Howdy all! While I'm new here, I've been lurking for a while and found so many incredible resources (such as the tanxheaven site.) Anyhow, I'm "scratch" building my own model of the Abrams and I'm trying to be as accurate as possible. I'd like to find something that lays out dimensions of the major components at least. Like the 120mm gun, Obviously it's 120mm caliber and according to wikipedia it's 44 calibres (5.28 m) long. What I can't find is the diameters of the various "stuff' that wraps the barrel. While I've not given up searching, I'm hoping someone will know something similar to what I seek.

Just in case anyone is interested in seeing the model, I've placed it here:
http://features.cgsociety.org/gallerycrits/4690/4690_1179355114_large.jpg

It's not anywhere close to complete, but it should give you an idea of where it's going. Dimensions currently guestimated from the plan views in the tamiya 1/35 scale M1A2 OIF model.

If you can get hold of Hunnicutt's Abrams book, you'll find lots of useful info, though the book ends with the M1A1 (it was published in 1990). Amazon resellers are charging ridiculous amounts for used copies, but some public libraries stock it.

I like that pic. Looking forward to seeing the final result.

I beleieve the gun tube dimensions are too big. You might want to consult Toad's walkaround to see how the smooth bore cannon has a closer dimension than the one in the photo. Amazing project, do well.
DJ

Thank you Gentlemen! I'm on my way to the local library to seek out the Hunnicutt book.

I peered around the Armorama site, and even googled it, but I did not find "toad's walkaround". Could I get a hint? I"m afraid I'm not up to speed with the full depth of resources around here. Every time I turn around I get smacked in the face with something new.

Could you use this place?
http://www.tanxheaven.com/m1a1aim/m1a1aim1.htm

Welcome aboard BTW

Maybe he's thinking of 'Toadman's Tank Pictures' http://www.toadmanstankpictures.com/index.htm with an M1A2/A2 section here . Another good place is Prime Portal .

Jim

Russ, what are you building it in? I have been working on one in SolidWorks on and off for 4 years. I have the hull and some of the turret done, but haven't had the gumption to work on it in a year or so.

junglejim: thanks! Good lord you guys are incredible. I've gotten better reference in the last 2 days than from 4 years of "google" and public library collections. Which reminds me, I located a copy of the Hunnicutt book at the LAPL (reference section) so I will swing by there with the notebook soon.

BroAbrams: I'm building it in Luxology Modo, rendering it in Lightwave 3D. I had a complete build from about 4 years ago, which was merely ok detail wise. However I had to format my HD due to viral infection and I discovered after the fact that my backups were corrupt.... I started remodeling this last summer, only to stop when I got a new job. Started up again a week ago.

FYI: Yesterday(05/18) at 10ish am PST the Military Channel was running something that showed M1s being assembled and tested. Their schedule says it might have been "Firepower". I suppose I need to find out if they will make that episode available on DVD

It takes a while, doesn't it? So you are doing it in surfaces? Is it a single file or an assembly of files? I am not that familiar with Modo.

SolidWorks is a parametric modeler that works in part files and assemblies of parts using constraints and mates. It is primarily for manufacturing and engineering. It has an integrated rendering engine, however I like Inventor for rendering. Inventor integrates 3D Vis into their Inventor Pro package. I can't say I am really good at rendering.

Yep, Modo is a polygonal surface modeler. I've been using it since it came out, favorite tool for building CG models now. It's quite versatile, exports a number of formats, has it's own render engine and UV map editor as well as a 3d paint engine allowing you to paint on the model in the 3d viewport. heh, enough sales pitch, I'm off to the Library to scan the Hunnicutt book.