I took the chance to begin my project on Sunday (3-7-04) afternoon during our monthly AMPS chapter meeting. I got the Italeri M1A2 Abrams at a decent price via e-Bay. I also purchased a metal barrel from Model Point (absolutely gorgeous) to review for Armorama - that just goes nicely with this kit. Not trying to bag on the Italeri kit, I'm just trying to share what I encountered with my example of the kit. This is a good place to begin project photos and updates along the way - and these series of photos are construction sequence One through the beginning of Step Nine. No real surgery or major seam filling yet - but I wanted to show what you might get during basic construction of the kit.



The lower hull comes in three pieces. Above, the resulting gaps between the pieces, and with the upper hull part in place. The areas of the front hull plate and the glacis calls for some serious gap filling - but this might not be such a drawback - as the Abrams fan will definitely want to address the prominent but missing weld beads in this area.



Above and Below Photos: Curiously, Italeri managed to locate all the ejector pin marks for the sides of the lower hull on the outside of the kit parts. If you were considering filling the interior of the kit up - you'd have it made - so clean is the Italeri casting. I filled these shallow but annoying ejector pin marks with Correction Fluid. This tip (picked up here in the early days of our great Site) is perfect for this application. Each Road Wheel also has three ejector pin marks. Most opt not to fill these in, but I opted to do so because of the wide spacing of the Abrams Road Wheels - you'll be able to see these marks easily in a completed model. The speed of the Correction Fluid Filler method lessened the tediousness of this chore - slightly...





The joint between the completed lower hull subassembly and the single-piece upper hull was marred in my kit by some serious warpage. I initially thought that the cutout Italeri cast into the upper hull (obviously for a later addition of an Engine Compartment) might actually aid in aligning the hull parts. This proved somewhat true as I discovered the odd warpage on the left rear side of the hull. The side wall and the upper hull extension didn't quite line up properly. I addressed the problem by first cementing the front of the hull (upper and lower) together and banded it for strength as it setup. Keeping this area clamped, I then joined the straight right rear hull area. Holding on to these two, I then coaxed the left rear area together. Italeri's plastic responds quite well to Model Master liquid cement - thankfully. Below Photo: The right rear side of Italeri's hull casting, for lack of a better word, was nasty in my kit example. It would grow worse later on in the photos...





A brief positive, above photo, Italeri provides a separate Engine Deck to show off that bare compartment. My part had some small gaps all around that proved easy to fill from underneath with White Glue. The end result is shown above, with a neat fill all around without sloppiness.

Below, the happiness fades briefly. The Rear Panel simply doesn't fit well to the joined Hull subassemblies - serious gaps result all around. The part was already slightly warped to begin with. This trimming, shimming, and gap filling called for here won't be difficult - just a bit disappointing in a kit that retails as much as a Tamiya item does. Just getting the components (Engine Access Doors) properly onto the Rear Panel is a chore in itself. Moving to attach this subassembly to the Hull might just make you want to take a break.

I did...







Gunnie

Gunnie.... you should write a book about this!
Thanks for showing us, very very detailed...

Thanks Jurgen! I'm going to try and make this a worthwhile campaign journal to follow along with.

Gunnie

Gunnie:

Nice job here on this build process. You're writing skills are clear and concise, and the addition of the notations on the pics made this a fun little read. Good job, (and good luck)!


Steve

ps: After seeing some of the fit issues on this one, I won't be so quick to grump about the Trumpeter kit

Jim, thanks for writing this. I was planning on getting one recently, but this has changed my mind. Maybe I'll wait for the LHS to get the Tamiya one in.

Rob

Coming on nicely Gunnie. Very detailed indeed.

I broke one of the rules I set for myself in this Campaign effort. I was intending on just building the kit as it comes OOB first, document the problems I ran into, and then chronicle the effort to make the adjustments. Last night while working on the Turret, the M256 Gun Barrel kept on nagging me when I'd slide it into place. You guys know how that is when something is bugging you about a kit and you can't continue on until you figure it out.

