jibber

I picked up the Abrams kit at Hobby Lobby about 6 months ago, they had a 1/3 off sale on all plastic models and I was still able to use the 40% off coupon. I thought if they were giving them away I'd grab one but I haven't started it yet. I don't remember but I'm sure it was slightly under $20. Terry

Wow, I wish they would do that here at my Hobby Lobby. I sent a email to Hobby Lobby and asked them why they do not change out their choice of military models. I am tired of walking in and seeing the same thing all the time. I told them that Tamiya had a lot more choices of models than Hobby Lobby carries.

Doug

I picked up the Abrams kit at Hobby Lobby about 6 months ago, they had a 1/3 off sale on all plastic models and I was still able to use the 40% off coupon. I thought if they were giving them away I'd grab one but I haven't started it yet. I don't remember but I'm sure it was slightly under $20. Terry

You are right in saying that I have learned a lot on this model. The help and advice that I got was very helpful.

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Thanks for the words of encouragement.

Doug

Nomad, fine job, and it looks like you learned a lot about modeling in the process. Stick around.

I will openly confess to having built several of these Academy M1A1 kits, just for the sheer fun of modeling, and because they can be had for very modest prices. I have one on the shelf, 90% done but no ***, that I built up the front of the turret to match a Trumpeter turret, that may come out nicely one day, if I ever decide to dust it off and finish it. I even did one for a "WW3" GB a while ago, lots of fun.  And this comes from a self-diagnosed rivet counter.

Good to know Rob about the DML Abrahms driver and yes it is the Tamiya kit that I added the Verlinden M113A1/A2 interior kit to. I just have to get around to scratch building the supports for the seat backrest that broke apart when I tried to open it up.

Rob Gronovius

The DML Abrams driver would work with an M113A2. Is it the Tamiya kit? That kit is, as pictured on the box art, an M113A3, but doesn't include all the proper fittings for a true M113A3. Any ways, the driver would be good up until a later stage of the war in Iraq.

The DML Abrams driver would work with an M113A2. Is it the Tamiya kit? That kit is, as pictured on the box art, an M113A3, but doesn't include all the proper fittings for a true M113A3. Any ways, the driver would be good up until a later stage of the war in Iraq.

try looking for the Tamiya Modern equipment set (the one with the 4 ICM infantry figures included with it)That set has a nicely done commander figure and a half figure of the loader as well. The trumpeter set is well done and includes decals of the 3 color camo scheme to "cheat" on the painting aspect of the uniform and the body armor. Speaking of Armor crew figures Rob would the driver from the DML Abrahms tank crew set work with the M113A2 that I am still working on or would I need to modify it with body armor from the Trumpeter CH-47 modern crew set?

Nomad53

deattilio

Whoa a Nomad what have you done to that poor figure? Looks like he spent couple years in the desert on bread and water rations. Tamiya has taken skinny to a new thinness!

i am up for some input concerning figures too. I need to venture into figures to add some "life" to my builds, I've been shying away from them for too long.

The Nomex CVC's are more green than drab though. I have couple sets in the closet that I held onto after I retired as they were my favorite uniforms. I referred to them as my combat pajamas. I can snap and post some pics of them if it would be of any help.

Well this figure is a Academy figure that came with the kit. He is not glued in as of now because I am looking to get the Tamiya Modern Figures. Don't be afraid to start painting figures to go with your builds as like you said it brings life to the diorama.

Just look at the paint guide and then look at reference photos of what you want to figure to look like and jump right in.b Also in the figure forum there is a lot of great help there with the pain there are three or four that have been a BIG help with my build here.

Please send some photos of the CVC's.

Doug

As for the figure being thin.....Well he just did not like the MRE's I gave him.

stikpusher

Well this thread has been a wealth of information for me as well. I have the same kit in my stash, from Hobby Lobby for 40% off, and will tackle it one day. The kit inaccuracies do  not overly concern me. How to build it as best I can mostly OOB using stuff from my spares bin, etc, does. Watching this thread has been illuminating for many small details on the Abrams, and I will reference it when I do tackle mine.

