Starting a refueling diorama of M1-A1 and M-977 Fuel Tanker in 1/35th. Anyone have any info/pics of Abrams refueling ops? Interested in seeing the fuel fill necks on the rear deck opened and detail of the fuel holes. I know it's a long shot , but, anyone know of any photoetch or resin fuel caps out there? Thanks.

Here's of the M1Abrams fuel opening.


heres a link full of pics:
www.tanxheaven.com

Working link to Tank heaven
www.tanxheaven.com

Dang... I used to have a few photos a while back of a refueling operation, but haven't a clue where they are...

In my unit, usually the Gunner and Loader dismount to the back deck, taking a handheld fire extinguisher with them from the turret; Both fuel caps are opened, and while one fuel tank is being filled, the other crewman is looking into the second one (once the fuel starts showing in the screen cone filter to about the diameter of a half dollar, the other crewman stops fueling)...

Also, both crewman as a rule wear their goggles during fueling...

Hope this helps

Wow, it would be great to see the pics, but thanks for the info on the evolution. Curious to know how you green suiters set up your gas stations. Is it all done from tankers or are portable pumps and bladders used? Us AF guys are used to just having to wake up the fuel bowser driver from his nap!! Thanks for the info!

Depends on the situation. In the motor pool, the M978 (not M977) drives up and down the tank line to top off the tanks.

In the field, there are several styles or refueling operations:
1) Refuel on the Move (ROM): Fuelers, either the M978 or the 5,000 gallon tractor trailer types set up in an area and the tanks pull up much like cars would at a gas station. Each M978 can set up two fuel points, and tanks pull up to the right and left.

2) Tail gate resupply: When the tanks are in a laager (assembly area), the fueler pulls up to each tank position and refuels the vehicles one at a time.

3) Service station: The fueler sets up in the center of the laager area and the tanks come out of their positions one at a time to refuel. Normally there would also be an M977 cargo HEMTT there to provide ammunition resupply at the same time.

Well I managed to finally open up the fuel caps, which was a pain due to Dragon's plastic quality, and have scratched a fuel tube and the like. After slicing off tthe fuel cap, I used a Dremel tool to grind a dish into the rear deck. Then used a drill for the actual opening. a short section of brass tube for the filler neck, and be sure to use some styrene sheet to close in the bottom, as you can see light between the hull and road heels. Will post pics soon.
BUT.. now that I have the M1A1 ready to get gas...has anyone used the Pro Art M-978 Pump detail kit? I would like to get that pump area and the exterior detail set. Just wondering if any one has used them and how the quality/detail is. I think Vodnik posted a review of some of their sets, but any other input would be appreciated.

I've got (ad done reviews) of 2 of Pro Art's sets.... The Singars and the 5ton Fuel pod sets.

Both are great in terms of Quality.......