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Armor/AFV: Modern - USA
Modern Armor, AFVs, and Support vehicles.
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M1A1 HC USMC (In progress)
Erik67
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Buskerud, Norway
Joined: July 31, 2005
KitMaker: 1,871 posts
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Posted: Monday, July 17, 2006 - 06:05 AM UTC
Well, I could not sleep so I decided to post som "in progress" pics of my M1A1 HC instead. The kit is Dragons M1A1 USMC version, and so far it has been both challenging and enjoyable to build. The kit is definatly not of the "shake and bake" type, but requires both filling and sanding. Biggest problem so far has been the turret, but after some hard work it went together ok. I was worrying about the bustle rack, but it went together with allmost no problems. It fits like a glove and I guess the trick was to take it slowly and being very precise with sanding and dry fitting. I have used a Eduard PE set and some spare parts from Tamiyas M1A2 (smoke dischargers) and Academys M1A1 OIF (J-sprue mainly). The Barrel was something I had in my spare box and I don't recall who made it. Tracks are AFV Club, and APU from Legend.

Hopefully I get it ready for painting by to morrow.














Erik
Taylornic
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Tennessee, United States
Joined: January 10, 2005
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Posted: Monday, July 17, 2006 - 06:18 AM UTC
That is great work! Very nice job of parts bashing also. Thanks for sharing.

Taylor...
USArmy2534
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Indiana, United States
Joined: January 28, 2004
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Posted: Monday, July 17, 2006 - 07:31 AM UTC
Looks like members are getting in the M1 mood again! This looks good. I like the various usage of spareparts. Keep it up.

Jeff
HeavyArty
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Florida, United States
Joined: May 16, 2002
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Posted: Monday, July 17, 2006 - 07:37 AM UTC
Looking good. That is how I built my M1A1HC "Angry American" as well. A bit from here, a piece from there, etc. Keep up the good work and it will come out looking great. Can't wait to see some paint on it. Keep us posted.
melon
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Ohio, United States
Joined: November 21, 2003
KitMaker: 347 posts
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Posted: Monday, July 17, 2006 - 08:43 AM UTC
Looks like a great build, makes me want the new Dragon kit even more.

one SMALL item, and I could be wrong here, but if the MCD is attached and uncovered, the smoke grenade system would have live rounds in them, not the rubber dust covers. The only time I have seen this not the case is during static display. Also, is the hull top attached at the rear? There looks to be a gap, (might be the photo) it should be "gapless."

Shame on me, I just realized I have become an Abrams rivet counter. :-)

I hope I am not taking anything away from your work, your hog is looking great. All it needs is a tuna boat filled with angry Marines chugging alongside.
Frenchy
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Rhone, France
Joined: December 02, 2002
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Posted: Monday, July 17, 2006 - 09:56 AM UTC
Good looking Abrams, Erik !
Depending on the tank you've planned to represent, you may need to add the NATO socket that is missing on Legend's APU (which is an older model) :


(John Heck's picture from svsm.org )

HTH
Frenchy
Burik
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New Jersey, United States
Joined: March 12, 2002
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Posted: Monday, July 17, 2006 - 10:04 AM UTC
Very nice work. I am very interested to see how the paint job comes out. With the dazzler in use, I assume this will be OIF1 or not too far after. What markings will this model sport?

Erik67
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Buskerud, Norway
Joined: July 31, 2005
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Posted: Monday, July 17, 2006 - 02:23 PM UTC
Thank you for your replies Gentlemen.



Quoted Text

The M2's used on M1's and M1A1's wouldn't have the sites or charging handel on them.



Thanks Gary. Doh... I did NOT need to know that... :-) . It will be easily changed since the M2 is not glued in place. Was fun making the sights though...


Quoted Text

...but if the MCD is attached and uncovered, the smoke grenade system would have live rounds in them, not the rubber dust covers.



Makes perfectly sence, but I think I will leave it as it is. I'm saving the Academy launchers with "live" smoke grenades for my Tamiya Abrams.