It is still a bargain (when using the 40% coupon). Like I said, I'd have gotten one, but I already had an unbuilt one so it wasn't worth it to buy another. Ninety percent of the people who look at the kit won't notice the undersized turret.

Gamera

Thanks for the recommendations guys. Though after looking over my stash this weekend I decided not to pick up a new Abrams since it looks like I'm working my way to hoarder status and the last thing I need is to add anything else to it...  

My wife would agree with you there about being a hoarder with models all tho I do not have a stash put back at the moment..

Thanks for the recommendations guys. Though after looking over my stash this weekend I decided not to pick up a new Abrams since it looks like I'm working my way to hoarder status and the last thing I need is to add anything else to it...  

stikpusher

Well this thread has been a wealth of information for me as well. I have the same kit in my stash, from Hobby Lobby for 40% off, and will tackle it one day. The kit inaccuracies do  not overly concern me. How to build it as best I can mostly OOB using stuff from my spares bin, etc, does. Watching this thread has been illuminating for many small details on the Abrams, and I will reference it when I do tackle mine.

Awesome stikpusher, glad that this thread could be some help. I did not know that when I first started this thread that the wealth of information would be as great as it has been. I have found out that there are some well accomplished modelers here.

Good luck and have a great build when you start your kit.

Well this thread has been a wealth of information for me as well. I have the same kit in my stash, from Hobby Lobby for 40% off, and will tackle it one day. The kit inaccuracies do  not overly concern me. How to build it as best I can mostly OOB using stuff from my spares bin, etc, does. Watching this thread has been illuminating for many small details on the Abrams, and I will reference it when I do tackle mine.

Gamera

Thanks again Rob, I'm a little fuzzy on anything after 1945 and not that knowledgeable about stuff before. I'll just avoid any Academy Abrams!

I built a motorized version of the old Tamiya M1 kit back in the early 90s- wonder what happened to it?  You guys got me interested enough to look around at some of the newer kits. Nomad- it you decide to pick up another Abrams I've found a bunch of the new Tamiya  M1A2 kits on Ebay for about fifty-five bucks included shipping and handling- expensive but much less than I've seen it at the retailers I looked at.

If anyone is interested. Someone on another site posted a sale list and is offering a Tamiya M1A1 with mine plow for only $25 and an M2A2 Bradley for $20. A little more but still great prices are the Tamiya T-55 and T-72 for $35. No relation to the seller, but saw the good deals here http://www.network54.com/Forum/409173/thread/1405116127/FS+-+1-35+scale+Model+Armor 

Nomad53

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Rob, Here are some photos of the figure. Personally I do not like it. There is no detail at all. No flack vest or anything. I tried to make the mic on the helmet with sprue. Looking to make more details on the figure with milliput. Been watching some videos on making wiring and such. Also I did find one reference photo of the uniform.

He's wearing the 1970s-early 80s fatigues that we called "pickle suits". There was no detail on the uniforms, some of the old school guys had original cotton ones and us newer guys had the permanent press ones. Both of which had the heck starched out of them! Breaking starch was a term we used for putting on a freshly laundered set. The dang things could stand on their own without a person inside. Very old school figure in an old school uniform for a tank that should have a more recent TC.

I know I don't have a Marine in a current CVC uniform, but I might have a more recent commander figure somewhere. I'd have to look.

For the CVC color, I use Testors Model Master Medium Green (FS34102), then I drybrush with OD Green to fade it a bit.  You can then weather with dirt and dust to finish it off.

These were one of the sets of my “dog & pony” CVC’s so are in better shape than what you would typically come across in the field.  I took a picture of front and back with and without flash of the CVC suit and CVC jacket.
I will definitely try my hand with figures for my next armor build, maybe even have some of those delicious MREs in one of their hands.

 

 

Looks like your model came out pretty nicely.  I have been out of the net for about a week and haven't seen it develop.  The Trumpeter figures that were recommended are pretty nice.  I would go with them if you can.

deattilio

Whoa a Nomad what have you done to that poor figure? Looks like he spent couple years in the desert on bread and water rations. Tamiya has taken skinny to a new thinness!

i am up for some input concerning figures too. I need to venture into figures to add some "life" to my builds, I've been shying away from them for too long.

