M1A2 SEP TUSK w/ Full Interior - Update 18JAN11 Dio Done...

Yup, the more current version is the TUSK II.  The main difference is the added creamic tiles on the side skirt ERA armor and turret deigned to absorb and dissipate the HEAT round much like the ceramic tiles in body armor does.  It is a more effective design since it adds another layer of protection.

M1A1 w/TUSK II

Both Tusk I and Tusk II kits are still in use beside eachother though.

Legend makes a TUSK II set as well.

Wow, very ambitious project!!!

Thanks Manny.

Keep an eye on this post.  I should have some pics of it painted and decaled later today.

HeavyArty

Yup, the more current version is the TUSK II.  The main difference is the added creamic tiles on the side skirt ERA armor and turret deigned to absorb and dissipate the HEAT round much like the ceramic tiles in body armor does.  It is a more effective design since it adds another layer of protection.

M1A1 w/TUSK II

Both Tusk I and Tusk II kits are still in use beside eachother though.

 

Legend makes a TUSK II set as well.

Wow,I know modern warfare demands changes in design,but they succeded in turning the M1 into an ugly tank with thes upgrades but good luck on your project,looking foward to watching it.

Here are some pics with paint and decals.  Next up is the weathering and some stowage.

Let me know what you think.

outstanding Gino

Sweet!

Freakin' TOP NOTCH, Gino! The detail in this thing is amazing. It looks like one of those Franklin Mint limited-release miniatures where all the doors and hatches open and there's details in everything!

The paint looks great all around!

Thanks for the compliments guys.

Doog: You know I love adding the little details to make it different.  Thanks.

Gino

This is superb!  You have really set the bar high for this build.  I love all the interior detail.  I also think your paint work is looking fine.  Can't wait to see this one with some weathering on it.  It is definately looking the part.

I didn't notice in your discussion up to this point, but do you have a unit or time/location in mind for this bad bear?

Thanks bbrownii.  I love adding all the little details.  The tank is marked as one from 3-8 CAV, 1st CAV Div from around '04-'05 timeframe in Baghdad.  It deosn't really represent a specific tank at a specific time though.  More of a representative piece of any M1A2 TUSK about that time.

This old Redleg salutes you.....

Rounds Complete!!

HeavyArty

Thanks bbrownii.  I love adding all the little details.  The tank is marked as one from 3-8 CAV, 1st CAV Div from around '04-'05 timeframe in Baghdad.  It deosn't really represent a specific tank at a specific time though.  More of a representative piece of any M1A2 TUSK about that time.

Yeah, I guess if I'd paid a little more attention to the markings, that would have been obvious.  Sorry Gino... I'm a little overtired tonight...

anthony2779

Wow,I know modern warfare demands changes in design,but they succeded in turning the M1 into an ugly tank with thes upgrades but good luck on your project,looking foward to watching it.

As far as armor goes, I feel that ugly is beauty.

Great job, Gino. Does it run? It looks like it should.

Gino, that baby looks so factory-fresh right now - I dunno, a sarge taking care of it would probably be proud of the boys who cleaned it

I just have to ask you about the TAXI light on the rangefinder (if it IS the rangefinder). A personal accent, practical joke or something else?

I look forward to the weathering, have a nice day

Paweł

Thanks guys, glad you like it so far.  I agree that a tank should be more ugly than a beauty, but the Abrams is so ugly it is a beauty. 

bbrownii:  No problem, we've all had long days.

Pawel: The TAXI sign was actually on the Commander's tank of 3-8 CAV in Iraq in AUG '03.  I had him reply on another site that he took it off a Taxi in Baghdad and had it wired up to the inside light so he could turn it on at night.  It is included in the Dragon kit, and the buyer specifically wanted it on there.

WOW! I can't wait to see the stowage and weathering.

Thanks jetmodeler.  The next update won't be for a while though.  I will be out of town starting tonight though the Sunday after Thanskgiving, so nothing will get gone on it.

Damn, eye candy in every pixel. Nice work!

Detail painting is really bringing this one to life Gino, look forward to the next round of updates when you're back.

Thanks Bill and Jester.  I'll keep you posted.

HeavyArty

Thanks guys, glad you like it so far.  I agree that a tank should be more ugly than a beauty, but the Abrams is so ugly it is a beauty. 

Never would consider the Abrams ugly.

Very cool, never seen one of these built up. Learning as your building.

Very impressive build---the mine-roller attachemnets always make an awesome machine more awesome...nicely done... 

Gino- Really top shelf stuff here, I love it!

My Abrams has been stalled for 6 months while I try to figure out how to accurately weather it.  I will be watching you closely!

If I didn't see the photos myself to see how awesome that is, I would have known anyway.  Manny actually had to use 16 words in his post of praise.

Beautiful Gino.

Thanks guys.  I hope to get back it now that Thanksgiving is over.  I'll keep you posted.

sorry i havent been around. she's worthy of the assembly line gino. nice nice nice!!!! absolutely love all the details.

Thanks camo junkie

Here is the progress so far.  The tank  is done.  Now I need to add a couple figures and a base.  The MGs will be laid out on a tarp.  There will be a tool box and some tools as well.

Here is the finished tank.

More here.

As always, all comments are welcomed.

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That is one amazing build.

I bet this thing is going to look AWESOME setting in a dio.