M1A2 SEP w/Tusk Maintenance Dio

Thanks 3rdlav.  It is dirtier than shows up in the pics.  I think the lighting washed it out a bit.

great build. But the tank looks to clean too have a problem.But then my monitor isn't the best But still an awesome build.

Thanks bbrowniii.  It was a fun build.

Superb, Gino.  I really like it!

Thanks rudedog.  I'm glad you like it.  The engine set is from CKM.   It is not specific to the M1A2 SEP (not A1 SEP), but can be used on any Abrams.  It was designed for the Tamiya kit, so it took a little tweaking to get it to fit the Dragon kit.  TUSK refers not to the mine roller, but the add-on armor (side skirts and belly armor), gunshields, and .50 cal on top of the barrel.  It stands for Tank Urban Survival Kit.  They were added after lessons in street fighting in Iraq to make the tank more survivable.

Like all your builds,very nice.What engine set did you use & was it specific to the A1SEP ? Also, what is TUSK an acronym for [ I'm assuming it's the mine -rollers,just always love hearing Milspeak ]. Semperfi, keith r. 

Thanks RBear.  The new owner was very pleased.

In a word: Sweet! I'm sure the recipient will be pleased.

Thanks Camo Junkie, glad you like it.

real nice

Thanks for checking in Beav and SprueOne.  I too like the figure.

HeavyArty

 That is why I changed out his hat and swapped the sledge hammer for a wrench.  The original figure looked like he was about to beat the hell out of the other guy in the set.

haha, true! I got to find and buy this figure set. So many scenarios that the standing figure can be involved in 

but anyway, good story going on in your diorama. The tanker is saying something like, "... and then it makes a 'drrrrbt drrrrrbt thmp thmp drrrrbt drrrrrbt' sound everytime we turn left with the rollers.." 

The best moment I've had yet was when the mechanics from battalion were changing a headlight on one of our 5-Tons.  He had the hood open screwdriver in hand...when...a gasket on the oil filter blew up.  Perfect timing.

spacepacker

One question tho', why doesn't the Mech hit him with one of the crowbars?????

That is why I changed out his hat and swapped the sledge hammer for a wrench.  The original figure looked like he was about to beat the hell out of the other guy in the set.

Hey, followed this from the Amour side; great build. One question tho', why doesn't the Mech hit him with one of the crowbars?????...cheers....Kenny

Thanks for the compliments guys.  I too think the figures make this one better.

Excellent work Gino .

Regards,  Rick

The build itself was just AMAZING. Now that it is in a dio it just brings it higher. Excellent job, very impressive.

Just gotta chime in here as well Gino. This dio finished up wonderfully and has to be your best effort to date. The figures bring this diorama to 'life' and glad to see that you have taken the time to add them! Outstanding!

Redleg-One-Two... Redleg-One-Two... this is... Romeo-Eight-Juliet... How copy... over.  

Thanks guys.  I'm glad you like it.  The oil and dirt stains are on the base and the mechanic.  The photo just washes them out some.  I too think the look of the mechanic is perfect.  He just looks bored to death by the tanker telling him what he already knows.  He has that "I got it" look to him.  Thanks for checking in on it.

Gino,

good you posted a pointer to this one in the armor thread! The dio looks very good, I especially like the figures, not to mention THE MACHINE. Everything is very clean, maybe even too clean, but let's say it's "save, organized, military manner" . Congratulations on the completed build and have a nice day

Paweł

Most impressive, Gino. Love it.....

Great model and dio, Gino. This should light up some faces when they see it!

I would suggest a few things as well, even though I"m sure there are reasons why I might be wrong on them.

Oil and water/fluid stains on the floor?..., maybe some concrete dust or sand that fell from the tank on the floor; and how about perhaps if those stains would have been cleaned up ASAP, maybe some oily rags around to show that?

All in all though, the presentation is superb!

Gino - A prize winner if I ever saw one. Love the field table. As Beav discribe the figs perfect......the only thing missing from the mechanic is the oil stain on the coveralls. The engine area looks great. My only thought was a bottle of water on the table....which was the main rason to begin with that the mechanic came away from the engine....to get a drink!!. Now he has to listen to this PIA 

Nice overall lines...You caught the look!! Fantastic

Rounds Complete!!

Looks Great Gino, 

Some things I noticed that I really liked; the tanker has the appropriate pointing gesture; directing gaze without any grotesque finger pointing (which we all know makes equipment break even more than it already has).  And the mechanic has the typical pose that just speaks to the normal attitude of: "yes, I saw that oil leak when I walked over; yes, I know the BG has said that we need all systems up and running IOT ...., but, we don't have that part right now.  We can order it but it has to come from the states and..."  That typical patient waiting expression is awesome.

Looking at the other pics now, wow!