Tamiya's M1A2 Abrams (First look)

Here is the scoop on the new kit:



Well written instructions (as always) 16 pages long. 5 of those are for placement of the accessories and decal placement.

Versions that can be built are:
2nd Platoon, F Co. 2nd Batt, 3rd Arm Calv Reg. (Iraq)

4th Platoon, F Co. 2nd Batt, 3rd Arm Calv Reg. (Iraq)

2nd Platoon, C Co. 3rd Batt, 69th Arm Reg, 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Div.(Iraq)

2nd Platoon, B Co. 2nd Marine Tank Batt. 1st Marine Div, 1st Marine Exp. Force (Iraq)

2nd Platoon, A Co. 1st Batt, 77th Arm Reg, 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Div (Kosovo)





All parts are of Tamiya quality (no flash whatsoever)





Here is a close-up of the tracks:


Here are sprues, of the added extras, to the kit. Bed rolls, backpacks, headgear, ammo boxes (large and small), gas cans, water cans, 2 figures, etc. Also included are parts for 2 different types of smoke dischargers. Reading the instructions, there are 4 different ways to construct the Cupolas and hatches. More extras included: extra sprocket gears, wheels, and CIP indicators (Flat and louvered).

Contained in the clear parts are 2 water bottles (they even included decals for the bottles. Hard to tell which brand of water though):




No, your eyes didn't deceive you, that IS a dog!


Without actually constructing it, I would say it's a pretty good kit. I did build the Tamiya M1A1 last year and the additions I bought (in an extra PE set), are now included in this version. I'm sure some are missing, as I am not an expert on more Modern Armor. Looks to be a fun one to build!

I would give this kit a rating of 4 out of 5 Tigers