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More M1A2SEV V3 stuff
Kenaicop
#384
Joined: August 23, 2005
KitMaker: 1,426 posts
Armorama: 1,316 posts
Posted: Thursday, November 28, 2019 - 03:29 AM UTC
Majekm
Joined: April 06, 2008
KitMaker: 39 posts
Armorama: 38 posts
Posted: Friday, November 29, 2019 - 02:29 AM UTC
I so want a 1/35 model of M1a2c/SEP V3... I guess it won't happen soon. Maybe some company such as Y-modelle will come up with a conversion set for one of the existing Abrams kits in the meantime...
exgrunt
Joined: December 17, 2013
KitMaker: 301 posts
Armorama: 301 posts
Posted: Friday, November 29, 2019 - 03:25 AM UTC
That thing is a beast. Glad to see it's in full production. So the exterior changes are: enlarged frontal turret armor, new towing brackets, hull frontal armor? It's supposed to have upgraded hull armor, is this visible? Also, I noted small fixtures (brackets?) along the bottom of the forward turret side, under the smoke grenade storage box. Are those new? If so, any idea what they are for?
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9z9c9upshVo/Xd-nbp2-hiI/AAAAAAABzkE/8S_C0ZZSw4gaX6rsXapOUxqhrGFWRMFAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/EKalyYIW4AAMRrN.jpg
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9z9c9upshVo/Xd-nbp2-hiI/AAAAAAABzkE/8S_C0ZZSw4gaX6rsXapOUxqhrGFWRMFAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/EKalyYIW4AAMRrN.jpg
Kenaicop
#384
Joined: August 23, 2005
KitMaker: 1,426 posts
Armorama: 1,316 posts
Posted: Friday, November 29, 2019 - 04:28 AM UTC
More towing stuff on rear hull too
Burik
Joined: March 12, 2002
KitMaker: 1,437 posts
Armorama: 1,303 posts
Posted: Friday, November 29, 2019 - 05:14 AM UTC
Quoted Text
That thing is a beast. Glad to see it's in full production. So the exterior changes are: enlarged frontal turret armor, new towing brackets, hull frontal armor? It's supposed to have upgraded hull armor, is this visible? Also, I noted small fixtures (brackets?) along the bottom of the forward turret side, under the smoke grenade storage box. Are those new? If so, any idea what they are for?
Those are mounting blocks for ERA. They have been around for several years now. You can see them on different variants, even the M1A1 SA tanks.
seanmcandrews
Joined: May 09, 2009
KitMaker: 561 posts
Armorama: 553 posts
Posted: Friday, November 29, 2019 - 05:14 AM UTC
[quote]That thing is a beast. Glad to see it's in full production. So the exterior changes are: enlarged frontal turret armor, new towing brackets, hull frontal armor? It's supposed to have upgraded hull armor, is this visible? Also, I noted small fixtures (brackets?) along the bottom of the forward turret side, under the smoke grenade storage box. Are those new? If so, any idea what they are for?
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9z9c9upshVo/Xd-nbp2-hiI/AAAAAAABzkE/8S_C0ZZSw4gaX6rsXapOUxqhrGFWRMFAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/EKalyYIW4AAMRrN.jpg
Mounting blocks for TUSKII frames.
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9z9c9upshVo/Xd-nbp2-hiI/AAAAAAABzkE/8S_C0ZZSw4gaX6rsXapOUxqhrGFWRMFAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/EKalyYIW4AAMRrN.jpg
Mounting blocks for TUSKII frames.
system
Joined: November 24, 2008
KitMaker: 364 posts
Armorama: 363 posts
Posted: Friday, November 29, 2019 - 08:28 AM UTC
Quoted Text
More towing stuff on rear hull too
- some kind of armored conduit that runs behind the driver's hatch down to the RH mudguard
- The left rear upper hull and area around the LH rear light is different too, with a 'slot' under the light
- beefed-up upper rear tow hooks
- extended mudguards
Taking bets for the first plastic kit...
