Well, I got my DML M1A2 today!
Its pretty much as I expected. All of DML's fantastic detail coupled with all of DML's fantastic fit problems! The gap at the front of the turret around the mantlet was 1/16" wide!!!!! Sheet styrene all the way for filling. It cleaned up nicely, though and the weld line is still there. As for detail, its friggin beautiful! The non-skid upper surfaces are great. The upper hull was a little warped, but I fixed it no problem.
I haven't decided whether I like the DML or Tamiya gun barrel better. I'm leaning towards the Tamiya, but there is something about having an actual TUBE instead of a muzzle that stops a few millimeters in.... Then again, the alternative is $35 on an aluminum barrel. Just doesn't make sense when you're spending $20 on the kit...
Now on to markings..... I haven't decided whether to do a 3/67 Armor or a 1/10 Cav Tank. I've got a pic of one from each unit. They're both in Iraq right now, but probably have not seen much (if any) action. Anyone got any news on them?
Anyhow, enough of my rambling. I'm probably going to end up doing a representative tank from each battalion that participated in Iraqi Freedom. Moving right along!