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Hello everyone,

Speaking of RFM Abrams kits, none of the RFM 5007 ones had the J sprue (the one with VCU) when I bought them at the beginning of 2017. RFM were kind enough to send them to me later.

Did the later batches have any other inprovements/additions?

Also, I remember that the original 3-in-1 5004 kit had some sprues retooled in later revisions. I think commander's cupola was enlarged. Does anyone remember what other improvements were made? And if the improved parts were then used in the 5007 and later kits from the beginning?

Many thanks in advance!
Majek

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Hi Majek,

1. Yes, RFM eventually got around to adding the missing J sprue with the VCU. I have two boxings of this kit; in the first one it's missing; in the second it's in there. I have no idea how you know which one you're ordering without peeking inside.

2. Yes, RFM did a lot of retooling of their original 3-in-1 TUSK kit (2004) after it was issued and the retooled parts found their way into all the subsequent kits. IIRC Pawel Krupowicz advised them. The M1A2 cupola was enlarged and updated to represent the later type; the M1A1 cupola hatch opening was made more accurate in shape; there were a bunch of detail changes, for example to the .50cal ammo feed parts; the track end connectors were improved; and a number of other tweaks. RFM did a good job on improving their Abrams. Also...

3. A lot of the improvements found their way back into the later issues of 5004 TUSK 3-in-1 kit. Again, I have two of this kit and they have different parts. The later one has all the changes above, plus more accurate belly armour, improved parts for the TUSK shields around the M1A1 cupola, and probably a couple of other tweaks.

Long story short, RFM made a lot of improvements to their M1 in the course of production, but it's hard to tell which parts are in which box.

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Thank you, Ed! Much appreciated. I wish there was a complete list of what to look for.

Do you know if the 5007 and later kits contain all the improvements, even the initial batches (except for the J sprue)?

Thanks!

3. A lot of the improvements found their way back into the later issues of 5004 TUSK 3-in-1 kit. Again, I have two of this kit and they have different parts. The later one has all the changes above, plus more accurate belly armour, improved parts for the TUSK shields around the M1A1 cupola, and probably a couple of other tweaks.

Long story short, RFM made a lot of improvements to their M1 in the course of production, but it's hard to tell which parts are in which box.

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3. A lot of the improvements found their way back into the later issues of 5004 TUSK 3-in-1 kit. Again, I have two of this kit and they have different parts. The later one has all the changes above, plus more accurate belly armour, improved parts for the TUSK shields around the M1A1 cupola, and probably a couple of other tweaks.

Long story short, RFM made a lot of improvements to their M1 in the course of production, but it's hard to tell which parts are in which box.

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I am sorry to bother you with one more question. You mention the improved TUSK shields in later boxings of the 5004 kit. Are you actually referring to the parts on the J sprue? If so, I'd need to check if RFM sent me the newer tooling sprues.

Thanks!

No problem! No - the parts I'm talking about are on Sprue B: 32, 33, 38 and 39.

I think this shows it: Here are the parts as originally tooled:

https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/image/10368006/40/9

The two parts top centre with the rectangular windows and the two curved parts top left.

And here's the retooled sprue (the other way up).

https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/image/10449718/40/9

EDIT: Sorry for the URLs - I tried linking the images but they won't link for whatever reason