Can anyone tell me more about this tank, unit, etc? Maybe some more photos?

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NR_phY7FMvY/TzT0nPzG_1I/AAAAAAAAB4k/-X-JXH10FDY5WoQxGs0UE998bfdH-v_lQCL0B/w1459-h973-no/050505-M-3044M-002-1.jpg

Some googling has suggested 4th Tanks near Haditha, Iraq attached to 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines on or before May 2005.

http://www.2ndmardiv.marines.mil/News/News-Article-Display/Article/514682/m-1a1-abrams-tank-rolls-over-insurgency-in-iraq/
This story says 4th Tank Company, 1st Tank Battalion which is not a thing and another photo lists 3rd platoon, 1st Tank battalion, which is a thing. The tank shown is not the same tank but other websites have used the same info.

To muddy the waters more, 4th Marine Tank Bn also exists. It is a USMC Reserve Tank Bn as part of 4th MARDIV (USMC RES). They were deployed to both Iraq and A'stan in recent years as well. Not sure which unit this tank belongs to though.

Correct and historically modern 4th Tank is attached to either 1st or 2nd Tank batt. which makes research a little more difficult. So it could someone/crew from 4th Tank attached to 1st Tank and the reporter is confused cause while they are Marines, doesn't mean they know how each unit operates.

Either way more photos of the tank would help to build it more correctly, even if I can't nail down the unit. With that in mind, I think a Dragon Aim kit with Tamiya Marine parts along with the PSM Falluja set do it? Thoughts.

Here's the original caption that appeared on the USMC official website before the picture was removed...

"Haditha Dam, Al Anbar, Iraq (May 5, 2005)-- The 'New Testament' a tank with 4th Tank Co., 1st Tank battalion attached to 3/25 prepares to lead the way during a recent mission.(Official USMC Photo by Corporal Ken Melton)”

H.P.

3/25 was part of RCT-2 (page 170, pdf pg 178)
http://www.mcu.usmc.mil/historydivision/Pages/Publications/Publication%20PDFs/Estes%20Into%20the%20Fray%20Boards_Det%20One%20copy.pdf

The tank unit listed was Company A (Reinforced), 1st Tank Battalion [Co A, 1st TkBn]

From the image it is with 3rd Platoon.

Anyone have photos of the unit before or after?

Here's another picture from the same photographer :
"Haditha Dam, Al Anbar, Iraq - A tank with 4th Tank Co., 1st Tank battalion attached to 3/25 rollls in from a successful mission. May 18, 2005"



Full size

H.P.

Thanks Frenchy, I had seen that one. I think that might be a stock photo replacement from the original article, caused by the name. That tank does not have the field bumper installed. Maybe is wasn't standard on that platoon tanks, idk. I am wondering if I need the PSM set if they just have the bumper. I don't see the loaders shield. I might be able to mock something up for a bumper and save some coin. Have any more of the bumper? I have only seen the other photo you posted in the review.

Also hoping to get a photo of the rear to see if they have the extension or any tank in that platoon had one.

I'll check out my archive when I'm back home from work in a few hours.

H.P.

More bumper pics.



Two views of Cowboys From Hell:





H.P.

not to confuse things. the tank on your first link has markings (front side skirt)saying its a Delta Company tank.

@Frenchy - Tanks.

@Alfred - that really confuses things cause the only Delta Co, was 2nd Tanks attached to RCT-8 according to 'Into the Fray'.

Would the Dragon AIM or Rye Fields kit be better to use? I know either needs Marine bits added. Just not sure on the current wisdom on which would be better to use.