With my 1/16 scale Jagdtiger parked temporarily, I thought i'd start on the Rye Field Models M1A1 Abrams. I'll be building this one as an Australian M1A1SA.
The kit itself is very nice, and assembles very quickly and well. It is sold as an M1A1/M1A2, so you get a lot in the box, as well as a quite nice interior. Having some A2 parts means that it has some parts for our M1A1SA. This includes tracks with open guide horns, Blue Force Tracker, inf/tank telephone, bustle rack extension, thermal camera for the commanders RWS. Ive added a number of things to get it up to date as one of our Abrams. These are:
- fridge in turret stowage basket (from Arms Corps Models)
- power point for fridge (from Arms Corps Models)
- umbrella mount on turret top (from Arms Corps Models)
- spare wheel bracket on turret top (seen on Marine A1's and Army A2s too)
- spare track bracket and brush guard on turret sides
- power conduit protector bracket for commanders RWS thermal
- QCB handle on the 50 cal (from Arms Corps Models)
- filled 2 indents on engine deck plate for M1A1 specific deck
Heres the photos. Obviously there are gaps as I've not glued the turret or hull parts together yet. Am currently working on stowage and crew.
Sam
