Tamiya M1A2 as USMC M1A1HA

I scratch built new panels out of styrene sheet.

That picture shows me an answer to a question I've had unanswered for a very long time.

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If it helps, there's a pic of the edge of the second last skirt panel here:

http://svsm.org/gallery/m1a1_mir/IMG_5377

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ok, thanks, that's as good a guess as any. I don't have any concertina, so I think I'll still leave 'em off for now.

I've seen a lot of pictures of Abrams with the rear-most panel of the skirts missing, just like both those above, anyone know how common that is, or why they're taken off?

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Ok, none of the pics in my copy of M1 Abrams in action show this part, so I'm assuming I don't need it. I've started applying the anti-slip coating on the hull and turret.

Admittedly, while the Abrams in Action has lots of good reference pics, it's not good at explaining what modifications apply to each tank variant.  A lot of these parts are seemingly randomly applied to tanks of all variants.

Ok, I've finally gotten around to starting this kit.

Quick question, the Eduard set has two brackets (PE60) that fit on the back of the engine hatches, but I don't see them in any reference shots I've been able to find.  what are they for and do I need them?

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