Kenaicop
#384
Joined: August 23, 2005
KitMaker: 1,426 posts
Armorama: 1,316 posts
Posted: Friday, November 29, 2019 - 11:54 AM UTC
Yes, that slit, I’ve seen it before. Screw it, I’m building one, I have a half built Academy SEP V2 that I can start on, and Blast makes a Low Profile Crows. You all can thank me later, as soon as I finish this, someone will produce one 😛
https://vietbao.vn/The-gioi/Ben-trong-nha-may-san-xuat-sieu-xe-tang-M1A2-SEP-V3-cua-My/120986627/860/
https://vietbao.vn/The-gioi/Ben-trong-nha-may-san-xuat-sieu-xe-tang-M1A2-SEP-V3-cua-My/120986627/860/
Majekm
Joined: April 06, 2008
KitMaker: 39 posts
Armorama: 38 posts
Posted: Friday, November 29, 2019 - 02:57 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Yes, that slit, I’ve seen it before. Screw it, I’m building one, I have a half built Academy SEP V2 that I can start on, and Blast makes a Low Profile Crows. You all can thank me later, as soon as I finish this, someone will produce one 😛
Yes, Yes! Please make sure you post a detailed build log here. I was really hoping someone would try to build one with the kits we have available currently. The geometry of the turret front is quite complex, so may be a challenge. I will definitely follow your wip with great interest. And Yes, after you build it and a plastic kit comes out, people like me with no skills, will be able to get one too.
Thank you, Sir!Kenaicop
#384
Joined: August 23, 2005
KitMaker: 1,426 posts
Armorama: 1,316 posts
Posted: Saturday, November 30, 2019 - 05:21 AM UTC
No blog, in case things go south on me, but I’ll definitely post some pics as I go along, I’m thinking hardest part will be blending in the front turret armor and making the new towing or tie down points, making them all identical
Majekm
Joined: April 06, 2008
KitMaker: 39 posts
Armorama: 38 posts
Posted: Saturday, November 30, 2019 - 10:48 AM UTC
Quoted Text
No blog, in case things go south on me, but I’ll definitely post some pics as I go along, I’m thinking hardest part will be blending in the front turret armor and making the new towing or tie down points, making them all identical
Understood. But please do post photos from time to time. I am really interested to see how it comes out. You will probably need to add some thickness to the front hull as well...
JmeDubya
Joined: July 25, 2013
KitMaker: 124 posts
Armorama: 124 posts
Posted: Sunday, December 01, 2019 - 05:57 AM UTC
sorry guys don’t know how to link without thumbnails...
Another of front tow hooks and turret armor.
But this one has me asking, did the turret get wider too? Or is this just a more finished weight to simulate the new armor?
Another of front tow hooks and turret armor.
But this one has me asking, did the turret get wider too? Or is this just a more finished weight to simulate the new armor?
Kenaicop
#384
Joined: August 23, 2005
KitMaker: 1,426 posts
Armorama: 1,316 posts
Posted: Sunday, December 01, 2019 - 06:07 AM UTC
Cool, I stole that top pic from you, bottom pics looks like a test vehicle. But, tell me more about that M48 you have in your own pics 😛
BunkerBuster
Joined: March 29, 2017
KitMaker: 157 posts
Armorama: 122 posts
Posted: Sunday, December 01, 2019 - 06:35 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted TextMore towing stuff on rear hull too
- some kind of armored conduit that runs behind the driver's hatch down to the RH mudguard
- The left rear upper hull and area around the LH rear light is different too, with a 'slot' under the light
- beefed-up upper rear tow hooks
- extended mudguards
Taking bets for the first plastic kit...
I'm guessing that armored conduit is for routing controls to an installed mine blade or roller. Also, those mounts on the front look like they could be part of a new mine blade system.