The Nomex CVC's are more green than drab though. I have couple sets in the closet that I held onto after I retired as they were my favorite uniforms. I referred to them as my combat pajamas. I can snap and post some pics of them if it would be of any help.

Well this figure is a Academy figure that came with the kit. He is not glued in as of now because I am looking to get the Tamiya Modern Figures. Don't be afraid to start painting figures to go with your builds as like you said it brings life to the diorama.

Just look at the paint guide and then look at reference photos of what you want to figure to look like and jump right in.b Also in the figure forum there is a lot of great help there with the pain there are three or four that have been a BIG help with my build here.

Please send some photos of the CVC's.

Doug

As for the figure being thin.....Well he just did not like the MRE's I gave him.

Whoa a Nomad what have you done to that poor figure? Looks like he spent couple years in the desert on bread and water rations. Tamiya has taken skinny to a new thinness!

i am up for some input concerning figures too. I need to venture into figures to add some "life" to my builds, I've been shying away from them for too long.

The Nomex CVC's are more green than drab though. I have couple sets in the closet that I held onto after I retired as they were my favorite uniforms. I referred to them as my combat pajamas. I can snap and post some pics of them if it would be of any help.

I like the Tamiya figures. They have a lot of details most of the time and because that they are the only ones that I have worked with. I want to look into getting some other brands and see how they compare to each other.

Watch, lol. Figures do seem to be a problem for modern armor. Or for ww2 aircraft. I don't think I have any for my 109/548/577 models. Bob

Gamera

Nomad, good to see you're back!

Isn't that the original figure going back to the early '80s release of the M1? It's an ok figure and good to see you're painting him though you might scrap the seams off the sleeves and boots. 

I looked around for a newer set but this is all I could find available now. The Trumpeter figures I've bought have been a little uneven in quality. Maybe someone here has a set so they can recommend or not recommend it? 

Thanks for the information. I will surly check this out. The only thing I like about the figure that came with the kit is that he has a watch on his left wrist.

Nomad, good to see you're back!

Isn't that the original figure going back to the early '80s release of the M1? It's an ok figure and good to see you're painting him though you might scrap the seams off the sleeves and boots. 

I looked around for a newer set but this is all I could find available now. The Trumpeter figures I've bought have been a little uneven in quality. Maybe someone here has a set so they can recommend or not recommend it? 

First off I would like to say I have cooled down a bit and think that I will try and keep on building and asking for help on things that I do not understand. Rob, doog, MrT.  and all the others that have "really" helped me I thank you so much.

I just wish that Gino would come back and give me his straight forward opinions. That would help me a lot also.

Rob, Here are some photos of the figure. Personally I do not like it. There is no detail at all. No flack vest or anything. I tried to make the mic on the helmet with sprue. Looking to make more details on the figure with milliput. Been watching some videos on making wiring and such. Also I did find one reference photo of the uniform.

Nomad,

I have been watching your build and you are doing a great job.  You know there are really no perfect kits or builders for that matter.  We all strive to do the best work we can.  Folks on this site or any other site represent many different levels of skill and knowledge and that's ok you're doing great.  I think you will find many many more good people then bad.  The problem is the bitter and obnoxious people seem to talk the loudest.  Please don't let one of those push you out.  There is a reason why they are called trolls they creep around looking for a place inject themselves.  It was just your turn.

Terry(MrT)

I agree with Doog, Nomad53. You didn't start anything and I've been following your build with interest and an eye in helping you make it a better experience. While I fully agree with the build to suit yourself crowd and do so myself, personal attacks such as suggesting another's opinion belongs in the trash, shouldn't belong in our hobby. It is after all, a recreational past time, just a hobby, something we do for fun.

It's also one of the reasons why I don't provide unsolicited critiques; if someone just wants to build OOB and then wants to share his photo, who am I to say whether it is good or bad or if he should have fixed this or that. Besides, airing my opinion on these things are not worth the negative attention it attracts. Only "Great Jobs!" need appear here.

