Can anyone post photos of Army Abrams M1A1/A2 Bustle Rack Extension? I read that the bustle rack extension included in the Academy kit and one made by Eduard (ed35598) are Marine versions. Am I correct on this?

I have photos of Marine version but not the Army one. The newer Dragon Marine M1A1 Baghdad kit actually has the Army kind bustle rack I heard. Is that correct? What does it look like if anyone has assembled one?

Thank you all in advance!

Do a quick search of the site and you will get upteen results.

Jeff

Not too long ago the DML rack was discussed:

https://armorama.kitmaker.net/forums/48404&page=2

The DML rack comes in their Marine kit, but it is really the 3rd ID rack. Also, only the 2nd Brigade of the 3rd ID used these racks. The 1st and 3rd did not. The DML kit does not come with the two jerry can racks that should be depicted too, if you are doing this. Finally, the exhaust deflector shield was also carried on the turret.

The DML rack is a little oversimplified, but it is okay. The hooks are wrong and they are not on the ends. Actually, the inside face has a frame too, but not exactly like the outside face. The four hooks are on the four inside braces that are missing from the DML rack. The real thing is actually made of square tubing with flat panels inside the tubing. The DML kit combines all this into one molding. If you look closely at photos you can see the panel lines where the tubing meets the flat panels.

I scratchbuilt mine since I was already building the jerry can racks and did not own the DML kit to begin with.

I can PM you one decent photo of the rack from underneath that shows the tubing and you can see the endcap with the flat panels up against the tubing. Compare that to the DML part and you should be able to build one yourself using 1.5 mm tubing and 1.5 mm strips cut at the proper angle.

Bob

Howdy P2G. Yes it is still correct that the Dragon rack is incorrect. Out here.

The EDUARD one is correct for the Marine Version, but having just returned from Iraq this past December some Army Units stationed North of Baghdad were sporting Marine style bustle rack extensions. From what their Master Gunner told me they were bought because they liked them over what the Army provided them. He said that they liked the idea of them being collapsable.
SF
Andy

They must be using some new design. The original USMC extension was not collapsible. Any body have some pics or more insight into this rack.

Gino, the original USMC issue Bustle Rack Extension as fielded was collapsable. It was one of the original requirements for the thing when the needs statement was written. You know, life on ship and all that. The pics of it are on the disc that is headed your way. See, it aint' gonna stick. Out here.

O, cool! Collapsable rack is nice.
Thanks to y'all for the generous responses.

Gino,
I knew the two Marines that designed the original, and I was on the testing team for them. The only difference between the original and what was fielded are some additional weld points at the joints to strengthen the assembly. I send me you email and I will send you a word document to include pictures of the last pre-production rack, that is mounted on an M1A1 Tank at Ft. A.P. Hill

SF
Andy