I have the old ESCI M1 Abrams kit, 8070, and was curious if I could transform it into a Gulf War M1A1. What would be needed? I think a 120mm barrel and what else? Thanks---John

@John,

At the very simplest the main gun is the main distinguishing feature between 8070 kit and an M1A1. However, there are a few other details that would need attention and they can be found in an article on the 'On the Way' site explaining Differences between M1 and M1A1. Hope this helps.

Cheers,
--Jan

Thanks, I will definitely get the correct gun, I think the rounded fenders are wrong too. can be fixed with card stock, I think.---John

John,

Please check out the article that I've provided the link. For an M1A1 the rounded fenders are not really an issue but the main sight, turret blast panels and some engine deck features would need correcting.

TTFN,
--Jan

In addition to what has been stated...to be a true M1A1, the turret needs to be lengthened forward of the hatches (about 2mm in 1/72) and a round cover added to the left top of the turret over the hole where the future CITV will be installed.



An M1A1 is very different from an M1 in lots of ways more than just the larger main gun. I also would advise you to read the whole acrticle that Jan links to. It will tell you all you need to fix/update.

It would be much easier and probably cheaper to just buy an M1A1 kit.

How about a practically a whole new turret. Extended front for the thicker front turret armor, new storage boxes, bustle rack, blow off panels, new wind sensor and gun mantle. On the hull, headlight guards, NBC over pressure system, no rings on sprockets (at least in ODS) and cut out in side skirts.

Just get a Revell or Dragon M1A1 kit.

John,

As Jan noted, the On The Way! article gives you most of the changes you will need to make for converting an M1 into an M1A1 (images from the web since the Prime Portal M1 page isn't working for some reason):

- M256 120 mm Main Gun and altered Mantlet.



- longer Turret Storage Boxes, changed Side Bustle Racks and Rear Bustle Rack. (this picture is of an Australian M1A1, but the parts are the same, ignore the Extended Bustle Rack of the Turret Rear Bustle Rack):



Hi-Res

- NBC System installed where the left-hand Sponson Storage Box was (pictures from Prime Portal, Toadman's Tank Pictures & the web):







This picture shows the top of the NBC Unit on a Ryefield M1 model:



- Access Doors in the Engine Deck, 2 total, one on each side (I found some pictures from Prime Portal, Toadman's Tank Pictures & the web):







- Turret Blast Panels changed to two rectangular raised panels (picture from Toadman's Tank Pictures):



- Relocated the Smoke Canister Storage Boxes forward on the Turret sides (pictures from Prime Portal & Toadman's Tank Pictures, ignore the USMC Smoke Discharger version):





- "Man-Hole" on the Turret Roof forward of the Loaders Hatch (picture from Toadman's Tank Pictures, ignore the brackets on top of the cover as it's a USMC version):



Here are a few pictures of my ESCI M1 that I'm converting to a M1A1 (shelf queen, that is):











I hope this helps.

Jeff---Thanks! That's the kind of answers I was looking for . I do scratch building and all of this is most helpful. I refuse to buy another kit when I can make this work. I am what's known as frugal, that and I am on Uncle Sam's fixed income plan. LOL
Who makes a decent 120mm barrel that's less than a mortgage?---John

John,




No one makes one as an after-market item that I'm aware of.

Let me look at my stash tonight, I think I have an extra DML M1A1 kit that would provide you a lot of the parts you will need. I'll let you know via PM.

The factory sealed kit arrived in the mail today. Not all that bad looking.---John

I just dug this out after a 3 year hiatis. I have the ESCI turret with the Dragon mantlet and barrel assembled and the 2mm added to lengthen the turret. I then used the Dragon road wheels on the ESCI hull. It has been painted Humbrol Desert Tan spray 237.---John

WELL, will wonders never cease and talk about devotion to duty or a cause! Welcome back to where it all started on this elongated journey? In all seriousness it's nice to see the progress that you've made on this "epic journey". Be nice to see this project as it moves further along on its path to completion. Please try not to wait so long for you next update?

Cheers and Good Luck,
--Jan