Well im new at making models and need some advice, i bought a Tamiya 1/35 U.S. M1A2 Abrams Operation Iraqi Freedom - 35269(Tank) and could use some tips how to make it look very realistic and how not to mess up while making it, Thank you.

Hi Mark and welcome to the Big A.

I'm currently building the same tank and some of the great modern armor guys around here have left some very usefull comments.
Tamiya M1A2 part 1
Tamiya M1A2 part 2

You can also do a search on this site on M1A2 Abrams and you will find some excellent builds.

Erik

Best tip i can give is to take your time, its not a race, read the instruction a few times and plan the build. Its not always best to follow the manufacturers instructions. E.G. leave the tracks off until the end, most manufacturers tell you to fit these within the first few stages.
Other than that, when you are cuttinf the part from sprues, dont cut too close, cut about 1mm away and then file the remaining "nub" away until it is nice an smooth.
When gluing the part together, use liquid glue. Align theparts to be glued, clamp them together then, using a small paint brush, run the liquid glue in to the joint. Leave for a while then remove the clamps. You should get a much better joint than if you use the old squeeze glue.
Before painting, wash the entire model in washing up liquid to get rid of the ejector grease and any hair, dirt, skin etc,( you get the idea) from the model. this really does spoil the finish.
If you are not sure about something, ask. This is a great site for getting advice.

Again take your time.

Good luck and pratice really does make perfect in this game
Dean

Hi Mark, and welcome at armorama (not to mention, I´m new too ) ...

1st of all, you have to decie, weather you want to build a M1A2 (featuring the new TC´s weapon´s ring, and the CITV) a ARMY M1A1 HC (the KFOR and the vehiecle with the big 33 on the front side skirts), or a USMC M1A1 HC (featuring the MCD, new smoke discargers, which are featured in the kit, and a bustlerack extension, you need to buy seperately...)
let me know your decision, and I think I´ll be able to help you...

Max

P.S. If I were you, I would build a USMC version

Thank you for all the great info guys

Now how should i paint this model? It looks very difficult to make it look so realistic.

How do i paint it and make it look so realistic? do i do more than 1 coat?

Allright, I see you are a real rookie. No shame in that. It is what this site is for, learning new techniques and improve your skills.

You should probably surf the Feature section for some basic techniques and inspiration. Lots of good stuff there.

Painting the tank can be done in two different ways: Airbrush or with a paintbrush. Either way you should start off by giving the tank a coating of primer so the paint will stick better.
Since you are new to modelling I suggest you keep it simple on your first build. Build it straight from the box and forget aftermarket parts and getting it "100% correct". Modelling is a learning process and your skills will improve with your experience.

I would suggest you find a paint which is fairly similar to the desert tan color and stick with that. There are several ways to paint your model. I prefer to build as much as possible before painting. If you are using an airbrush you should practise on a piece of cardboard or something similar before you start painting your model. You need to thin the paint wheter you are using an airbrush or a paintbrush. The thinner ratio is a bit different between different brands, but start on a 50/50 mix and work from there. An Airbrush is preferable when painting models, but beautyfull work can be done with a brush as well. Get good quality brushes. With a brush you should do several thin coates to preserve the details on your model.

When you have finished the painting you should apply a gloss coat befor applying the decals. You can use a gloss spray like Tamiya or use Johnson Future floor polish. Your decals will stick much better to a gloss coat than to the base coat.

Weathering: Books have been written about this subject... Normal stuff to use is diluted oil paints, pigments and pastel chalk. Surf Armorama for ideas. When you have finished weathering consisting of washes and drybrushing (explained in the feature section) you should seal the model with a dull coat.

Your question is really worth a book on modelling so my answere is a bit short and simplified. Not knowing your age or resources my main advice is: Keep it simple. Your first model will seldom be a master piece, but a nice and fun introduction to a great hobby. Use Armorama for what it is worth. You will get a lot of answeres by simply surfing the Feature section.

Good luck with your Abrams. It is a great kit

Erik

Thank you and im 15

Hi Mark.
One essential - wash all sprues in warm soapy water before snipping parts off the trees - this washes off any release agents and oils the manufacturers use to help the components off the moulds.

With brush painting, try not to overfill your brush and do all your painting in one coat. At the most your paint should only be on the first third of your bristles. Don't worry if your first coat of paint looks thin or streaky. Give your model plenty of time to dry between coats of paint.

Most essential - enjoy what you're doing. Some of us old fogies can get caught up in discussing obscure details, which can be a bit off-putting for a beginner such as yourself. One of the most enjoyable aspects of modelling is the satisfaction of seeing something you and no-one else has worked on, sitting proudly on a shelf or in a cabinet.

Jeff W.

Welcome aboard Mark.

Good luck with your new hobby! Lots of knowledge here to help you with problems, questions or build issues. The M1 Abrams is my favorite model, I have build quite a few of them over the years.

Ryan