts.
Installed them.
Drilled the holes.
Made the parts.
Installed them.
OldWarloke
Joined: October 14, 2012
KitMaker: 2,663 posts
Armorama: 2,649 posts
Posted: Saturday, February 21, 2015 - 11:49 PM UTC
The upper hulls.
The Dragon front left fender.
The Tamiya left front fender.
That's all for now.
Donald
The Dragon front left fender.
The Tamiya left front fender.
That's all for now.
Donald
Coolaznkid
Joined: August 11, 2006
KitMaker: 74 posts
Armorama: 44 posts
Posted: Sunday, February 22, 2015 - 06:22 AM UTC
I'm definitely watching this thread. Great work so far!
M4A1Sherman
Joined: May 02, 2013
KitMaker: 4,403 posts
Armorama: 4,078 posts
Posted: Sunday, February 22, 2015 - 07:50 PM UTC
Quoted Text
I'm glad you like it so-far.
The Dragon kit is actually cheaper than the Tamiya kit.
Here is a breakdown of the costs I have invested here.
Dragon kit #3556 M1A2SEP Abrams V2 = $80.00 U.S Dollars
Tamiya kit #35326 M1A2SEP Abrams TUSK II = $92 U.S Dollars
Bronco track #3522 M1A1/2 Big Foot Track= $17.95U.S.Dollars
DEF Models #35006 M1A2SEP Upgrade Set = $11.99
That's a total of $121.94 to do the Tamiya kit nit counting the SKP lenses.
Donald
WOW!!!!! WHERE are you buying your stuff from? You can save A LOT of money by going to ebay- I saw the DRAGON M1A2 SEP V2 on ebay (Yes, with a US seller) just yesterday for about $58.00 buck-dollars. The prices of the other stuff can be found for less on ebay, also. I know, because I bought all of my M1s and extras on ebay. No, I don't work for ebay!!!
Personally, I like the VOYAGER and ET PE sets, better than any of the kit-supplied PE sets. I like LEGEND and DEF for the resin stuff. Have you seen the DEF ABV set?
OldWarloke
Joined: October 14, 2012
KitMaker: 2,663 posts
Armorama: 2,649 posts
Posted: Sunday, February 22, 2015 - 10:53 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted TextI'm glad you like it so-far.
The Dragon kit is actually cheaper than the Tamiya kit.
Here is a breakdown of the costs I have invested here.
Dragon kit #3556 M1A2SEP Abrams V2 = $80.00 U.S Dollars
Tamiya kit #35326 M1A2SEP Abrams TUSK II = $92 U.S Dollars
Bronco track #3522 M1A1/2 Big Foot Track= $17.95U.S.Dollars
DEF Models #35006 M1A2SEP Upgrade Set = $11.99
That's a total of $121.94 to do the Tamiya kit nit counting the SKP lenses.
Donald
WOW!!!!! WHERE are you buying your stuff from? You can save A LOT of money by going to ebay- I saw the DRAGON M1A2 SEP V2 on ebay (Yes, with a US seller) just yesterday for about $58.00 buck-dollars. The prices of the other stuff can be found for less on ebay, also. I know, because I bought all of my M1s and extras on ebay. No, I don't work for ebay!!!
Personally, I like the VOYAGER and ET PE sets, better than any of the kit-supplied PE sets. I like LEGEND and DEF for the resin stuff. Have you seen the DEF ABV set?
The prices that I listed are the MSRP prices, not what I paid for them. I get them a lot cheaper.
Donald
OldWarloke
Joined: October 14, 2012
KitMaker: 2,663 posts
Armorama: 2,649 posts
Posted: Sunday, February 22, 2015 - 10:54 PM UTC
Continuing on.
I used the side skirt part T11 to help in positioning U18
I filled a square spot on the left rear hull, I guess a part if you use the APU unit goes there.
Dragon gives you a choice of Hawker Batteries or an APU Unit.
My references don't show no APU Unit in this location.
I used the Mud Scraper on the Dragon Kit, they give you a blank off plate if you dont want to use the mud scraper. I used it on the Tamiya kit instead.
I used the side skirt part T11 to help in positioning U18
I filled a square spot on the left rear hull, I guess a part if you use the APU unit goes there.
Dragon gives you a choice of Hawker Batteries or an APU Unit.
My references don't show no APU Unit in this location.
I used the Mud Scraper on the Dragon Kit, they give you a blank off plate if you dont want to use the mud scraper. I used it on the Tamiya kit instead.
CMOT
Editor-in-ChiefJoined: May 14, 2006
KitMaker: 10,954 posts
Armorama: 8,571 posts
Posted: Sunday, February 22, 2015 - 10:55 PM UTC
It is always better to list the shop price as it is a stable price unlike Ebay where you never know what the price is going to be.
bulldawg380
Joined: August 19, 2009
KitMaker: 347 posts
Armorama: 338 posts
Posted: Sunday, February 22, 2015 - 11:05 PM UTC
I did not read everyones reply fully so hope i am not repeating this the dragon kit is more detailed but the tamaiya kit is accurate with the TUSK upgrade as it has one row of tiles mounted on the turret vs the legend conversion that i bought which has two rows of tiles
OldWarloke
Joined: October 14, 2012
KitMaker: 2,663 posts
Armorama: 2,649 posts
Posted: Sunday, February 22, 2015 - 11:06 PM UTC
The rear end of the Dragon kit is finished, alot more detailed than the Tamiya kit but a lot more work.