Quoted Text

Also, is the hull top attached at the rear?



No, it is not. I have not finished the interior yet so it is just a test fit.


Quoted Text

Shame on me, I just realized I have become an Abrams rivet counter.



:-) Don't worry Ryan, I'm a big boy and can handle it. Would not have posted it if all I wanted was "nice looking tank" messages. The feedback so far has been very useful. I'm not going to build the "perfect tank", but will correct the mistakes pointed out (at least some of them... ) by you guys .




Quoted Text

...you may need to add the NATO socket that is missing on Legend's APU



Will be done!


Quoted Text

With the dazzler in use, I assume this will be OIF1 or not too far after. What markings will this model sport?



I have Echelons "Spearheading into Bagdad" sheet, so yes, it will be an OIF Tank.

Again, thanks alot for your input.

Erik
osjohnm
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Western Cape, South Africa
Joined: May 07, 2006
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Posted: Monday, July 17, 2006 - 02:51 PM UTC
Hi Erik

Forgive my ignorance but how are you planning to paint the hull, wheels and tracks now that have been glued together?

That metal barrel looks impressive.

John
Erik67
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Buskerud, Norway
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Posted: Monday, July 17, 2006 - 02:58 PM UTC

Quoted Text

...but how are you planning to paint the hull, wheels and tracks now that have been glued together?



It is not glued together. It is just a test fit. I will paint the tracks and lower hull before I glue it to the upper hull. The tracks are AFV Club, so they are really easy to get on and off.

ERik
Epi
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Texas, United States
Joined: December 22, 2001
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Posted: Monday, July 17, 2006 - 06:35 PM UTC
Ok Erik, since you don't mind the "Rivet Counting", her goes my rant!

YOU HAVE THIS WRONG, THAT WRONG, THIS IS NOT RIGHT AND THAT DOESN'T GO THERE, OH, AND THAT THIRD BOLT AN THE LEFT UPPER RIGHT OF THE SOO AND SO DOESN'T BELONG THERE AND THAT 4TH BOLT NEEDS TO BE MOVED 2 INCHES TO THE LEFT........!!!!!!!! :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-)

Seriously, it's a good start Erik.

You just couldn't wait for the new DRAGON AIM to come out, had to build a Abrams....
Erik67
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Buskerud, Norway
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Posted: Monday, July 17, 2006 - 06:54 PM UTC

Quoted Text

YOU HAVE THIS WRONG, THAT WRONG, THIS IS NOT RIGHT AND THAT DOESN'T GO THERE, OH, AND THAT THIRD BOLT AN THE LEFT UPPER RIGHT OF THE SOO AND SO DOESN'T BELONG THERE AND THAT 4TH BOLT NEEDS TO BE MOVED 2 INCHES TO THE LEFT........!!!!!!!!



I know, I know...

...and just for you Pete, here are the latest pics with background in some of the replies.

Fixed the sights and the charging handle on the .50 and filled the holes on each side. It will not be any better. For that to happen I need to scratchbuild myself some smaller fingers and mix up a big bowl of better skills...

Added the missing NATO socket on the APU, made from a piece from a beer can and some rod.

Made a cover for the MCD which is stored on the right side.

Glued on CIP panels.





And Pete, I really don't care about the missing bolts you mentioned...
:-) :-) :-)

Erik
Epi
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Texas, United States
Joined: December 22, 2001
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Posted: Monday, July 17, 2006 - 07:02 PM UTC
TO FUNNY, but one more thing:

ARE THOSE TURNED ALUMINUM ANTENNA MOUNTS AND IF SO, WHERE DID YOU GET THEM?

Erik67
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Buskerud, Norway
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Posted: Monday, July 17, 2006 - 07:12 PM UTC

Quoted Text

ARE THOSE TURNED ALUMINUM ANTENNA MOUNTS AND IF SO, WHERE DID YOU GET THEM?




Here you go Pete. And you made me realise that I did use the wrong type. I guess the left one is a HF antenna mount. Well, that should be easy to fix...

