This past weekend I came across the Dragon M1A2SEP at a garage sale, of all places. Asking price was $10USD but I got it down to $5USD...so yeah I bought it!! Just completed an inventory and all parts are accounted for.

There is a somewhat famous photo of an USMC A1 in Kuwait circa 2003 that I always wanted to build. I also have on hand the Cyber-Hobby M1A1 HA. Using these two kits the question is what considerations and concerns are there using the better quality A2SEP and backdating it to an USMC A1? Below are the two kits for clarification





Thanks in advance

The hull rear deck, smoke grenade launchers, commanders weapon station, removal of the CITV (?) step 14 W31 and APU on the bustle rack. That is just off the top of my head.
Minus the smoke grenades, you might have all the pieces as unused in the kit. You can use these instructions https://www.super-hobby.com/products/USMC-M1A1-Abrams-Heavy-Armor-U.S.-Tank-Crew-Orange-Series.html?partner_id=9
That only gets you to a DS1 era tank not OIF tank in 2003. Since the A2 is not a Marine issue hog I am sure others will know more about what to remove or change on the version and time period.

Good luck.

Thanks for your input Tank1812...That gets things rolling.

A2 to A1(USMC) Backdating Laundry List
I thought I would start a todo list..

Key: (?) = this means I do not know what needs to be changed
(/) = This means I understand what needs to be changed and how

[ ] Rear Hull Deck (?)
[ ] USMC Smoke Grenade Launchers (/)
[ ] Commander's Weapon Station (/)
[ ] Removal of the CITV (/)
[ ] APU on the bustle rack (/)

Using scalemates posted instructions, the CITV is built in step 14, the overall part is labeled as W31, it has around ten parts or so.

As I recall the intake and battery layout is different between the two. See page 19
https://www.scalemates.com/products/img/8/9/9/975899-62-instructions.pdf

Oh gotcha!! thanks again.

I just remembered that SVSM has some Walkarounds of USMC A1s...that should help.

On an M1A2, the left rear hull has either an Under Armor APU (UAAPU) or a Hawker Battery System in place of the left rear fuel tank. Externally, the left rear deck looks very different.

UUAPU and Hawker Battery System. Disregard how they are labeled. The UUAPU is on the left w/the exhaust on the rear next to the light. The Hawker Battery System is the layout on the right.


The M1A1 has a smooth deck with one fuel filler cap on top.

Thanks Gino that is a big help!!
Any other pointers?

Eric,
I might have a DML 3535 upper hull part in my M1 parts stash. If so, its yours so you can avoid the pain of having to modify the M1A2 SEP upper hull.

John

Thanks for the offer John!
I'm standing by as I got an email from "Lots of Models" earlier today stating my order shipped...I don't recall make that order
But Friday is my birthday...so....

Eric,
As I thought, I do have an extra upper hull part. Send me aPM with your address and I'll get it in the mail.

John