Converting Dragon's M1A1 AIM to M1A2

Modeling Subjects Armor
1

Hi, guys

Abrams tank has always been my favorite. Until recently I have considered Italeri’s M1A2 to be the most accurate (and the easiest to be made even more accurate) rendition of the model. I have read loads of stuff on the subject and seen loads of pictures. Including Pawel Krupowicz’s excellent Abrams comparison and still Italeri was the winner for me. Now, obviously Dragon’s AIM 3535 is the most accurate offering. But I still want M1A2 and not A1. I own Tamiya M1A1, Academy M1A1, Italeri M1A2 and the new Dragon. Please correct me, if I am wrong but it seems to me that upgrading Dragon’s M1A1 to A2, using parts from my Italeri M1A2 should be fairly easy. Right? Especially, considering that most of US Army’s A2s are rebuilds of earlier models anyway.

Firstly, I want to place the CITV from my Italeri A2 where A1 has the manhole in the roof of the turret. Is that exactly the place? After looking at hundreds of photos I think it is. But many of you know much more about Abrams than I do and that is why I am asking… I know that Italeri CITV might be a bit too small but I think the inaccuracy is negligible.

Secondly, I want to use Italeri M1A2 TC’s cupola instead of the A1 option in Dragon’s kit. I know I would have to correct the shape of the front periscope in the Italeri’s part but it is not a problem. I think there won’t be many fit problems fitting A2 cupola to Dragon’s turret as both kits should be at least pretty similar in this respect (both are 1/35).

Dragon’s AIM is a late production model, so everything else should be accurate for A2 (not SEP). Am I right? Including the serial number on the turret. I want to buy Dragon’s M1A2 SEP (3536) when it comes out. But it might take long and for the time being I should get result closest to the real thing by mating Dragon’s kit with Italeri’s parts. Or is there anything else I should do? Are there any more differences I do not know about? Of course, I mean differences between A2 and A1 versions in general and not particular tanks.

Sorry for this long post. I am really looking forward to reading your opinions.

I have also posted this on Armorama and so some of you might have already seen it.

THX

2

Hmm…

:frowning:

Isn’t anyone going to help a newbie?

Sniff.

3

Sorry my knowledge of the Abrams is limited( though I did crew one for a couple years) There are a couple of people here that I’m sure can help you. Give it a little more time. Welcome to the forums.

4

Use the search option and you’ll bet ton of information on Abrams. Especially from HeavyArty. He has posted many information on this same topic several months ago. Good luck in your search.

5

Saw your post and its replies at Armorama. As stated there, you are correct in how to convert it to a standard M1A2. Good luck with it.

6

Thank you very much, guys. I thought it was enough to get a beautiful A2 from Dragon’s AIM but often I find myself amazed at how much more other people know about armor although I have been interested in it for many years.