Erik
Epi
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Texas, United States
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Posted: Monday, July 17, 2006 - 07:16 PM UTC
Thanks Eric. Got to put those on the wish list.

As for the antenna's on your kit, I didn't even notice that until you mentioned it. :-)
kanzoo2002
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Ontario, Canada
Joined: June 21, 2006
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Posted: Monday, July 17, 2006 - 09:09 PM UTC
Great job! This is a very nice built.

Which Dragon kit did you use as a base (is it the 3531)? I'm guessing the extra rack on the back of the turret is coming from the Academy M1A1 OIF? Keep us posted.

Carl
Hawkeye
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Wales, United Kingdom
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Posted: Monday, July 17, 2006 - 11:25 PM UTC
Very impressive work Erik, i almost feel like not starting mne now:) I am going to kit bash a Dragon M1A2, utilising left over parts from Tamiya,Legend and whatever i have in my spares box.....can't wait to see your's with paint on. What paint are you going to us for it?

Regards from the Swamp

Hawkeye
Erik67
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Buskerud, Norway
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Posted: Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - 02:18 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Which Dragon kit did you use as a base (is it the 3531)? I'm guessing the extra rack on the back of the turret is coming from the Academy M1A1 OIF?



Yes and Yes. Both the BRE and MCD are from the Academy kit


Quoted Text

What paint are you going to us for it?



It will be in a desert scheme.


Erik
barv
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Scotland, United Kingdom
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Posted: Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - 02:45 AM UTC

Yeah!!--teach you to scratch build and then when you make summmat ---you dont use it-----------
Flash light --no light -sabre........... yet!!!!!!!!!!
aye
BARV[:::]
(GOSMG)
:-) :-) :-) :-) :-)
BlackThor_06
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Metro Manila, Philippines
Joined: August 12, 2003
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Posted: Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - 03:13 AM UTC
It's a lovely build...really clean. Looking forward on the painting and completion.



BT6
DeskJockey
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Virginia, United States
Joined: July 17, 2006
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Posted: Friday, July 21, 2006 - 06:14 AM UTC
Wow! I can't even begin to live up to what you've done. One quick question--will you be taking the final section of the side skirts off of both sides, or just the left one? I only ask because I plan to, at some point in the distant future once I build a couple of humvees, build an OIF M1A2 and would like to soak up other modelers' ideas on it in the meantime.
Erik67
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Buskerud, Norway
Joined: July 31, 2005
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Posted: Friday, July 21, 2006 - 07:17 AM UTC

Quoted Text

One quick question--will you be taking the final section of the side skirts off of both sides, or just the left one?



I will leave one on. I will try to give an impression of a Marine tank that have seen some action on route to Bagdad.


Quoted Text

I can't even begin to live up to what you've done.



Yes you can! All techniques I have used is described on this site. My inspiration for this build comes from Gino (HeavyArty), Pete (Epi), Ryan (melon), Olivier (Bison126) and all the other great guys who are into modern armour. Have a look at their work and you will find the motivation and techniques for your own build.

Erik
airbornematt
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Texas, United States
Joined: September 10, 2005
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Posted: Friday, July 21, 2006 - 01:22 PM UTC

Quoted Text

Ok Erik, since you don't mind the "Rivet Counting", her goes my rant!

YOU HAVE THIS WRONG, THAT WRONG, THIS IS NOT RIGHT AND THAT DOESN'T GO THERE, OH, AND THAT THIRD BOLT AN THE LEFT UPPER RIGHT OF THE SOO AND SO DOESN'T BELONG THERE AND THAT 4TH BOLT NEEDS TO BE MOVED 2 INCHES TO THE LEFT........!!!!!!!! :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-)

Seriously, it's a good start Erik.

You just couldn't wait for the new DRAGON AIM to come out, had to build a Abrams....



now you're sounding like an NCO! :-)

awesome M1! I think I might pack one of my Tamiya ones for my tour in Iraq.
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