The Official M1 Abrams Group Build 2011

KC -- page 1 updated, fabulous build! Re the stowage, I remember photos of ODS Abrams so loaded with gear you'd think they were the supply truck, not the MBT... Re GR114's thoughts on stowage, my impression is that the explosion of the ammunition store would generate a blast pressure against which the weight of stowage would be insignificant, the only question is whether the added resistance would overstress the internal hatches, resulting in crew compartment compromisation... Nevertheless, it looks terrific!

GD, I think you're the last one still building, so we're watching for you to bring that beast home!

There were some amazing and very promising projects early on that seemed to go by the wayside, and that's a shame. As always, anyone who would like to finish and take a badge is more than welcome.

Cheers -- will post a wrap-up message reflecting on the thread before long.

Mike/TB379

Awesome looking Abrams there! I have to post pictures of mine, I finished months ago but never got a chance to set up some pictures. Wish I had participated here, it looks like there's a wealth of knowledge!

Guys, when I started building this I had planed to put just a few bags, ammo and MRE's. This past November at deer camp one of my best friends was there and he was a Marine. It never did draw on me that he was also a M1A1HA gunner, for some reason I just thought he was Inf, a boot on the ground. I told him about this build and he said to pile it on. As they moved north and used up ammo, food, cokes, water, etc they would throw them off and kept going, they only stoped for tank rounds and fuel. He also told me not to go more than one backpack and one drifflebag per crew member.

I'm gonna try to finish this by tonight, but I don't think I can make it. I place the blame on these:

Back to the Abrams at hand. Started painting the crew.

Finished the towbars. These are actually removable and deployable.

Well I'm getting there...

that's good to know.  I've got a ton of stowage left over because I didn't think they'd load 'em down that much.  Maybe if I get a chance I'll throw some more stuff on mine.

Is this group build still open?

If so I would like to join as I have just about finished an Abrams with mine plow and I have a few questions

James

Hi James,

Ask away, though you might consider asking in the general armor forum, as there are many people here who are familiar with the Abrams who may be able to answer your questions but did not participate in or follow this GB.

James -- this GB closed at the end of last year, sorry to say. However, if there was interest in another I would be more than happy to host it. This will reach everyone involved in the 2011 event, and I recall there were a number of promising builds that didn't reach the finish line.

How about it -- anyone for Abrams II?

Cheers, Mike/TB379

I chucked my Dragon Abrams in the bin on Saturday, not one of my better moments. I'd have to see what else is out there after completing a Revell one and not liking the Dragon one at all.

Cheers

Tony

Hi Tony -- Sorry about that Dragon kit, it was probably expensive too... If I may be so bold, I'd suggest Tamiya for ease of building and Trumpeter for completeness of detail. I've done three Tamiya M1s and they just fall together. Trumpeter has more building to do, but has more accurate detail at many levels (there would be very little to scratchbuild on theirs, whereas there's a whole suite to add to Tamiya...

Cheers, Mike/TB379

Hi Mike,

I do 1/72 and 1/48 for armor, but I must say I don't have any idea what kits are available in 1/72. I know there is not a decent 1/48 Abrams, but don't know if there are other options in 1/72 ?

I would happily do another Revell one if there is another variant, hang on I'll google it....

...googled

They do an M1A1 (HA) which I've completed previously, and an M1A2, so I guess I'm in business.

You have my expression of interest. I guess I could even look at sticking a DML mine plough onto one of these.

Cheers

Tony

I'd be interested in an Abrams 2.  I still have that AMT M-1 and the Trumpeter 5 in 1.  Just let me know when we start.

Jim

I've purchased a kit for Abrams II. Let me know when we're off. it's another 1/72 Revell Abrams.

Cheers

Tony

I'd been itching to do another Abrams, there's just been so much I've learned since I finished the last one.

Better late than never, right?  Sorry I missed to better part of this GB, but did manage to finish my build early this year.  At the request of our leader, I humbly submit photos of the finished model:

I ended up cutting tiny sections of a red transparent slide for the coated lenses, and MV lenses for the headlights.

Frank -- yes indeed, always better late than never! She's a beauty, with delicately done dust and carbon, and very convincing stowage. I must do an A2 at some point. The anti-laser coating of the vision blocks is always tricky to reproduce, the slivers of slide film trick seems to be the most convincing technique of them all.

I'll update page 1 with your completed build.

As there's been interest lately in a second round (three or four firm expression of interest so far), I'd like to re-moot the point here on the original thread -- I would be very happy to organise a second round, I certainly have my Trumpeter -HA on standby and am always up for another Abrams in the collection. If folks are up for it, let me know and we might as well get into it!

Cheers, Mike/TB379

That Abrams is good, very convincing.

I'm still in for round two Mike.

Cheers

Tony

I never finished the one I was doing for Round One........

You're more than welcome to field her for a second round!

M/TB379

Thunderbolt379

You're more than welcome to field her for a second round!

M/TB379

It's just a matter of some dust, weathering the tracks and attaching the skirts at this point.....

I'd be interested in another go.

Thanks for the feedback gents, much appreciated!