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

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.

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...

This old Redleg salutes you.....

Rounds Complete!!

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.

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 for the compliments guys.

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

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!

Sweet!

outstanding Gino

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

Let me know what you think.

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.

Thanks Manny.

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

Wow, very ambitious project!!!

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.

HeavyArty

Pawel: Thanks for checking in and the compliments.  You're wasting your breath my friend.  You're not going to change my mind on the painting techniques.  I still don't like the look of preshading and won't use it.  To each their own. 

As to the TUSK, I'll give a brief description for you.  It stands for Tank Urban Survival Kit.  It was developed after the initial invasion in Iraq to make the tanks more survivable in the cities as they patrolled them.  It includes belly armor against mines and IEDs, side skirt armor against RPGs, armor sheilds around the loader's MG and hatch, a barrel mounted .50 cal MG for engaging non-armor targets with the main gun sight, and day/night sights for the TC and loader's MGs.  It is pretty effective and has been added to many (most) tanks used in Iraq.

Tusk has gone by the wayside Gino they now have TUSKII it is supposed to be even better than TUSK. Don't know why when it looks almost the same as TUSK.

Gino - I know it's your model and you will paint it as you see fit. So I was just expressing my opinion. Thanks a lot for the explanation, I learned something new again, that's what I like! I look forward to the next update on this WIP, have a nice day

Paweł

Pawel: Thanks for checking in and the compliments.  You're wasting your breath my friend.  You're not going to change my mind on the painting techniques.  I still don't like the look of preshading and won't use it.  To each their own. 

As to the TUSK, I'll give a brief description for you.  It stands for Tank Urban Survival Kit.  It was developed after the initial invasion in Iraq to make the tanks more survivable in the cities as they patrolled them.  It includes belly armor against mines and IEDs, side skirt armor against RPGs, armor sheilds around the loader's MG and hatch, a barrel mounted .50 cal MG for engaging non-armor targets with the main gun sight, and day/night sights for the TC and loader's MGs.  It is pretty effective and has been added to many (most) tanks used in Iraq.

Gino, though I have my reservations about your painting style, I always found your building top notch. And this one is extra-cool too! The coolest thing for me in this build is the way it shows how little space is left for the crew in this huge turret after you subtract the volume taken up by the armor and ammo. The thickness of the armor is massive.

Could you please write something about the TUSK option - since when it is used and what it does? I could look it up on the internet, but I bet you have something interesting to say about it. Thanks in advance, good luck with painting and have a nice day

Paweł

Thanks Doog, glad you like it.   I started it knowing it was for a customer, so no loss there.  I am getting paid pretty good for the build, but not raking in the dough from it.  Mainly I am enjoying it.

WOW, I'm just blown away---what a freakin' awesome, cool model! I've never seen an M1 so tricked out and detailed before. Just .....just fabulous--your consistency never seems to falter.

I gotta hand it to you, Gino--I don't know how you can relinquish possession of these when you're done! You must be getting some darned good paycheck to make it worth it! I'd never be able give up a work of true art like this!

10 out of 10--man, I can't WAIT to see the dio!

Are you going to put this one is a dio?

Yup, as I wrote in my original post, it will go in a simple maintenance dio with a couple mechanics looking over the engine.

Are you going to put this one is a dio?

John:  Thanks for the compliments and your support.  The Auto Craft Shop (as the military calls them) are great.  Every post I have been to has had one so far.

I've read about the do-it yourself garages on a mechanics forum I go to.Thats cool that they have them on base for you guys.Do all bases have them? Thank you for your service also,and keep up the outstanding workon your M-1.

John

Patience my good man, patience... 

Insert "eager toe tapping icon" here.....

Thanks guys.  I was able to get some paint on it over the weekend.  I hope to have some pics of it with decals posted soon.

Pulling out all the stops on this one.  Looks great.

WOOOOOOOOOW!

I can't wait to see how this one is going to turn out.

Thanks Kevin.  Hope you get your tongue back in your mouth w/o issues.