Here is the rear end of the Tamiya kit, I added 2 lifting eyes that were missing (the grey parts)
Here is the rear end of the Tamiya kit, I added 2 lifting eyes that were missing (the grey parts)
OldWarloke
Joined: October 14, 2012
KitMaker: 2,663 posts
Armorama: 2,649 posts
Posted: Sunday, February 22, 2015 - 11:11 PM UTC
Front View
As you can see below the Dragon kit is more detailed on the bottom rear end.
I think that I'll be working on the wheels next.
Donald
ivanhoe6
Joined: April 05, 2007
KitMaker: 2,023 posts
Armorama: 1,234 posts
Posted: Sunday, February 22, 2015 - 11:28 PM UTC
Thanks Donald for undertaking this project. I too have both kits so have a big interest in this comparison build. I sure like your concept of parallel building.
You keep posting and I'll keep checking in.
Thanks again !
Tom
You keep posting and I'll keep checking in.
Thanks again !
Tom
HeavyArty
Joined: May 16, 2002
KitMaker: 17,694 posts
Armorama: 13,742 posts
Posted: Sunday, February 22, 2015 - 11:32 PM UTC
Quoted Text
I did not read everyones reply fully so hope i am not repeating this the dragon kit is more detailed but the tamaiya kit is accurate with the TUSK upgrade as it has one row of tiles mounted on the turret vs the legend conversion that i bought which has two rows of tiles
It is easy to leave the top row of tiles off the Legend set. The mount still remains the same as two roes can be installed if needed. The second row is rarely installed though.
I will take the added, more accurate details of the Dragon kit over Tamiya's recycled, less detailed molds any day.
Vodnik
Joined: March 26, 2003
KitMaker: 4,342 posts
Armorama: 3,938 posts
Posted: Sunday, February 22, 2015 - 11:37 PM UTC
Quoted Text
I filled a square spot on the left rear hull, I guess a part if you use the APU unit goes there.
On APU equipped (or actually "APU ready" as the actual APU was rarely if ever installed) there was a APU intake in this spot protected with a small armor plate. When tanks were converted to Hawker battery setup, the opening for APU intake was welded over - what on some tanks resulted in a rough square spot in this place. This is what we tried to represent in the kit.
Vodnik
Joined: March 26, 2003
KitMaker: 4,342 posts
Armorama: 3,938 posts
Posted: Sunday, February 22, 2015 - 11:49 PM UTC
Quoted Text
I did not read everyones reply fully so hope i am not repeating this the dragon kit is more detailed but the tamaiya kit is accurate with the TUSK upgrade as it has one row of tiles mounted on the turret vs the legend conversion that i bought which has two rows of tiles
Every Tusk 2 tank can have two rows of tiles mounted to the turret. Typically just one row was actually used, but all tanks had mounting plates for two rows. You can easily build Legend set with either one or two rows. In Tamiya kit they don't give you this choice - you can only use one row, because they don't give you more tiles. It's no more accurate than Legend set.
bulldawg380
Joined: August 19, 2009
KitMaker: 347 posts
Armorama: 338 posts
Posted: Monday, February 23, 2015 - 01:51 PM UTC
i did not know that good info to have since i have not started my build so thank yall very much and sorry to take away from your post
ps looks good so far
ps looks good so far
M4A1Sherman
Joined: May 02, 2013
KitMaker: 4,403 posts
Armorama: 4,078 posts
Posted: Monday, February 23, 2015 - 03:02 PM UTC
[quote]
THANK GOODNESS!!! I NEVER pay retail for anything- I don't even bother with pre-orders; I'll wait. I've got plenty to keep me busy!!!
Quoted Text
Quoted TextI'm glad you like it so-far.
The Dragon kit is actually cheaper than the Tamiya kit.
Here is a breakdown of the costs I have invested here.
Dragon kit #3556 M1A2SEP Abrams V2 = $80.00 U.S Dollars
Tamiya kit #35326 M1A2SEP Abrams TUSK II = $92 U.S Dollars
Bronco track #3522 M1A1/2 Big Foot Track= $17.95U.S.Dollars
DEF Models #35006 M1A2SEP Upgrade Set = $11.99
That's a total of $121.94 to do the Tamiya kit nit counting the SKP
WOW!!!!! WHERE are you buying your stuff from? You can save A LOT of money by going to ebay- I saw the DRAGON M1A2 SEP V2 on ebay (Yes, with a US seller) just yesterday for about $58.00 buck-dollars. The prices of the other stuff can be found for less on ebay, also. I know, because I bought all of my M1s and extras on ebay. No, I don't work for ebay!!!
Personally, I like the VOYAGER and ET PE sets, better than any of the kit-supplied PE sets. I like LEGEND and DEF for the resin stuff. Have you seen the DEF ABV set?
The prices that I listed are the MSRP prices, not what I paid for them. I get them a lot cheaper.
Donald
THANK GOODNESS!!! I NEVER pay retail for anything- I don't even bother with pre-orders; I'll wait. I've got plenty to keep me busy!!!
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