Are you looking for a kit that can be quickly build without any fit problems and looks more or less like Abrams? Then of course you should buy… Tamiya kit! Yes, that’s correct. New DML kit is quite complex and requires a lot of time and patience to build it. There unfortunately are some minor fit problems - nothing that can’t be fixed with some basic modeling skills, but still it is not “shake & bake” kit. Most problems are result of less then perfect tooling quality. It is obvious for anyone who can directly compare latest DML Panzer IV or Tiger kits to the Abrams that the quality of molding in the latter is unfortunately not to the same standard as it was in latest WW2 German kits. DML pulled all stops during the kit design process, but unfortunately dropped a ball when it came to selection of toolmaker subcontractor… It doesn’t mean that the kit is poorly molded – no, it’s not that bad. But it could have been better and kit requires a bit more cleanup and trimming than other recent DML releases.
DML M1A1AIM is however much more accurate and much better detailed than Tamiya or any other M1 kit. So while it takes more time to build, it should result in a better replica.
For example separate engine deck panels require special attention – the fit is not perfect and some trimming is necessary. Still some minor gaps may be visible between some panels after assembly – hopefully won’t be noticeable under a coat of paint. Future DML M1 kits may (or may not…) include optional one piece engine deck for those modelers who don’t plan to open any of panels.
Many people expected that M1A1 kit would be based on parts from M1 Panther II kit. So did DML in February 2005
But when I joined the design team, it quickly became apparent that with the number of corrections required to make these parts accurate, it would be easier to retool the kit completely. The result is that only parts common to M1 Panther II and M1A1AIM kits are Magic Tracks! But even those were fine tuned to make sure that all ejector pin marks on them are of “proud”, not recessed, type to make them easier to remove without filling holes. I hoped that new tooling tracks with separate end connectors could be included in the kit, but DML decided to re-use older parts.In the kit you get some bonuses
For example included are four newly tooled and quite accurate in shape smoke grenade launchers. For the M1A1 model you of course only need two – other two are a bonus. It was my idea, as I thought these can be used to enhance other models, like DML M1 Panther II (which included nice, but not quite accurate parts) or M60s from other manufacturers. You also get two exhaust deflectors, while only one (if any) is carried on Abrams. Plus more tow shackles than you are likely to use on M1 model.There are many nice features in the kit, some of them difficult to spot until you start building it. For example there are tiny part numbers and other similar markings on many parts, like jerrycans, fuel filler caps or commander’s cupola and hatch. Many parts have slide molded details added, like rear engine compartment doors, which have louvers details on the bottom (not simplified PE details like Panther II kit). Machine guns are particularly nice with crisp details. M2HB is in my opinion one of the best, if not THE best, injected plastic one ever made in this scale.
The turret number molded on the right side of kit turret part is “7201 U”. “U” stands for depleted uranium armor and all M1A1HC, M1A1AIM and M1A2 turrets have this letter added to turret numbers. And why this exact number?... Well, no reason other than that I was born it January 1972 :-) I wanted the kit to have some sort of my “signature” on it. You may also notice when you get the kit that the number was added on a small insert to the tool (thin raised line is visible around it - easy to remove with sandpaper or sharp blade) - this means that it can be easily changed in other M1 family releases, without the need to retool the turret.
If you have any questions about the kit, I’ll do my best to answer them. In my blog on Dragon’s MDFC website I plan to post more detailed information about the kit and my suggestions to avoid problems during construction.
Pawel
