Need info/hints/tips on modeling the clear wheel hubs on the Abrams tank. Saw an article (don't remember where though) that suggested using the tip of small suction cups for a realistic look. Seemed like a reasonable idea but looks like some careful cutting, and, does it look right for 1/35 scale? Those that have modeled it with the correct clear hubs may have suggestions for me. Thanks in advance.

Are you going to model the hubs with out oil? The hubs on an Abrams are oil filled and appears black on the tank. Gino (HeavyArty), Rob (Sabot) and Pete (Epi) can probably fill you in on this subject.

Cheers
Erik

They indeed apear black from the distance, but once you are closer to them you can see that they are only half filled with oil and this line between oil and air is visible.

New DML M1A1 AIM kit will include clear parts for wheel hubs.

Pawel

Best way to replicate them is to paint the center hubs black, with the center nut the same color as the hull. In 1/35 scale, you can't really tell that they are only half filled because the hub inside is black/dark brown from the grease and oil within. They appear all black. Here are a couple pics that shows them well.



And a close-up.

Well, on this picture in the middle I can quite clearly see the oil level line in hubs. Also on the top picture the line is somewhat visible at least in some wheels. Even on the close-up of well weathered wheel hub you can see that upper half is lighter than lower half and oil level line is visible on the left side. On Dragon website you can see my photo of the brand new wheel hub: http://www.dragonmodelsltd.com/catalog/dml/insidestory/hubsforroadwheelsinm1.htm. Of course it looks all black, but lower half is "blacker"

While new DML kit will include clear hubs, so that it will be possible to experiment with marking the oil level line, there will also be fully possible to paint them whole black if someone prefers it that way.

Pawel

Thanks for the info. On 1/35 scale will probably just paint the hubs. If larger scale, would want or try to find the clear plastic wheel covers to better show the oil level.

A new guy checking in with some M1A1 experience. Depending on the weathering you plan to do, one thing to consider is that the clear hubs get pretty scratched up, giving them an almost frosted look. The tracks in the photos look pretty clean, almost new. Dust and mud also stick to the hubs pretty well. Whenever I checked the oil level in them while in the field, they always had to be wiped down. Hope this helps.

Can anyone give me a direct explanation of the markings on the turret. I am figuring the 3 vertical stripes mean 3rd platoon the angled ones probably have something to do with the company, but which company. Is there a battalion marking as well? There are also three stripes on end of tube. Do they mean 3rd platoon as well or 3rd tank in third platoon?

This is just a guess but judging from the location of the stripes they just might be velcro strips to attach the IFF panels.

Mike

Howdy all. The USMC tank in the bottom photo is C-34 "NOMAD" from 3rd Plt, C Co, 1st Tank Bn. Their home station is 29 Palms, CA. The platoon attached to the 15th MEU(Marine Expeditionary Unit) during OIF as part of BLT(Battalion Landing Team) 2/1(pronounced two-one) and worked with Echo Company(Infantry) 2/1. The "V" on the skirt is for the parent unit that this platoon came from which is C Co. The small "E 2/1" at the open end of the "V" was applied for the deployment. The three gray/green lines on the face of the turret are reverse thermal tape and were appied as a "friendly" recogniton marking. This platoon never recieved the CIPs that are present on other vehicles in theater. The three rings on the end of the main gun and the three dashes near the inner bottom of the "V" denote 3rd Plt. The other smaller stripe that runs next to the mantlet and parallel to the bottom of the turret is velcro strip that is used to hold the MILES and TWGSS training device laser reciever belts used during force on force training. Out here.