Tell me about Dragons 1/35 M1A1HA ABRAMS BAGHDAD IRAQI FREEDOM .
I have built the Dragon M1A1 with mine plough which i thought was a good Kit. What's the difference with this kit and Is it a good one.I have read somewhere on this site that we can expect a new re- tooled Abrams from Dragon anyone any info on this.
I am hoping to Holiday In Florida this summer is there any US bases in the Florida area where you can see the real beasts up close and personal (Security permitting).

Happy New Year to you all, especially all our boys in Iraq.

Cookie

Hi,
basically it is the same kit as the 3531 kit with added details for the OIF version. This is not a re-tooled Abrams AFAIK.
It has the USMC features like the 3531 and some extra stowage with a new decal sheet.

Dragon's new OIF Abrams is the same kit as you built with the added USMC items and stowage items to include a great selection of crew gear, cardboard MRE boxes, and a really nice added bustle rack with PE screen. It is the best value of DML Abrams kits, comes with all the parts of the previous kits and new items. Here is a review to read for yourself. I highly recomend it.

Yes, Dragon is supposed to come out with a newly re-tooled Abrams some time this year, no idea when though. It will be a M1A1 AIM (remanufactured version, same as any other M1A1). They are also coming out with an M1IP (Initial Production) hull that will be the base of their M1 Panther II mine clearing tank, which Trumpeter already has available.

As for US Army posts in FL, there are none. The closest is FT Stewart, GA, home of the 3rd Infantry Division, a couple of hours north of the FL border off I-95.

Gino
Thanks for the info. Will just have to make do with this kit and the web to get the all the detail on my next M1.
As a matter of intrest Dragon used to produce a crew for the M1 some time ago. Its not available here in the UK is it possible to get them somewhere. More to the point are they suitable for OIF M1 crew.

Cookie

I've found them on www.luckymodel.com, for $9.99 (postage not included)...with a bonus : the complete M1A1 HA kit !! (#3517) That's what I would call a pretty good deal. I'm longing for it now...
I think they would be OK for OIF, provided some mods about the new uniform. Some kitbashing with DML Modern Marines set should be the way to go....

Frenchy

Frenchy
I have noticed them on Lucky Models and have registered an account with them. Somehow my address is recorded as Greenland not UK . I am trying to contact them and change this before placing an order. I am afraid that my order my end up as a surprise to someone in Greenland.
Cookie

The DML figures are okay, especially the one (or is it two?) that have the small tanker's vest. That was still very popular in OIF. The other vest worn by tankers today is the Interceptor Body Armor which was not used in Desert Storm, so the DML set does not have that depicted.

I would not use the figures wearing BDUs, but it is okay. During combat operations tankers wear their Nomex suits (not depicted in the DML kit - a shame since they wore Nomex suits in Desert Storm too) with flak vests over top. During parts of OIF when gas was still a scare, men wore the MOPP suits with Interceptor Body Armor or the small flak vest over top.

Warriors has two sets of tankers; both sets in Nomex suits with the small tanker's vest over top.

Bob

Bob

I went to the Dragon site and there were alot of kit #'s

3516
3517 w/ crew
3531
3533

How do you know whick one is the one for what you want because some of them are for ODS. Only 1 I think is for OIF.

I haven't built the dragon one yet. I only built the Italeri one plus the one from tamiya. But was thinking about doing a dragon one because I can get the 3517 for about $11.00 would that be a good deal for a test kit.

Happy Modeling

Hiya,
well; I have build several DML M1's and have even more in stock ... basically I kinda dislike the DML kits. The turret basket and railings are quite a challenge and the general fit is not too good , but heck: We're modelers. Haven't build my Italeri so far. Got most kits from ebay for reasonable prices. All in all I'd say the new DML kit has a few eally nice features but the old problems. If you can get it for a good price: go for it
HTH - Andreas -

Dragon Kits:
3516-initial release with mine plow, basic interior. Desert Storm markings.
3517-same kit, no plow, with Tank crew set. Desert Storm markings
3531-USMC updates, same kit, but with USMC-specific items like intake/exhaust stacks, different style smoke grenade launchers, MCD. Can't remember if this one had the interior, or which markings (used to have all the kits, this was the one I got rid of )
3533-latest release, still same basic kit (USMC version) with pe for extended turret bustle, soft vinyl stowage, MCD and IFF panels, Marines smoke launchers, cardboard MRE's, and basic interior bits. Markings for OIF.
Also, Dragons M1A2 kit still comes with the parts to build an M1A1. I've found that the Shanghai reissues seem to have more warping than the DML ones.

Cheers,
Jim

Yes this one has got a simplified interior. It offers markings for the USMC variant and an army one as well.

As a note, kit # 3531 USMC, is the old USMC kit and does not include MCD, it is a pre OIF vehicle. You have to get kit # 3533, 1st Marine Bn Baghdad to get latest gear for OIF to include MCD. Also, all the DML/Dragon/ Shanghai Dragon Abrams come with the partial interior. As stated somewhere above, they are all the same basic molds with added pieces and they were the best M1 modles out there until the new Tamiya M1A2 OIF came along. I highly recommend them. You can't beat the price either.

Hey Cookie, if you want to see these fine works of art up close and personel this summer let me know.
We have some at Eglin AFB Florida, Alabama National Gaurd.

Thank for the offer wolfpack6

I will bookmark your details and contact you when i know my travel arrangements.
I will bring a very large case and buy lots of Kits. The M1 usually retail here for between £22 for Dragon - £35 for the Tamiya, at $11.00 they are a gift. Think i was born on the wrong side of the pond.

Mant Thanks
Cookie

Try EBay, if you need some help Ill be happy to offer!