m1a1 & m1a2

I am not very sure but...
1.) A commander's copula(correct term, Rob?) added in M1A2.
2.) Driver has central image intensifying periscope.
3.) Bigfoot(?) tracks.

For further information (or most accurate info that is) we wait for Rob's comments. He is the best reference on M1's here.

Rob?

Tiger,

Major G is the authority on the Abrams. I think he's probably helped all of us with an Abrams at one point or another!

One of the other major differences is the CITV turret on the left front of the M1A2 turret, over the loader's position. That's the Commander's Independent Thermal Viewer. The Commander's cupola and .50cal mount are completely different on the M1A2 also.

You'd almost have an easier time picking up either the DML, Trumpeter or Italeri M1A2 kits, rather than converting the Tamiya M1A1.

Just my $.02

try here aswell http://afvinteriors.hobbyvista.com/m1a2/abrams1.html for the M1A2 info

I'll echo the previous comments. It is easier to buy one of the three available M1A2s for around $20 give or take than it would be to convert the Tamiya early M1A1 to an M1A2. The Tamiya kit is highly simplified and inaccurate. Very well engineered kit that was originally motorized, but had a lot of detail omitted or simplified due to the "toy factor".

The commander's weapon station (CWS or cupola) was upgraded to the ICWS. This would be tough to replicate on the Tamiya kit. It would involve removing the CWS and replacing it with a scratchbuilt one.

There is an auxillary power unit (APU) in the bustle rack.

The Commander's Independent Thermal Viewer (CITV) is probably the biggest recognition feature, although the Marine Corps' missile countermeasure device (MCD) is mounted in the same place (on the "manhole cover" forward of the loader's hatch) and created early misidentifications of a non-existant Marine Corps M1A2.

The T-158 tracks (only referred to in modeling circles as "Bigfoot") are not truly an M1A1/M1A2 identifier. Although almost all M1A2s have T-158 tracks, some late M1A1s were fielded with T-158 and early M1A1s have received T-158 as stocks of T-156 tracks were depleted.

Forgot to mention that this is for an M1A2, there are a slew of other modifications needed to upgrade the M1A2 into an M1A2SEP.

Hi Rob. A quick question: Is the army working on a replacement for the Abrams, or are they going to continue to upgrade it? I guess if it isn't broken don't fix it....

"It is well that war is so terrible, lest we grow too fond of it."-R.E.Lee

Yes, the objective force vehicle (OFV) is in the works. Still chasing technology with that one. No word yet on whether it will be wheeled or tracked.

Tiger Dude, I'm new here, but I'll give my two cents:

Major Gronovius is right on. Also, there is the external power hookup for the plow to the left rear of the driver's hatch (I haven't seen this on any production A2 models, but its there). Also, there is the EPLRS antenna mount on the right rear of the turret (on later A2s; also missing from A2 kits). If you are interested in the M1A2SEP, I recently did an article for Matt Malogorski at "Full Metal Jacket" that might give a little insight. The site is at:
http://fullmetaljacket.tanxheaven.com/
Good luck.

CPT Andrew Wilbraham

"Trust, but verify..." - Ronald Wilson Reagan

To the major. Have you served in the cav or an armor unit. Just wondering if we might have crossed tracks somewhere

QUOTE: Originally posted by bilbirk To the major. Have you served in the cav or an armor unit. Just wondering if we might have crossed tracks somewhere

Yes, several of them, 5-77 Armor, 3-32 Armor, 1-12 Cav and 2-12 Cav. My divisional time was done in the 1st Cav and 8th ID.