Hello, I have been an avid AFV builder for years, but have been out of the game for the last three years or so. I am back in the game now and have a few projects I want to start. I want to build a particular USMC M1 Abrams serving in OIF with the 1st Tank Bt. , 1st Marine Div. Delta Co. as they pushed into Bhagdad in 03. The commentator on the documentary I saw called this tank a M1A2 but I was under the impreession that the USMC used the M1A1 Heavy Common not the A2. Is this correct ? Also I want to know the best kit on the market to use as the basis for such a project. I am looking at the newer Tamiya Abrams OIF kit, is there one better? Any input on this would be much appreciated.

Also does anyone know of a US distributor that carries Blast Models or do you have to order direct from them?

Thanks in advance for input.

Brian

Dragon is releasing a new M1A1 AIM kit in the supposed near future. Kit number 3535, if I remember correctly. Very highly anticipated. If you can wait, I would do so.

If the bug is hitting you pretty hard, I am partial to the older Dragon kit, the 1st Marine Tank Btn kit. I have built a couple of these and find them to be pretty good. The Tamiya kit is more expensive and a better kit, but I am partial to this old kit, I can put it together without using the instructions, as it is essentially the same kit that has been out for 10 or so years. The DML kit has the newer packs that the Marines used and are using in OIF. There are a few aftermarket makers of these, but the Dragon ones are decent and are included free.

Someone should before tomorrow, post a great comparison article about the available M1A1 kits, it will be a good resource to help you make your decision. Feel free to check out my gallery, the M1A1's there are the current Dragon kit, #3533.

And yes, the USMC only uses the M1A1 HC version, no M1A2's are being used at this time.

Also, I don't know if there is a distributor of Blast in the US, I always order from them directly via their website. Good service, shipping is as fast as can be expected without paying the high cost of overnight and they speak English via their emails. I have had nothing but good experiences with them.

Here are the part numbers needed for a OIF Invasion USMC M1A1:

Dragon Kit # 3533 or Tamiya kit #35269

Eduard Photo Etch Detail set: #35510 for the DML #35333 for the Tamiya kit

Eduard Bustle Rack Extention #35598

Legends makes a great accesory kit, if you choose to go the Dragon route, this kit has the correct drive wheel. The Tamiya kit has a closer rendition. Plus, the Legends set has all sorts of great things, cots, packs, water can, POL cans, tarps, nets bags, ect. Kit # 1029. Tamiya also makes a nice set (you can never have enough spare junk to strap to the top and sides of a tank), kit #35266.

As far as decals go, check with Echelon Decals, they offer plenty of specialized USMC offerings, should be able to cobble together enough to get what you need. A nice, fine pointed ink pen is good to replicate the hand drawn vehicle markings to personlize the kit for your friend.

If you know the name the crew gave to the tank, I may have some photos of it in my references. The documentary you mentioned was 1st Tanks, and they were loaded with military journalists and there are tons of shots available on the web from their push out of Kuwait into Baghdad. Also, check out the 29 Palms, 1st Tanks website, they have many great shots available. Many you will recognize from the TV program.
Hope this helps.

Good luck
Melon

Here are some reviews of M1 kits.
http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/vehicles/tamiya/tam35269.htm
http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/vehicles/dragon/dr3533.htm
These may help you pick one.

Jim

If I may, since I have a similar question in regard to the US Marine Corp Abrams. I've been doing aircraft for so long but I have been picking up armor here and there and just could not pass up on a Dragon kit of the M1A1, off of Ebay for around $12.00 with the shipping included. Melon you mentioned that kit 3533 and the upcoming kit #3535 is soon due. This kit that I just got is #3531 and as you mentioned looks great. What is lacking or in this kit to bring it up to OIF standards if possible?

TIA
Chuck
Drive Navy

Right now the Tamiya M1A2 is the best tank. It will build into an OIF USMC M1A1 (as well as an Army M1A1 or M1A2 for that matter).

Here is the great M1A1/A2 Comparison Article by Vodnik. It is a side-by-side comparison of most of the kits out there.

I prefer the DML kits as well. The new USMC M1A1 kit is the best deal since it includes the USMC specific parts and all the parts to build a US Army tank as well. The forthcoming M1A1 AIM looks like it will be awesome too. I can't wait to get one.

The newer DML M1A1 USMC kit, #3533 has a few extra pieces than the older 3531 kit. For an OIF M1A1 HC, it includes the Missile Countermeasure Device (MCD) as seen on most USMC tanks in OIF 1. It also has some extra CIPs, and a great stowage set to include duffel bags, new MOLLE gear packs, and covered rucksacks. Also has MRE Boxes in paper. It also includes a Bustle Rack Extension (BRE, extra rack to hold gear on the back of the tank), however, it is a 2BDE, 3ID rack, not the correct USMC rack that Mellon refers to by Eduard and also available in the new Academy USMC OIF M1A1HC kit.

Here is a review of the DML USMC M1A1HC OIF kit that shows all it includes.

Here is my USMC M1A1 HC "Angry American" using the Academy hull, running gear, BRE, and other parts, with a DML turret to correct the wrong Academy turret, and other parts form Tamiya, DML, and Trumpeter kits. I also used the awesome Echelon decals on it.

Good luck on your build.

Long time no see no hear & welcome to Armorama Brian! Hopefully, the last few years have been good to you. Perhaps I'll see you at a local show in the future...

I agree with the rest of the postings here too. From my perspective selecting the current Dragon or the Tamiya "OIF" Abrams is about the same in terms of adding detail, corrections, modifications and extra goodies. I like the basic engineering of the Tamiya kit a little better though.

Heck, I know what you can do with a model when you want to build it - just do it! I even had fun reworking an Italeri 'A2 into the M1A2 SEP. Whatever one you pick, just have some fun!

M1A2 SEP Abrams - BOOM STICK

Gunnie

GunTruck: are you apart of Silicon Valley Scale Modelers? I used to be apart of them back in 1996 though 2000 before I moved to Sacramento and eventually joined the Army.



anyone have tips on how to make the non-slip coating? I have Tamiya's M1A2 that I'm going to use to model a 3ID mount from the Thunder Runs (kinda partial to 3ID since I was based at Ft. Benning for a couple of months)

Yes Matt - I'm still a member of the Silicon Valley Scale Modelers - though I don't attend meetings regularly. I remember you too - I hope things have gone well since you left us to join the Army. Good to see you here too - I hope 2006 brings back many familiar faces.





A couple of our members here have their own approach to the Non-Slip:

Pawel 'Vodnik" Krupowicz: Vodnik's Easy Non-Slip Surfaces

Major Gino Quintiliani: Thread at FSM Forum

Me - I prefer to use Liquitex Acrylic Gel Medium. All are good ideas, and there's many more. Kinda like picking Olive Drab paint, everyone's got their favorite...

Gunnie