Hello All,
Need some help as I find myself confused [%-)] (not an altogether rare state for me).
Have both the Academy M1A1 “Iraq 2003” and Tamiya M1A2 “OIF”. Want to get two more Tamiya kits to do one of each version of the Tamiya kit.
Seem to have been bitten by an Abrams bug. Hope it isn’t fatal. [:-^][:-^]
So, since I can make a M1A1HA from the Tamiya kit, how much difference would there be between the M1A1HA and the Academy M1A1?
If there’s no big difference I would just like to return the Academy kit. I know the tracks for the Academy kit aren’t correct, but I do have the proper set. Also heard there are some issues with the turret on the Academy kit.
The Tamiya kit can also be made in to an U.S. M. C. version. Would this be a M1A1 or A2? What are the differences between the Army and Marine versions?
What Testors Model Master paint / s could be used to duplicate the sand color?
If nothing will work straight from the bottle, what about mixes?
Thanks for any and all advice, help and guidance or opinions.
Joe[:D]
I thought Larry Dunne was building all these M1 kits for some kind of comparison. I bet he can give you the absolute lowdown.
here you go
http://vodnik.net/index.htm compares all four companies mia1/a2s its under features
i just did tamiyas m1a2 and have to say it was a great build real eay instrustions and hardly any problems you will have to put a anti-slip coating on it if you want it to have it heres the kink for that i used this method and it worked great cheap too
http://www.finescale.com/fsm/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=41769
also for the paint to use check out this thread i think the answer is on the second page
http://www.finescale.com/fsm/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=43004
hope this helps
sgtkopp
The Academy M1A1 Iraq kit is pretty bad and inaccurate. They never fixed the problems with their M1A1 kit: turret too short, wrong tracks fr a current M1A1, overall poor turret detail. It does come with some nice new pieces such as a correct USMC extended bustle rack, loaded smoke launchers, descent USMC MCD, sprockest with lightening holes, nice gear, etc. Here is a review: http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/vehicles/academy/acd13202.htm
Best one out now is the new Tamiya kit. Dragon is a close second, then Trumpeter. The rest are pretty much crap. Stay away form older Academy, Esci, AMT, etc.
HeavyArty,
Thanks for the information. Looks like this one will be going back to Hobby lobby for a refund.
So, can I use the Tamiya kit as a M1A1 and model the same tank as depicted in the Academy kit?
Joe
Yes, Tamiya kit will build into an M1A1HC of either US Army or USMC. Tamiya’s doesn’t come with USMC (or US Army) extended bustle rack as in the Academy kit (USMC version) though. Dragon’s USMC Baghdad 2003 kit has a US Army, 3ID, extended bustle rack in it.
HeavyArty I’ve got one of those older Academy M1A1’s kit #1345.Is there anything slvageable on it?I bought it years ago so if its incorrect i wont waste time building it.Excuse me Panther 44 for jumping into your post with another question.
The hull and running gear aren’t too bad, no anti-slip and missing “Xs” on front fenders though. Whole turret is trash; its about 5mm too short around the smoke grenade launchers, barrel is too short and too beefy, looks like it came from a cartoon, .50 cal and loaders M240B are blobs. Hatches are horrible, doghouse is wrong shape, etc., etc. I took the new M1A1 OIF kit and replaced the turret with a DML one and added DML and Tamiya parts to get what I wanted. The new sprue from the OIF kit is the only good thing from the kit. Above the hull line, it sucks. Not a good, or accurate M1A1 at all. Sorry for the bad news.
HeavyArty-Ya its bad news, but thats ok.Maybe I’ll keep it for spare parts. I can use the hull on this 'what if" idea i have of using the hull of an M1 and the turret from Tamiya’s M247 to build a secret vehicle that is still out there at NTC hidden away in a desert canyon and only a few people ever heard of it. Maybe Quad 40’s.Know that would be an urban combat vehicle.
First, my apologigies to sgtkopp. I thank you for the links. Sorry I was so late in acknowledging your help. I’d like to blame age, but I just overlooked your information when responding to HeavyArty
CFRussell,
Not a problem. As far as I’m concerned that is what this site is all about. Believe I’ve been guilty of the same thing myself.
Joe
If you also have the old Tamiya original M1 kit, you can use the old Academy kit to update the Tamiya kit into an M1IP. 90% of that kit is a direct copy of the original Tamiya kit so the parts swap out without much adjustment.
no problem panther all that matters is you got the answers you where looking for
hope to see your progess in the future
sgtkopp
Rob Gronovius thanks for the idea and info,I’ll check that out.I’ve got to get out of Panther 44’s post know.
CFRussell,
Do you need to forward you comments to the management?[swg][swg] Why aren’t you happy here? What have I done to displease you that you want to leave.
Hoping you realize this is my attempt at humor [:o)] [8] [;)] [D)] [:-^].
I think it’s great that a post can start out one way and serve to provide information to several different people and not just the poster.
You’re welcome to join in on any of my post anytime [:D][:D][:D]. I’ve learned from your questions as well.
Joe
Panther 44 that made me laugh.I"m new here and i didnt know how i would be accepted by putting my questions in your post,but hey if its ok then thats great to know.My comments were made out of respect for forum etiquette only and not from any despleasure with this forum or the users in it.On the contrary i feel that this forum is great and i have had a good time reading and responding to the postings here.I feel that i have been warmly welcomed here and hope that i can give some useful input know and then.Thanks for your humor ,i appreciated it.
Tamiya would be the superior.
CFRussell,
Well, glad it brought a smile to your face [:)].
Not sure if I’ve extened a formal [#welcome], but if not [#welcome].
I think you’ll find the others on here to be sane, I’m just “a wee bit off the wall”[D)].
jinithith2,
Thanks. Think I’m convinced to take the Academy back and go with the Tamiya. That’s better for me anyway. I like Tamiya for the ease of assembly and they have good quality.
Just wish they would try and compete with Dragon when it comes to bringing out new things and updating their current releases. Oh well, such is life. Looks like Dragon gets a bigger slice of the pie.
Joe [:D]
I have the Academy kit - guess I’m the odd man out
[quote]
Originally posted by enediol
I have the Academy kit - guess I’m the odd man out
[/quote Dont forget I’ve got it too,two odds,that makes us even.
Panther 44 I’ll keep that in mind(being a wee bit off the wall) when i read your post in the future,thanks for the welcome.