I whipped out the Hunnicutt book to look at DP Dyer's drawings of the M1A1 - overhead view. I know, I know, many even dispute drawings and you can't always base conclusions on them. But, having no really handy overhead photo to use, this was a good place to start. I also pulled the measurements out of the back of the Hunnicutt reference book.

Using some "landmarks" on the Italeri Hull, it appears the Turret's width and length is a bit off. Not a whole lot, but enough to make the placement of the M256 Gun Barrel odd. When I measured the final fit OOB - the Italeri gun barrel has an overhang of 73 inches in scale - 2.2 scale inches shorter than the listed reference of 75.2 inches in the Hunnicutt book. Not being a real tanker, I don't know if the active duty guys can verify the impression that the Italeri kit appears "stunted" like I feel it does.

I had intended to use the Model Point replacement barrel made for Tamiya Kit #35156. It compares favorably to the Tamiya kit(s) - even the brand new M1A2 kit. However, the shape and dimensions of the Tamiya kit is different than in the Italeri M1A2. When fitted to the Italeri kit, the Model Point gun barrel overhangs 81 inches in scale - some 5.8 inches in scale - if you don't perform some surgery to the Italeri mount. I was miffed as I really like this replacement barrel and wanted to use it. 5.8 inches in scale is a lot - guess I'll have to build a Tamiya Abrams to use it!

Unfortunately, the Hunnicutt reference does not breakdown the M256 Gun Barrel length as well as other gun fits, so I was forced to use the overhang as my base point. I set my scale ruler jig to the proper overhang length and fit the Italeri gun barrel to match. I got a resulting gap of 2.2 inches in scale. I've decided to chop and insert a little plug to make up the shortage in front off the fume extractor - because putting it anywhere else would throw off the other dimensions of the gun barrel in comparison to an overhead view of the Hull/Turret arrangement.



After this bout with AMS outta the way - I'm hoping I'll be able to get back to building the kit with reckless abandon. So far, my impression of the Italeri Abrams is best summed up by this emoticon -

Gunnie

I understand exactly what you are talking about Gunnie. I didn't do all the same measurements you did, but using some scale drawings I have (which as you said, do we really know they are right??) checked the kit barrel and I felt the Italeri barrel was too short also. I was too lazy to do the surgery on the kit barrel and used the Modelpoint one myself. It might be a little long but I feel it looks better than the kit offering. I don't have the same picture angle you used but you can see it in the RR forum at present if you're interested. And yes this emoticon hits the nail on the head concerning this kit.

Mike

Great read Gunnie !!
Will keep an eye on this post Yes every word you said a bad kit in pin marks and in this day an age don't see why they would want to make a 3 piece lower hull!!!!

Should call it gaps a plenty!!

Edit thanks for pointing out the road wheel pin marks was going to leave them alone but now will fill them!

Edit 2 Glad you are board for this campaign can use all the help on this thing!!

Hi Gunnie,
having seen the kit boxed only I was thinking this was finally a good M1 ... It comes pretty cheap over here so I thought it was worth the buy, well, seeing your journal I doubt that I'll ever build the kit ... I may use it as a donator for one of my DML kits I will build ... keep us updated!
-Andreas-

Is there any external difference between the M1A2 and the M1A2 SEP. I'm gonna plead ignorance because I am unable to tell the difference, which is weird because I research everything extensively.

Gunnie,
As always, a very informative and clear writeup. I will probably get the kit, and use your writeup as a guide for avoiding pitfalls

The majority of M1A2SEPs were rebuilt M1s. Some M1A2s were upgraded as well. One of the distinguishing features is that the M1A2 has a bustle rack mounted auxillary power unit (APU) and the SEP has one mounted internally in the left rear portion of the hull. In Gunnie's sixth picture down, where the back deck is shown, the lower right hand panel with fuel cap is changed. There are a set of access doors here and the APU exhaust runs out bewteen the left taillight and the oil cooler exhaust grill. The exhaust duct resembles a clothes dryer vent on the outside of a house.

Internally, the M1A2SEP has a different engine.

Good write up Gunnie, I wish you luck in your build. It makes me go back to my love/hate relationship with the Dragon M1A2.

