This is my first time here and posting my recent work to share with you guys. And I’m ready for the criticism.[bow]
Welcome to the forum. Is this is the new M1 AIM? Looks to be a commendable job. The ID panels almost look like they have chipping though. Aren’t there any markings? Not quite sure what the large drips or streaks are on the bow in the second to last photo. Since I’m not an M1 expert, I’ll defer the constructive criticisms to our Modern armor experts. Thanks for sharing and hope to see more from you.
[#welcome] to the forums.
Looks like one of the older kits, not the all-singing, all-dancing new AIM kit [:o)] If so, well done [8D] - nice attention to details like the wear on the hatch seals, the ragged “tape” corners on the turret front CIP’s and the stencilling on the .50 Cal ammo box.
The APU adaptor/connector box is missing, but (I am assuming it’s one of the older versions) it’s not provided in the kit. The left headlight guard is also missing, but you’re probably aware of that. I would look for some turret side and rear CIP’s just to complete the set. Apart from those, the only other thing I can see is that there are a couple of moulding seams visible on some of your stowage items, but a few swipes with a sharp knife and a little touch-up on the paint should fix those pretty easily.
Overall, a nice job - I like the subtle weathering.
Welcome to the forum [#welcome] My knowledge of modern armor is limited, but it loos like a pretty good build.[tup][tup] I like the basic finish; it has subtle color variation without being over done. Some of the stowage seems a little strange to me. Presumably the stuff is not secured for travel, but it still strikes me as a bit haphazard. The drips from the wash on the front of the hull seem rather to heavy, particularly compared to the rest of vehicle. Still, the positives far outweigh the negatives. All in all, a fine Abrams.
Andy
I think it is a pretty old kit first of all because I’ve never heard of AIM kit. And I really haven’t done that much modelin’ past couple years so don’t know too much about those newer kits. The chipping you saw on the ID panel is what I did them tryin to show a normal wear of the paint I didn’t do a really good job on that. [%-)]I didn’t put any decal on there yet cause I was gonna order some which I never got them. The large drips are the oil marks I put on but forgot to wape the off a little.[:O] Anyway I think you guys are really sharp and it really helps me alot. Thanks!
Thanks for the encouragment and advice. The missing light guard I did took it off beause I broke it[|)] and you’re right about the APU connecter they don’t have it in this older kits. I just got another Italeri’s kit and I’ll look for a AIM kit you guys talkin’ about.
Thanks for the reply. I’m still workin’ on my weather skill since I haven’t done much modelin’ past couple years.
Looks pretty good. Everyone else has hit most of the gigs. I’ll add a couple minor ones. The spare roadwheel should have the rubber black. Also, the helmet should be desert camo, along with the rucksack cover in the spare wheel. The .50 cal ammo can is not in a correct mount for an Abrams. It should only have a triangular mount at the end by the gun, not a full ammo can cradle. For the CIPs, they should have “L”-shaped velcro on each corner as well. I agree about getting some louvered CIPs to add to the turret sides and rear as well.
It looks like one of the older Dragon kits. Did it come with a partial interior? I like the older Dragon Abrams, they are quite good. A few tweaks and it will look even better. Good job and keep up the good work.
I really like the subtle color variation, give it a worn but not dirty/junky look, if that makes sense. Also, although iit might be a bit ut of scale, I really like your chipping, care to share the technique?
I think it looks pretty good. One suggestion about the tracks would be to dry brush a light grey to show some wear on the rubber pads, and maybe some metal colours to show some wear on the connector pins? I personally don’t like the same colour of CIPS as the rest of the tank, but that’s my thing, a different colour would add some variation to a rather drab looking tank! Well done!
I think it looks great!
I have to say you really have some sharp eyes. I noticed the things you said too. The reason for the spare and the CIP panel painted in the same color as the tank is I try to paint it as a real tank served in the desert. Because a lotof tanks get a fresh paint before the get deployed that’s why the road wheels and CIP panels are all the same color. And the ammo box I think I really need to look into it. Thanks for the advice though. I learned a lot from you guys.[tup][C):-)]
It’s really not a technique. All I did is use a knife chip the paint off a little. I try to learn how to the real paint chipin’ technique anyone can help???[sigh]
Here is what I am talking about on the ammo can holder for the .50 cal. The box is held in the holder by weight and friction.
Most tanks in OIF were already painted sand when they got there. Those that were not, were left in 3-tone NATO camo. If they were repainted, all extra stuff like the spare road wheel and CIPs would be removed.
Not bad overall. Do what these guys say and your next one will be great! I still have to build mine…
Looking forward to seeing more work from you!
Did a little work on it today. I try to make it looks older. 
Looks good, fine job! Is that the Dragon Bagdad 2003 USMC kit?
The additional weathering looks quite effective.
The other issue now though is that you have put the kit decals on, which represents a USMC M1A1, but you have built it in Army configuration, using the 6-shot smoke grenade launchers (instead of the USMC 2x4 launcher) and omitting the MCD.
7th Cav, this is a model that I’d be proud to have on my shelf–especially if you’re not a die-hard treadhead! GREAT JOB!! [#toast][wow] I admit, modern armor is not really my forte, so Iwouldn’t have noticed some of those details that some of the other guys did–amazing depth of knowledge on these forums isn’t there!!! But if I came across this on a display table, I’d say “COOOL!!” and give it a closer look-see!! Good luck on the next project, I’m sure it’ll be a winner!![:D] The doog
Haha,shame on me. I was waittin’ for a army decal set at first but didn’t get it. So I just throw the one came with the kit on it. I might take the decals off later maybe… Thanks. And it is the dragon’s kit.