JmeDubya
Joined: July 25, 2013
KitMaker: 124 posts
Armorama: 124 posts
Posted: Sunday, December 01, 2019 - 06:36 AM UTC
My first try at modifying a dragon M48a3 into a M48a5 for the Cal Guard... before there was a kit for it.
I really like the collapsible bladders and your USMC A1 in your gallery too!
👍🏻
Ok this looks easier... a few of details for new M1A2Cs photographed at Lima.
https://imgur.com/gallery/5H7uSEb
I really like the collapsible bladders and your USMC A1 in your gallery too!
👍🏻
Ok this looks easier... a few of details for new M1A2Cs photographed at Lima.
https://imgur.com/gallery/5H7uSEb
Kenaicop
#384
Joined: August 23, 2005
KitMaker: 1,426 posts
Armorama: 1,316 posts
Posted: Sunday, December 01, 2019 - 07:50 AM UTC
But, they’re on the rear hull too 🤷🏻♂️
Quoted Text
Quoted TextQuoted TextMore towing stuff on rear hull too
- some kind of armored conduit that runs behind the driver's hatch down to the RH mudguard
- The left rear upper hull and area around the LH rear light is different too, with a 'slot' under the light
- beefed-up upper rear tow hooks
- extended mudguards
Taking bets for the first plastic kit...
I'm guessing that armored conduit is for routing controls to an installed mine blade or roller. Also, those mounts on the front look like they could be part of a new mine blade system.
Kenaicop
#384
Joined: August 23, 2005
KitMaker: 1,426 posts
Armorama: 1,316 posts
Posted: Sunday, December 01, 2019 - 07:53 AM UTC
I’ve got those pics, but still collecting. Probably won’t really get around to doing anything for a few weeks. I’ve already got the turret TUSK mounting brackets on the academy kit, I’ll try and post some pics. Funny thing about my fuel bladders, I built them, they came out so nice I had to buy and build a kit to put them on. Made out of lead foil
Quoted Text
Quoted TextQuoted TextMore towing stuff on rear hull too
- some kind of armored conduit that runs behind the driver's hatch down to the RH mudguard
- The left rear upper hull and area around the LH rear light is different too, with a 'slot' under the light
- beefed-up upper rear tow hooks
- extended mudguards
Taking bets for the first plastic kit...
I'm guessing that armored conduit is for routing controls to an installed mine blade or roller. Also, those mounts on the front look like they could be part of a new mine blade system.
JmeDubya
Joined: July 25, 2013
KitMaker: 124 posts
Armorama: 124 posts
Posted: Sunday, December 01, 2019 - 09:14 AM UTC
Mounting brackets look awesome.
Trisaw
Joined: December 24, 2002
KitMaker: 4,105 posts
Armorama: 2,492 posts
Posted: Sunday, December 01, 2019 - 02:07 PM UTC
The M1A2 SEP Version FOUR will be the major enhancements version with new ammunition, Active Protection Systems (APS as standard? I don't know), new FLIR and thermal imaging sensors with higher resolution, and the much anticipated (and finally time), the laser warning (lase) receivers.
I don't totally agree with the SEP V2 and V3 upgrades as I strongly believe that the M1A2 SEPs need a new turret just like the Leopard 2 Next Generation MBT. Why strip, rework, and rewire when a brand new turret could be made and plunked in? This just adds to time and labor costs.
To answer SNAFU, so far the LCACs can't really carry a 70-ton M1A2 SEPV3 unlike the Ship to Shore Connectors (SSCs) which can, so I doubt the USMC will hop aboard until they get the SSCs.
The US Marines can benefit from the MPF and NGCV if they come into service.
It really is nice to see the M1A2 SEPV3s though (and I may sound like a hypocrite with the new turret comments above) because it is time to upgrade to meet the latest threats and one problem with NATO is that their modern MBTs are failing due to lack of spare parts and maintenance. The US Army and USMC don't let this happen because the depot upgrades are still ongoing and getting funded.
So for me, personally, I'd pass on the M1A2 SEPV3 model kit and wait for the M1A2 SEPV4 because of my first paragraph. The V4 should look vastly different than the V3 with the APS and other features that may change the exterior.
