It's unfortunate that all of the M1 kits on the market need several things done to them to make them close to accurate. As much as I want to buy the Tamiya M1, I just can't justify the cost ($40-45, most expensive M1 in the stores) since it is missing the anti-skid texture, which is very obvious on the real thing. I have read that the best way of building an accurate M1 is to take the new Tamiya turret and use it with the Trumpeter hull. Follow this link for a comparison of the Abrams kits:
http://vodnik.net/index_m2a2.htm
Erik
"Don't fruit the beer."
Newest model buys:
More than I care to think about. It's time for a support group.