Like to do some early M1 A1 or A2`s from the period of the " Reforger " exercises in the 1980`s in Europe and also a first Gulf War tank. What would be the best kits to base this on ?? The new Dragon M1`s have great looking detail, can these be retrofited to that period ? I know nothing of Modern Armor so any basic advice appreciated

The M1A2 did not enter full service until after Reforgers were over, and the units that used the A2 didn't participate in any of the exercises. The Tamiya M1A1 as depicted in their original kit is proper for a late 80s USAREUR tank. I think the first Reforger that used the M1A1 was Reforger 88, but it may have been the 87 exercise, I'm not sure. Anyone know for sure?

We didn't do a Reforger in 1989 because of the Wall coming down. Reforger (January) 1990 was a HMMWV exercise using a blue or orange nerf basketball stuck on the antenna to signify a HMMWV that represented an Abrams tank or Bradley IFV platoon (as opposed to being just a regular HMMWV). Reforger 1991 was mainly a computer battle simulation exercise.

During 1990, the last of USAREUR completed transition to the M1A1 Heavies.

Some of the recognition features of an early/initial M1A1 was the smoother non-slip surfaces, the lack of the back deck access hatches, and the original style tracks. A USAREUR M1A1 would also have an amber warning light (called a whoopie light) mounted on the turret. They were mandatory for road movements in Germany along with a pair of reflective decals stuck to the rear of the vehicle. These are square red/yellow stickers called MVDs or Military Vehicle Delineators that were required for all military vehicles.

There were also red strips of reflective tape stuck on the corners of the tanks. The theory was civilian headlights would see the reflective tape and MVDs and not run into the tanks during periods of limited visibility.

I agree that the Tamiya M1A1 is the best way to go for this. I commanded a company of M1A1's from 1987-1989 (C Co. 1-35 Armor). If you need any specific pictures or info I may be able to help.

Thanks for the responses. I`ll try and pick up the early Tamiya kits at a upcoming Model Show/Sale this Sun.

Only reference i have is the Squadron Signal Pub on the M1, which mostly deals with the XM 1 `s, although the color plates are great, especially the one of 1-12 Cav at Fort Knox in 1987. Much dependes on the available aftermarket decals for the build.

Any recommendations for other books ? I have not yet got to the online image sites.

Guy, thanks very much, I`ll take you up on that, I guess your M1A1`s had the 3 tone camo ?, an overall color pic to see how it faded ( if at all ) would be a great start .

Thanks

Richard Link

Richard, PM me an e-mail address and I'll scan some in for you this weekend. Keep in mind these were taken with a pocket "instamatic" in 1987 so they are not digital pics like people take now.

Reforger 87 was the first time M1A1s were deployed in Europe. Hot, noisy and smelly to stand behind. The weather was awful - wet windy and grey.

They were sure hot to be behind. I've seen many a "gypsy camp" of wet infantry types standing behind a running M1A1 in Germany trying to dry out everything from socks to sleeping bags.

lol, how about a 1500HP turbine engine as a dryer?

Hey Guy,
Greetings...I was an Infantryman in D Co, 2/6 infantry, 2nd brigade, 1st AD from 1985-87 and I remember leaving Germany in November of '87 to go back to Fort Benning, GA. That was at Ferris Barracks in Erlangen. I remember seeing a motor pool full of brand new M1A1s (I think they were A1s) while we still had the M113s. It was kinda depressing.....don't know when the infantry got their Bradelys. There were three tank battalions on post if my memory serves me: 2/81, 3/34, and 1/35. It was a great time for me as a young troop.....

With regards from Iraq....LOL