Which member can claim this status?? I have a bevy of questions for him!!!

MAJ Rob, AKA. "Sabot" is probably you man on this matter.

4th Horse,
I am definately not an expert but I can try to answer your questions. I have been around a HA or two...
John

Thanks Arty!!

OK Tankrider...I am getting the Tamiya M1A2 and the Dragon OIF M1A1 HA. I want to build a USMC M1A1 HA OIF. Since I have built both kits I would prefer to mix the kits...using the Tamiya chassis. I wanted to know what makes an HA and A2 different???

I definitely do not consider myself an "expert." Like John, I've spent my time on M1IP, early M1A1, late M1A1 ("HA"), and my M1A2 time was limited to a two week "rollover" course a few years ago. I still own a pair of M1A1s here at work. One is an early and the other a late.

Differences in the M1A2 vs. an M1A1 is:
1. the commanders weapon station (CWS). The M1A2 cupola is now called the improved commanders weapon station (ICWS). Different .50 mount basically.
2. the "manhole cover" forward of the loader's hatch has the commanders independent thermal viewer (CIT-V) located there on the M1A2. A USMC M1A1HA has a boxy device called the missile countermeasures device (MCD) mounted on the cover.
3. the smoke grenade launchers are different. The M1A2 uses the traditional inverted triangle 6-shot launchers. The USMC M1A1HA uses a pair of 4-shot launchers (8-shots per side). The 4-shot launcher is the same type used on Bradleys and Army APCs.
4. A USMC M1A1HA has an add-on bustle rack extention that is different from the type used by the Army.

That should be enough to get the cosmetic differences down.

Exactly what I needed!!! Thanks Sabot!!! :-)

The4thHorseman

Dragon's 3533 OIF M1A1(HA) is a USMC M1A1HA OIF, 1st Marine Tank Battalion actually. It has everything you need, add-on bustle rack extension, personal kit etc . Even the anti-missile dazzler has been included.

The kit's sprue has been moulded in a 'flexible vinyl material', making the removal of the 'seam' pretty difficult indeed (I have been playing). I have Dragon's kit and Tamiya's Modern US military equipment set and dragon's set is very well moulded with better detail, pity about the vinyl.

I don't know how accurate it is, below is a link to a review.
http://pmms.webace.com.au/reviews/vehicles/dragon/dr3533.htm

Thanks Savage...I need all relevant input..because I want the best possible recreation of a USMC M1A1 HA :-) :-) :-)

4 Horse,
Sabot, my brother in arms, nailed that target center of mass from his position with his answer. What I can add as well as most of the other Abrams builders out there is do you want an easy or difficult build to replicate a USMC M1A1 HC...

Building the Tamiya kit staright will result in less frustration & cussing while the Dragon kit straight will test your skills as well as your vocabulary, mainly in the area of the turret rails and bustle rack... Don't use the BR extension found in the DML kit if you are doing a USMC tank, use the Eduard extention. Mixing the kits Tammy hull with the DML turret could be interesting but you will have to remember to replicate the anti-slip coating on the hull. Tank Leader can add to this as he seems to be the ranking USMC tanker that hangs out on Armorama for any additional details and tweaks. Bro Abrams is a excellent source for Abrams details as he is the ultimate M1 geek

John

Tank Rider,
Do you mean the bustle rack extension that is in new OIF USMC M1A1HA? Why is this incorrect? And does the Eduard PE set include this or is it a separate kit, like their engine grill cover? I have the Eduard PE set, just havent started on turret, finsihed the hull though, hoping I dont have to purchase anymore for these 2 M1A1's I am building.
Thanks for your help.
Melon
Sempre Fi

hmmm, I would like the answers as well.....the Eduard BR extension is the most accurate....why?

Gents,
The bustle extention that is found in the USMC OIF M1A1 kit represents the style extention found on the tanks of 2d Brigade, 3d Infantry Division.

From what I understand, and I could be wrong, Tankleader provided dimensions, pictures and other info to Eduard to make the correct USMC style extension. The USMC extension is a seperate set beyond the M1A1 Tamiya PE set and the M1A1 skirt fittings set. I should see Tankleader on Sundayand can ask if he doesn't respond here...

I hope that I have not lost anyone in my babbling here...

FIGMO YOYO

John

Hey Tankrider..I would like a somewhat easy build..since I am a newbie...do you happen to know the stock number for the Eduard PE with the correct BR??

Hello All,
The Eduard PE set is 35598. It represents the Marine Corps version of the bustle rack extension. The differences between the kits has already been mentione. I like the Tamiya kit better. Now, I have also taken some parts from the old Trumpeter Marine M1A1 kit. There is the box that sits directly behind the EAPU, instead of doing one from scratch I will cast some resin parts from the trumpeter part and add it to both the DML and Tamiya kit. The channel from there to the loaders hatch and the junction box I plan on using evergreen angle strips. Get a copy of the tweak list, sadly I don't have that url. Goto this site and look under documents there you will find some measurements and pictures of the Bustle rack extension that Marines use. http://groups.msn.com/ArmorCrewman/_whatsnew.msnw