Hi there

Is it possible to use Dragon M1A2SEP Abrams V2 to build a OIF USMC M1A1 and also an USMC M1A1 in Afghanistan ?

BR
Bobber

Not out of the box. I believe it still has the parts for the A1 Commanders cupola, but you'd need Marine style smoke grenade launchers and other bits (not sure if it has the older wheel bearing hubs?). Perfect Scale makes the sets you'd need though, so yes, it could work with these:
http://www.perfect-scale.de/Conversion-Kits-1---35/M1A1-USMC-Conversion-Kit.html
http://www.perfect-scale.de/Conversion-Kits-1---35/M1A1-USMC-Afghanistan.html

Jim

Thanks a lot.

I got the Perfect Scale M1A1 USMC Afghanistan kit.
And I can get the smoke launchers from my Tamiya M1A1 kits.

But how about the Hull and Turret, are they the same ?

The smoke launchers are included in the perfect scale set.

I don't have the kit on hand, but it should have the same hull and turret parts as the M1A1 kit. You might need the bustle mounted APU, not sure if the SEP kit still has it on the sprues? It's just a matter of getting the small bits right (BFT antenna, right tail light guards, ext. radio cal boxes etc.) Lots of good images on the Official USMC site.



Jim

The upper hulls are different at the left rear corner.Real A1s have a fuel tank there, and A2s have UAAPU/Batteries, so the details in the 2 dragon kits are different.I think its possible to scrachbuild it yourself with plastic board,and if i remember right there is an extra fuel cap provided.

This unfortunately is not true. The upper hull parts in M1A2 SEP/SEP V2 kits are different from M1A1 AIM kit parts. You cannot build M1A1 out of the box, as details on the rear left side of the engine deck are different (UAAPU or Hawker battery parts instead of normal fuel cell). The main engine deck cover panel is also slightly different in SEP kits.

Technically speaking the turret main shell part is also different, but the only difference is the serial number on the side (10,259U in SEP kits and 7201U in AIM kit).

Well there ya go. My SEP kits are back in storage, forgot about that battery box area.

Jim

All is NOT lost- Your DRAGON A2 SEPS will still be handy to build the BEST SEPS that money can buy!!!

Thanks for all them nice answers.

What will be the best kit to use then ?
The drivers hatch on Tamiyas don't have the "lip"

Why don't you buy a Dragon M1A1 AIM. There are some at ebay.

Yes, that will be much easier.

Is it dragon 3535 ?

Yes the M1A1 AIM kit is 3535. It was re-released earlier this year (or late last year?) before the new M1A2 SEP v2 came out.