Awesome looking tank. I have an Abrams in my stash that I may try to get to this year. So, I have a few questions;

1. What color Tamiya paints did you use? I understand that Tamiya does not make a direct color match to the Abrams.

2. If I wanted to make a 90's period Abrams, what stowage should I look into getting? (I guess I was about to make the mistake of ordering modern stowage for a Gulf War 1 period Tank)

amazing job

Simply outstanding!

Mike

It looks awesome. The corrections will make it look even better. Great job Pete.

Sean, if you don't mind waiting a couple of more weeks, I will answer both your questions in the final write up that will be submitted to staff.

As for paint color, Gino (HeavyArty) has recommended Model Master Sand for US Army CARC Sand. But for Tamiya paints I used 70% Flat White and 30% Desert Yellow.

Pete, fine job! It took me back to my days on M1 tanks!

Thanks Jeff. I wasn't a tanker when I was in the Army and it makes me feel good when guys like you let me know that I am doing things correct or my work brings back memories for you guys.

Couple of questions; where did you find M17 & M25 masks? I'm covered on the rest of correct era soldier's gear, like the right MRE boxes & stuff.
Also, where did you find scale cans of Turboshaft? (Turbine engine oil) The same size oil cans held our FRH (Fire Resistant, Hydraulic oil,) but we kept those in the Arty metal tubes. I'd still like to get one if the correct decals exist. I've been away from modeling so long (the last model I made was for a post-wide contest at Ft. Knox in 1978 or 9) so I don't know all the places to look for the gee-whiz authentic detailing parts. (I know about Eduard, Tamiya, Sprue Bros. & other places & have already spent waaaaaay too much money on add-ons.) LoL!
Thanks!
PS - I won that contest, by the way. Sorry to toot my own horn!

You can find M17 mask carriers in most Dragon ODS-era figures sets. I think all actually had the same basic gear.

A few sets:




Tamiya's Modern US Army Infantry figure set from the early '80s also has M17 mask carriers. This set has some very nice M16A1s and basic TA-50 gear as well.




Live-Resin makes a series of heads w/M17 masks too.


Verlinden has a couple figures in MOPP4 as well.


A couple M25 mask carriers are in the Dragon US Tank Crew ODS figures.



Verlinden also does/did a set of tankers wearing M25 masks.




I'm not sure what Pete used, but there are a few companies that do resin and PE oil cans. Some come with TS decals or you can make your own decals for them.

TOOT AWAY JEFF!

The M25 Gas Mask bags come from this Dragon figure set:



M17 gas masks can come from different Dragon modern figure sets, but the best looking ones come from Verlinden like this old set.



The oil cans are cut Evergreen rod with a "printed on paper" label I printed out my self. The file was passed around from someone I can't remember a while back. Private message me your email address and i will send you the file.

Apparently, Live-Resin does a set of just the M17 mask carriers now too.

Pete & Gino, thanks for the updates. I am going to try your suggestions. I just need two M25A1 masks (in their carriers) & one M17A1 mask (also in its' carrier) to replicate the one I used when I got off the tank. My loader slung his mask over the grab handles of his (loader's) M240 MG, where it was handy and ready if he had to un-ass the tank or take it inside if he "buttoned up." I still have my M17A1 mask I kept for a memento, along with my LBE. (Load Bearing Equipment - aka web belt with accessories) It still has Iraqui dust/sand - LoL!

Well, it's a year later. I still haven't finished my Desert Storm M1A1 Heavy, and I guess this one was never finished, either.

REAL LIFE sometimes gets in the way of our hobbies!