Hi all i wanna build an M1A1 abrams.
I would like to build one that is beging used .
In iraq right now.
now what model company makes a good kit.
that comes close to MIA1 BEGING USED.
i am not a rivet counter so that stuff dont matter.
i really dont want a dragon kit. so lets take that off the list.
and i dont wnat a trumpyet kit lol.
so give me your ideas thanks guys

The best one right now would be Tamiya's M1a2 which can be built as an m1a1 from the army or marine corps. They hull however leaves a lot to be desired.

Dragon plans on releasing a completely new mold of the Abrams series sometime this year. They have announced a Panther II, and M1A1 AIM, and an M1A2 SEP, all of which are in Iraq as we speak.

So you can build the Tamiya one now or wait until Dragons is relaesed.

thanks BroAbrams

In that case, I would say your best bet is Tamiya's kit. It allows you to build multiple variants including (and I am recalling this from memory, others help me out) the regular Army M1A1HC (Heavy Common) and M1A2, as well as USMC M1A1HC with the MCD. I did an Italeri M1A2 a year ago for the Abrams ID campaign. Not a bad kit, though the kit tracks were "link and length" and difficult for a first-time armor modeller and some fit problems and warps in small areas. For the price, the detail level was rather well and all its faults were easily corrected, even for a beginner modeller (which I was at the time).

Vodnik did a comprehensive review of the major M1xx kits.
http://vodnik2.republika.pl/pages/m1-comparison/m1comp1.htm

Academy is an option as well, but if you read the article, I personally wouldn't recommend it.

Hope this helps. The Abram guys of the site (BroAbrams, Melon, Tankleader, Sabot among a few that come from memory) can further you on.

Jeff

what kit number is the tamyia??

thanks guys

Here is a link to Tamiya's M1A2 at Squadron.com. Even though the box says M1A2, as stated above, it builds into three different variants of Abrams tank. Incidently, the M1A2 version it does build into did not see service in Iraq. It was a later variant, the M1A2SEP that came into country after the ground war was "over".
it is kit #35269.

Which units are the M1A2SEPs in? Is it just the 4th ID?

Jeff

That's what I found in researching my M1A2 SEP conversion. I found most information and photos covering 4 ID 1-67 Armor - Bravo and Charlie Company tanks. I didn't find much on any other unit. I'm always on the lookout too...

Gunnie

No, the armor battalions in the First Cavalry Division (actually an armor division by organization) are equipped with the M1A2SEP. These units were equipped with the M1A2 but transitioned to the M1A2SEP within the last several years. I am unsure if the 3rd ACR has any M1A2SEPs.

If you have a Hobby Lobby close to you, this would be a great time to snag the Tamiya M1 kit discussed here at half off.