I will air my opinion on a particular model kit. Saying it is an inaccurate copy of another company's kit is a fact, not an opinion. Saying a kit is unbuildable trash is an opinion; one in which NO ONE has said in this thread, although someone did imply that is what was said previously. It might be valid to some but not to others. Personally, I do not think this particular kit is not worth building and you've proven that point. I think it is a nice kit to build. Most accurate Abrams? Certainly not. Most affordable Abrams? Definitely among them. Worth building? Sure, I bought one at Hobby Lobby with the coupon a couple years back, but decided not to buy one this past 4th of July.

I am interested in helping modelers who want assistance in building the kit and making it more realistic and I have real world experience on this type of vehicle and can provide the necessary observations to do so. I'm not interested in listening to detractors who think my opinion belongs in the trash.

Nomad53

Okay all I guess that I am saying I am done. Calling it quits. I do not want to be the one that started a thread that caused trouble.....

This is because of comments made about harsh words. To all that read this. "I am the one that asked for advice and comments."

Nomad, let's be very clear about something: YOU did not "start" anything. We had one person come blustering in with perhaps was a well-meaning piece of advice about "doing your own thing"--fair enough; some people just aren't tactful--but you didn't start anything, and the people who were pointing out that "you were the one asking for advice" were merely pointing out a FACT, nothing more.

Nomad53

Okay all I guess that I am saying I am done.

Boy, I would urge you in the strongest possible way to reconsider that. So.....what? Let the bigmouths drive you off? (and I use that term generally) Take a look at what GOOD your thread actually generated---you built a beautiful model here, a nice representation of a popular tank and one that many vets here have served on or around. Along the way you got great advice from two guys, and a lot of great information which you used to correct and improve an old kit. A LOT OF GUYS WILL USE THIS THREAD to do the same and to use as reference for their Abrams builds. What a shame if you would have foregone the completion of this valuable thread?

Nomad53

I will not bother anyone anymore. I will just read and learn from all the great modellers that are on this forum.

I have a better suggestion: why not BE ONE OF THEM? Hwy man--we ALL started out like you here. Newbs who could slap a kit together competently enough, but we got where we are by doing what you JUST DID---asking questions, and being mature enough to take criticism and advice, and know that even if he criticism sometimes stings, it's all meant for the best.

Since I joined this forum in 2007, it's been like a huge social experiment. I've learned that there are literally all kinds of people here. There are genuinely helpful people. guys who don't say much or have not much to say beyond "Looks great!" (which is fine) and there are the occasional tactless individuals and curmudgeons. Hell, the long-term members have ALL been those people at one point or the other.

In truth, you make this forum what it is. If you slink away and disappear because some tactless poster riles up a small bluster, you serve neither your own modeling, nor the interest of the community to which you have already contributed valuable information and a fine example of modeling.

Now go get a cup of coffee and get back to participating!

Nomad53

Hey Rob,

One more question. I would like to put the TC on the model but not sure what colors the uniform are. Like the helmet and so forth. I have looked at a lot photos but can't seem to find the one that I need.

The tank commander figure is the infamous "Mike Dukakis" figure wearing late 70s-early 80s OD green fatigues. If you paint it a medium green or desert sand color and ignore or remove the belt, it can pass for the CVC Nomex overalls we started wearing in the mid 80s. The figure wasn't really Dukasis since the original Tamiya kit with that figure came out a few years before the photograph was taken. It's just called that because of the resemblance. The helmet can be a similar olive green or sand color. They came in a matt green shell with a forest green and black ear pieces and trim.

Okay all I guess that I am saying I am done. Calling it quits. I do not want to be the one that started a thread that caused trouble. I do not know who is thinking what or really how it got started but I want it to stop. Gino left the thread and he is one of the ones that was helping me the most with his comments. Rob has been helping me by catching small errors that I would have never caught and would still be doing.

This is because of comments made about harsh words. To all that read this. "I am the one that asked for advice and comments." Gino and Rob were giving me their straight forward advice and comments that I had asked for and wanted. How else am I going to get the answers that I need on what types of kits to get or how to make sure I have a certain color right, or if the kit is the right one that I need.

Rob I see now why you do not give out advice that much. Thanks for you very much needed help. You To all others that have answered questions and made comments of the build itself. Thank you.

I will not bother anyone anymore. I will just read and learn from all the great modellers that are on this forum.