I'm a WW2 Sherman kind of guy, but I'm leaning towards building some more Modern subject. I grew up with the M47-48-60 tanks but I am interested in the M1. However, like the Sherman, it seems that there are a bewildering number of slightly different versions. I have no idea what the difference is between say a M1 SEP and an M1 TUSK. Now I know that for the Sherman I can always dive into the Hunnicutt book or Son of Sherman. Is there any single reference like that for the M1 series?

There's lots of Self proclaimed Abrams experts on here so I'm sure you'll get some good references.

My hands on experience was more in the dino days of the M60's. From the sidelines it appears that the development of the M1 follows the traditional nomenclature of XM1, M1, M1A1... A2. With some bridging going on between models (improved, heavy, etc). I think the TUSK and such are some add on kits of surmental armor and variations in the secondary armorment. I'm no expert, but there's a wealth of info out there.

There is a Hunnicutt book on the Abrams as well. I'm not sure if it covers the latest versions though.

You also might try Squadron's "M1 Abrams in action". Tankograd covers the Abrams in two book: "Nr. 3023 Cold War Warrior M1/IPM1 Abrams" and "Nr. 3009 M1A1 / M1A2 SEP Abrams TUSK". There is also "Nr. 3026 M1 ABRAMS BREACHER" though it's not a tank.

There is also Wikipedia.

This article should give you a basic understanding of the development of the M1 series.

Since it was written, there have been a few minor improvements. Most notably is the introduction of TUSK (Tank Urban Survival Kit) which is a series of add-on armor pieces that provides extra protection in urban environments. There are two basic packages; TUSK I and TUSK II. The TUSK II is another layer of ceramic armor panels added over the top of the TUSK I ERA (Explosive Reactive Armor) blocks. TUSK also includes belly armor and armored shields for the commander and loader. There can also be added a .50 cal MG on top of the barrel and various night sights and thermal sights added to the TC and loaders MGs. TUSK I was fitted to M1A1s and M1A2s, while TUSK II was mainly fitted to M1A2 SEPs; both are only fitted in combat zones.

M1A1 w/TUSK I


M1A2 SEP w/TUSK II


There is also now the M1A2 SEP v2 which replaces the TCs MG with a CROWS II RWS (Remote Weapons Station) on the right front of the turret.

M1A2 SEP v2

Thanks for the info.