Best M1A2 model?

I purchased the one from trumpter, haven't started on it yet, but it looks good in the box, and no warpage or flash

Easy, I have all three and have built two of them (DML and Trumpeter). The new Italeri M1A2 is the best. I just got mine for $20+$5 shipping, but haven't got around to building it yet.

That being said, there was nothing wrong with the DML M1A2. Like all the DML Abrams kits, the build is a little fidgety, but it makes into a good model.

The Trumpeter kit is a good value. The only real problem with the kit is that the left face of the turret angles up, but is easily fixed with a couple of wedges of sheet styrene. Trumpeter Abrams kits come with both one piece vinyl and link&length tracks; however, the inner faces of the track blocks each have a bump dead center. Every block on both the vinyl and link&length have them so Trumpeter put them there on purpose. Problem is, I've dealt with a lot of M1 track and I've never seen the bumps there. Still a recommended easy build.

Major Rob, were there M1A2's in Iraq to the best of your knowledge? I mean with the 3Rd Inf or the Marines? I imagine that 4th Inf has them, and possibly 3rd Armored too?

No, only two units in the US Armed Forces (includes Marines) are equipped with the M1A2 (besides training units). The 4th ID and the 1st Cav are the only line units with the M1A2. The 1st Cav is not fully fielded yet (not all armor units in 1st Cav are M1A2 equipped yet).

The 3rd ID does not have them at home in Ft. Stewart nor in Iraq. The Marines are not slated to get the M1A2 at all (look how long they kept the M60A1). The 3rd ACR does not have the M1A2.

The 4th ID is using the M1A2 in Iraq right now. That's it.

Ok, here's my $.02...

I prefer the DML M1A2, although I haven't seen the Italeri one yet. The Trumpeter kit is not bad, and they certainly share a number of features (mold sharing?). The Trumpeter kit, however has some parts which are less than adequate. In particular, the headlight guards are about twice as thick as they should be. I also didn't like the gun and mantlet construction. The muzzle had some serious mold parting lines too. Its not a bad kit, and certainly better than the Tamiya as far as surface detail, but the DML kit seems to be more refined. On both kits, however, the M240 MG seems to be a bit oversized. Perhaps stealing one from a Tamiya kit is in order!

And those link & length tracks are no fun and the rubberband tracks aren't much better. The detail of the link & length is decent, but as Major G said, those bumps in the center of each track are just wrong... the rubberband tracks have considerably less detail.... You do much better ordering the AFV Club T158 workable link sets for another $10. They're well worth the price!

Ok, end of rant.... My M1A2 is being finished as "X166" from A/1/10 Cavalry, 4th ID. I'm trying to decide whether I want to do a diorama of it being offloaded in Umm Qasr or in Baghdad... decisions decisions!

Later!

QUOTE: "X166" from A/1/10 Cavalry

That doesn't look like a good bumper number. May want to double check it.

QUOTE: Originally posted by Rob Gronovius The 3rd ID does not have them at home in Ft. Stewart nor in Iraq.

Ok, thanks. Here's an odd question. Would you say that it's better to use the Trumpeter M1A! for a 3rd Inf M1A1 for Gulf War II, or the Italeri M1A2, backdated? If so, is there a reference to help to backdate the kit? As far as I remember, there is not a huge external visual difference between the A1 and the A2.

Larry,

Go with the Trumpeter kit. Backdating the Italeri one is possible, but the commander's cupola is completly different. I'm not sure if the M1A1 style cupola is included in the Italeri. Also you've got the CITV turret at the left front on the M1A2 and just the bolted down "manhole" on the M1A1. There are a few other differences. Major G is the real expert here.
I've learned an immense amount from him. Can't wait till I get a platoon of my own!

The kit only includes the CITV and upgraded CWS (commander's weapon station). They are all together on the end of a large sprue that looks like it was designed to be replaced. I hear they are producing an M1A1 in the near future, this sub-sprue probably gets replaced by another with the M1/M1A1 CWS and blanked off manhole cover.

Therefore Larry, your best bet would be to go with the Trumpeter or DML M1A1. Can't back date the Italeri M1A2 to an M1A1 with what's in the box.

BTW, the Italeri back deck (engine cover) is designed separately with a walled engine compartment. There is no engine included, luckily I have the old Kirin M1 engine. The back deck is also inccorectly made. It is made in one piece and the forward edge of the back deck should be a separate piece. It is called the *itch plate because it is a pain to get in.

Hi!

I have the Italeri M1A2 kit and I am really happy with it, except one thing. I am not sure, how tankers call it, but in the Italeri Kit the suspension arms for the wheels are "connected" to the main body, so they aren't moveable. I am pretty sure, that ist wrong, so could somebody please put some pictures of the suspension arms up and how they are connected or describe me, how the supension works? Your help would be much appreciated!

Bye Migi
Germany

Migi: The arms attaches to a torsion bar that twist as the road wheel rides over terrain. The nornal position is at a down angle as found on your kit,unless you want to modify your kit to show the suspension in work. For a Tanker to find a arm up and road wheel off the track means broken torsion bar and a long day of work ahead.

Ah interesting.

I wasnt sure, if the the wheel suspension twists or "slits" up a bit on a M1 Abrams. But now i know. Thank you!

Bye Migi

the marines will never get the m1a2 they know to stick with what works. even if 1st cav or 4 id go to iraq their tanks will stay here. they cannot operate in the extreme temperatures( computer overheats). personally prefer the m1a1HAi have the dragon version of the A2 went together well but had trouble with the track. could be the bump like the trumpeter model but was more likely my paint job on them.

And if you want an Iraq version, Dragon has just released their M1A1 HA "Baghdad 2003" kit, as I mentioned in another forum.

Ooops...you wanted an M1A2! Sorry! The Dragon M1A1 HA is a Marines vehicle, too.

QUOTE: Originally posted by keith25richard the marines will never get the m1a2 they know to stick with what works. even if 1st cav or 4 id go to iraq their tanks will stay here. they cannot operate in the extreme temperatures( computer overheats). personally prefer the m1a1HAi have the dragon version of the A2 went together well but had trouble with the track. could be the bump like the trumpeter model but was more likely my paint job on them.

Strange comment considering that 4th ID's M1A2s are already in theater in Iraq. Besides, the temperature down on motor pool road at Fort Hood can reach above 110°. Believe me, I've spent 4 years sweating down there. The tanks are also used at the National Training Center at Ft. Irwin, Calif. This training site is located in the Mojave Desert, relatively close to another hot spot called Death Valley. Additionally, the M1A2 is being marketed to both Egypt , Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.