Thanks Guys! I'm hoping to pick up on the Turret by Sunday. Right now, the model and everything else is packed up in boxes - as I'm in the middle of moving. Even the "Bloommobile" - which is really disconcerting at the moment. I'm doing this move virtually alone - so that I can control the damage(s) - no one to blame but me. Tomorrow and Saturday I probably won't be here on Site at all.

Here's a couple of pictures of my new digs - our first "home". The lot is big, had to stand across the street to get it all in the digital camera's frame...





Gunnie

Nice property...
That looks like a good amount of grass to mow. Don't let it get in the way of your building!
Best of luck!

A very fine home in sunny California, Gunnie. What a good day to build! I wish it's always sunny here in the NE.

Gonna be able to move all the kit out of storage??????

Congratulations on the home Gunnie, and yeah keep those landscapers busy, at least until you are settled in. I just mowed my lawn for the first time since December, and now I know it won't be over again till next December.



Bob, just my opinion, but don't do it. Pick up the new Tamiya kit instead, you will be much happier in the end. I saw the Tamiya kit at Triple A for $38.00 and the Italeri kit was about $35.00 I think.

Mike

Yes - I have the room now to bring everything back home again. 3/4ths of the garage has already been converted into living space. One room will be my new workshop. The other will likely be somekind of den/family space. The remainder of the garage is for the washer/dryer and storage space on the floor and overhead in the attic space above both rooms. There's only my wife and I, so this is gonna be fun figuring out what to do with all the space...

Gunnie

I agree with Mike. I'm planning on moving right into the Tamiya kit after I wrap-up the Italeri one. Tamiya's kit is pretty nice - even without the anti-slip coating on the Turret. The engineering is better, and the casting details crisp and sharp. I have three Tamiya M1A2's but I can safely say now that I won't purchase two more Italeri M1A2 kits. Again, not slamming Italeri, just a nod to the Tamiya kit's engineering and detailing...

Gunnie

OK guys, I'll defer to your combined opinions....Next month's purchase.
Now it'll be nice if I can finish my Trump A1 sometime this year...

Those are some nice Digs Gunnie.
Enjoy your new home many more will follow.

Heh heh - I just spend the last three days solid moving. Thank God I have two buddies help me out on Saturday to handle the bigger/heavier stuff. I moved everything else on Friday and Sunday. My arms are covered with bruises and my hands chapped raw - but Man it feels so dang good to be all moved and in our new place.

But - now we're in a sea of cardboard boxes... All I know is where my built-up are, my Bloommobile, and my M1A2 SEP Abrams Project is today. I've got my priorities straight

No Internet connection at home yet - can't find the computers under all the model boxes. My wife was crabbing all the way. It took three hours on Sunday just to move model kits. Man I was in Heaven - most of these kits I haven't seen for six or so years - it was like going to the Hobby Shop and raiding the place.

Last night, we pooped-out and sat outside on the Patio, plucking Oranges from the trees in the backyard and eating them while the sunset. I think I'm gonna have a hard time getting back into my model workshop.

My neighbor has a boat - and he goes fishin' all the time. Life is pretty short. I think I'm gonna have to tag along and waste worms with him every now and then...

Very Happy Gunnie

The new home looks great Gunnie. I know that you will be very happy there. I too have a large corner lot and have a lot of grass to mow. I got me one of those little riding mowers that I call my turtle. I got it rigged to operate with just the right side foot controls. (I'm a gimp no left leg). This is our first home that we have ever owned ourself. It is a very good feeling. Having a place or room for the hobby is the best feeling of all. You have done very nice in your selection and I hope that you have many years of happiness and enjoyment in your new home.

Thanks Dave! Yes - it's our first home and we're tickled pink. On Friday we ran around and turned on every light and TV (we've got four ) and electronic appliance we had unpacked for grins and giggles.

This is the first time we've ever had central air/heating in something other than a hotel room. We had to try that out - and froze an hour later. I had the Cable Dude come in and hook my model workshop up with digital cable - and my wife bought me a 17" flat-screen to put in there with a DVD player. I'm stylin' now!

Now - I want a ride-on mower too! I'm blaming you when the Wife complains!

We're such geeks now after the move - hopefully the glow won't wear off too quickly...

Gunnie