Hi all! I am looking to purchase a M1A1 Abrams model, any suggestions? I don't know if their style has changed but something in the 2003-2010 range when he was on one the most. He's done models before, even a tank (Not the M1A1). I'm just had a loss of what to get.

Thanks!

Rye Field models has just come out with a nice M1A1/M1A2 kit that should work.
http://www.hobbyeasy.com/en/data/3jhwd2zykijvprchtr7x.html
From comments this appears to be the best current available option.
This kit has all the whistles and bells:
http://www.luckymodel.com/scale.aspx?item_no=RF-5007
There are some other kits available. Hopefully others will chime in.

It sounds like you want one for your son? I am assuming he is not a very experienced model builder as well. For a basic, decently detailed and easy to assemble M1A1 Abrams, I recommend the Tamiya M1A2 Operation Iraqi Freedom kit (#35269). It can be built as either a USMC M1A1, US Army M1A1, or US Army M1A2. It is fairly well detailed and goes together without any issues. It also comes with a couple figures and a full load of gear on it.

It is actually for my husband, 22 years in the Army. Thanks for the recommendation! So many out there I don't know what is more accurate!

If you are looking for accuracy, get the Rye Field one. It is very accurate and very detailed. It does have a lot more parts though, so may be harder to build.

https://www.google.com/search?q=Rye+Field+model+m1+a1+tank&biw=1440&bih=794&tbm=isch&imgil=6Ao9Z75GK9RB_M%253A%253BHXORqkX4z2sHSM%253Bhttps%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.scalemates.com%25252Fkits%25252F1004295-rye-field-model-rm-5006-m1a1-abrams&source=iu&pf=m&fir=6Ao9Z75GK9RB_M%253A%252CHXORqkX4z2sHSM%252C_&usg=__lnVDMcGS8xtCg9jbCufortodeXE%3D&ved=0ahUKEwjLi965t63QAhWEQSYKHRBHBVgQyjcIXw&ei=_GUsWMudPISDmQGQjpXABQ#imgrc=6Ao9Z75GK9RB_M%3A

found this one......He did join in 91. Any opinions on it?

That one is the same plastic as the above Rye Field M1A1/M1A2 as Russ mentions. They are both very good kits.

They are the same plastic except the 1991 version is a very early Abrams that was used in Operation Desert Storm in '91. It has early features and markings.


The camo one is more modern and comes with a full interior, later features and markings. It is more like what he would have been on from '03-'10.


It also has options for a sand M1A1 from 3ID during the invasion of Iraq in '03.

Ginger,

I'm currently working on that very Rye field kit. It's is very nicely detailed and it doesn't have tons of parts. Very nice kit. I'd highly recommend it.

If your husband isn't already a model builder, I concur with Gino's recommendation of the Tamiya kit. They are novice friendly kits and are relatively well detailed and accurate. Even though the Rye kit is newer, I would be wary that the more complex kit will lead to something that's never completed by your husband.

You're better off getting him the more basic kit and some good basic tools (Exacto #11 knife, liquid (not tube) model cement, files, modelling sand paper).

Honestly.. The 1991 Abrams is just as simple as the Tamiya kit.

I have both of the Rye Field models & have seen the Tamiya. The RFM models have a wealth of detail. The Tamiya would be simpler for someone not dedicated to modeling because the RFM tracks are rather daunting & go together very much like real tracks! I believe the Tamiya has the classic "rubber band" type which aren't bad (in detail) for someone who is not into ultra-realism. This is probably too late for you but I thought I'd weigh in here.