I don't totally agree with the SEP V2 and V3 upgrades as I strongly believe that the M1A2 SEPs need a new turret just like the Leopard 2 Next Generation MBT. Why strip, rework, and rewire when a brand new turret could be made and plunked in? This just adds to time and labor costs.
To answer SNAFU, so far the LCACs can't really carry a 70-ton M1A2 SEPV3 unlike the Ship to Shore Connectors (SSCs) which can, so I doubt the USMC will hop aboard until they get the SSCs.
The US Marines can benefit from the MPF and NGCV if they come into service.
It really is nice to see the M1A2 SEPV3s though (and I may sound like a hypocrite with the new turret comments above) because it is time to upgrade to meet the latest threats and one problem with NATO is that their modern MBTs are failing due to lack of spare parts and maintenance. The US Army and USMC don't let this happen because the depot upgrades are still ongoing and getting funded.
So for me, personally, I'd pass on the M1A2 SEPV3 model kit and wait for the M1A2 SEPV4 because of my first paragraph. The V4 should look vastly different than the V3 with the APS and other features that may change the exterior.
Kenaicop
#384
Joined: August 23, 2005
KitMaker: 1,426 posts
Armorama: 1,316 posts
Posted: Monday, December 02, 2019 - 05:25 AM UTC
The more pics of this tank I find, the more things I see. Anyone notice the front of the turret, right where the mantlet protrudes, is flat, or flush? All sorts of funky angles along the bottom of the turret too, near the mantlet and on the left side near the smoke grenade box.
ivanhoe6
Joined: April 05, 2007
KitMaker: 2,023 posts
Armorama: 1,234 posts
Posted: Monday, December 02, 2019 - 11:12 AM UTC
With all the upgrades going on, meaning more weight, has the suspension & power plant been upgraded too? I do hope so !
New towing gear set ups, that sounds like they are anticipating problems.
New towing gear set ups, that sounds like they are anticipating problems.
HermannB
Joined: October 14, 2008
KitMaker: 4,099 posts
Armorama: 4,067 posts
Posted: Wednesday, December 04, 2019 - 05:30 AM UTC
Judging from the pics, I think the turret armor is about 3 mm or 1/8 inch. It`s only tricky to get the angles on the armor.
Hmmm, maybe Robert Skipper can get to a v3 soon?
Hmmm, maybe Robert Skipper can get to a v3 soon?
Kenaicop
#384
Joined: August 23, 2005
KitMaker: 1,426 posts
Armorama: 1,316 posts
Posted: Wednesday, December 04, 2019 - 10:47 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Judging from the pics, I think the turret armor is about 3 mm or 1/8 inch. It`s only tricky to get the angles on the armor.
Hmmm, maybe Robert Skipper can get to a v3 soon?
I have the tank pulled out and I’ll probably start cutting styrene sometime this week or after the weekend. Still got kids here from thanksgiving. We’ll see how this turns out. I’d love to have pics of the turret top to see what’s going on up there. Probably order the Low Profile CROWS today too.
Kenaicop
#384
Joined: August 23, 2005
KitMaker: 1,426 posts
Armorama: 1,316 posts
Posted: Friday, December 06, 2019 - 02:47 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Judging from the pics, I think the turret armor is about 3 mm or 1/8 inch. It`s only tricky to get the angles on the armor.
Hmmm, maybe Robert Skipper can get to a v3 soon?
It’s much thicker then I thought
Kenaicop
#384
Joined: August 23, 2005
KitMaker: 1,426 posts
Armorama: 1,316 posts
Posted: Friday, December 06, 2019 - 07:55 AM UTC
Some progress. My plan is to extend the turret face out, blend it in, then add another thinner plate and shape all the angles out. I’ve also started making the tie down brackets. I also noticed the existing tie downs have been beefed up and thickened. Just ordered the LP CROWS too.
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