Daywalker wrote:

I was pouring over some reference photos tonight over at Prime Portal, and I have a couple of questions if anyone can help.  Some of the M1A2's have an "extra" bustle rack on the back of the mian one on the turret, others do not.  Is there a reason for this?  Is it a field mod, or an optional piece of equipment? Also, there is a flat sloped panel on the left rear of the rear hull plate, just inboard of the left tailight.  Most photos show this, but the Tamiya kit does not mention it.  What is it, and should it be added?   Thanks in advance!

Hi Frank,

You will see pictures of two styles of bustle rack extension.

One was a "box frame" style made of flat stock and mesh, which was used on M1A1's of some units of 3ID during the initial invasion phase of OIF. These were (I believe) made in Kuwait and only used temporarily - they weren't applicable to M1A2's.

The other style was the folding "USMC" style BRE made of tubular stock, with outrigger platforms on either end for carrying jerrycans. This type has also been adopted by the Army and can be seen on both M1A1's and M1A2's when additional carriage is required.

This type is pictured here:

http://svsm.org/gallery/m1a1abramsjh2/DSC08831
http://svsm.org/gallery/m1a1abramsjh2/DSC08872
http://svsm.org/gallery/m1a1abramsjh2/DSC08871

On some models of the M1A2 SEP, there is a small angled panel just inboard of the left tail light.

http://data4.primeportal.net/tanks/jeff_derosa/m1a2_details/images/m1a2_details_043_of_125.jpg

This is the exhaust deflector for the UAAPU (Under Armor Auxilliary Power Unit) Some M1A2 SEP's use a high capacity battery system in place of the APU and the exhaust port is blanked over and the deflector not fitted. This is not present on older M1A2's (like that represented by the Tamiya kit, which has the bustle rack mounted APU). The small box inboard of the right tail light contains a slave cable receptacle, which is also not represented in the Tamiya kit. (nor is the T/I phone, which may be fitted below the cable receptacle.)

You may also wish to add a small section of angled stock for the wiring conduit for the bustle rack APU, which follows the outboard edge of the left blow-out panel to a junction box at the corner as shown here: http://data3.primeportal.net/tanks/marc_peters/m1a1/images/m1a1_25_of_71.jpg

And a small power outlet receptacle which sits between the CITV and the smoke discharger
http://data3.primeportal.net/tanks/marc_peters/m1a1/images/m1a1_29_of_71.jpg

On the front deck between the driver's hatch and left fuel filler cap, there's a power outlet block. http://data3.primeportal.net/tanks/brent_sauer/m1a2/images/m1a2_21_of_33.jpg

Thanks for the welcome Jim, I appreciate that!

Phil- Thank you very much for the detailed response, just what I was looking for!  Glad to hear that the kit-supplied bustle rack is OK, as I wasn't quite sure how to make a new one anyway.  Good to know about the left rear vent, I shall leave it off on mine.  Also, those pics with the missing details will come in handy for adding them myself, thank you!

Darren- Thanks for stopping by!  I have admiried the work by the people here in armor, and must admit that wanted to have another go at an Abrams.  Couple that with a smokin deal at the LHS, and here I am!

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Frank

By all means, share your photos if you like!  and don't worry about taking over this thread, I am glad to see the interest and the photos! 

And, if I run into any other deals like that- I shall let you know.

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Frank

Hi Frank,

Happy to help

While I remember, another omission from the kit is the EPLRS antenna mount at the rear right of the turret. You can see it in these pics:

http://svsm.org/gallery/m1a1abramsjh2/DSC08885 Pic is from directly behind the right rear corner of the turret looking forward.

http://data3.primeportal.net/tanks/brent_sauer/m1a2/images/m1a2_13_of_33.jpg Another view showing the antenna mounted. Directly to the left of the spare wheel on the turret rail.

Marc- Sounds like I am doomed!!! LOL

Does anyone if those little U-shaped loops (sorry, I don't know the technical term for them ) that connect to the welded-on tow brakets are available anywhere?  The kit does not come with any, and I am trying to find some so that I can pose the towing cables across the nose. 

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Frank

Marc has warned you......welcome..to the dark side....you don't know the power of the dark side....look at Marc

Frank, I am one of the artillery guys but I see some of our tankers are giving good advice....nice to see new blood.

Rounds Complete!!

Thanks fellas!  I appreciate the welcome and the terminology help.  Now, just need to locate some shackles for this one.  Cannot believe Tamiya includes clear plastic water bottles (very cool!) and a dog, but no towing shackles.  Does anyone know where I might find some?

I have what I think is the scurge of armor building... ROADWHEELS!!!   Dang, there's a lot of them.  I have completed a few, with associated damage and such.  I also added the lightening holes in the drive sprockets.  Took some time to get them positioned properly and opening them up without damaging the hub was tricky.

I added the little half round hooks on the top of the rear plate, and some wiring for the tailights (there is detail behind the gaurd on the left side as well, but you can barely see it).  Even though I do not think it would have been noticable, I filled in the area above the sprocket drive housings.

This I like...

Only a couple of days in and already it's starting to look like an Abrams!

Have spent most of my time looking at reference photos, and deciding what I wanted to fix/add.  Thanks for stopping in!

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Frank

Thanks Phil!

I was working on a box for the right rear next to the tailight, but it wasn't working out for me.  So, I saw a photo of one with the style molded on and decided to let that one stand.  Not sure if it's correct or not, but I'm OK with it.

Good idea on making my own out of solder.  I have also considered using brass wire, just have to experiment with it.  Even if I can only turn out a couple of good ones, then I can at least pose the tow cables across the nose to liven it up a bit.   I see what you mean about the shackles on the lower points and the hooks on the upper, perhaps making hooks and attaching the cables to the headlight gaurds (saw a couple of photos with that arrangement) might be easier.

I found this tow bar from Trumpeter, considering getting it for something different. 

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Frank

Hi, Frank to the armour forum and good luck with your kit.

Terry.

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Phil_H wrote:

Hey Frank, Making good progress there - she's really starting to take shape. I don't know of any towing shackles specifically for the Abrams. Dragon's uber-kits of the M1A1 AIM and M1A2 SEP include these, but I've not seen them on other kits. Aber makes several sets for WW2 tanks (and, I think, a generic set) which might be adaptable. Alternatively, you could bend a few out of solder - I'm sure I;ve seen a tutorial somewhere about this. From the pics I've seen, the shackles only appear to be used on the lower (tie-down?) points. The upper mounts between the headlights and fenders seem to use the "hook" arrangement more commonly  (when fitted).

Actually those are really lift points and are not really used for towing but can be if you really want to pull things. And I think there are some lift points on the turret for removing it with a crane to do repair work on the internal area of the fighting compartment and for work on the turret in particular when said work can't be accomplished with the turret in place.

Also if you are planning a current use M1A2 in use in Iraq and Afghanistan they are equipped with the TUSK armor system. Legend productions produces a TUSK upgrade set for the Dragon and Tamiya M1A2's (one for the Tamiya and one for Dragon). Also I believe isn't there supposed to be a adaptor for the mine plow on the M1A2?

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The 71st Tactical Fighter Squadron the only Squadron to get an Air to Air kill and an Air to Ground kill in the same week with only a F-15

http://photobucket.com/albums/v332/Mikeym_us/