Hey guys,
I really want to recreate this pic…
I have the new tooled DML Dragon M1A1 AIM kit. Will this kit give me what I need to recreate this tank, or do I need to seek out aftermarket, or would I be better off finding a different kit altogether?
Thanks for your help
That looks more like a SEP than a AIM.The SEP kit has the bustle rack extension which the AIM does’nt and the tank in the pic has it.
Mark
So you have the M1A1 AIM… That’s the kit #3535, and the tank in the pic is clearly an M1A2, I think you may exchange your kit for an M1A2 SEP, kit #3536. Good luck. Best regards.
José.
Not sure what the kit number is (I’m at work, kit is not)…but yeah, I have the AIM.
So the SEP is what I need?
Thanks for the info guys
Check fire, check fire. In other words, you are wrong. The tank above is a USMC M1A1 that has the MCD mounted forward of the loader’s hatch. It is not an M1A2 of any flavor. The bustle rack extensions (BRE) were locally produced and added. It is not an identifier of any model of Abrams tank. Also note the black deep water fording attachment on the rear grill. This item is not used on Army tanks (all M1A2/M1A2SEP are Army tanks). Additionally, the tank has the old style track retaining ring. The use of these were discontinued on the M1A1 but the Marines began to reinstall them in the late 90s.
You can get there better with the AIM than the SEP. SEP has a different hull configuration than other Abrams tanks and a different commander’s cupola. I think the AIM kit may include the MCD, but I am not sure. I don’t think it includes the BRE. I think there is a BRE in both the Dragon M1A1HA and Academy M1A1HA that were released shortly after the Iraq war began. There are two different types that were made, one used on Army tanks and another type used on USMC tanks. I think Eduard does one type in photo etch.
Rob is correct, It’s an M1A1, not an M1A2 of any description.
The “new” AIM kit, (#3535) does not include the MCD - you only have options to build the US Army version. It also includes the “3ID” (Army) style BRE (in PE).
To build a USMC version, you would need to swap the smoke launchers to the “4x2” USMC style, add the MCD, add the appropriate bustle rack extension and the track retainer rings (and optionally, the fording trunk).
The MCD, USMC style BRE, smoke launchers and track retaining ring can be found in Academy’s M1A1 ABRAMS “IRAQ 2003” kit #13202
Uh…sorry…you guys lost me. I am still wet behind the ears when it comes to armor modeling…armor in general really.
MCD? BRE?
I think the track retainer ring is pretty self explanitory…that’s the large ring on the rear wheel (idler gear is it called?)…if so I have those from a Trumpeter Abrams. Come to think of it…I think I have the 4x2 smoke launchers as well.
MCD is that square box, missle countermeasure device? mounted at the spot for commander’s vision port on those tanks. Note it isn’t a CITV like those on M1A2.
BRE: bustle rack extension.
The MCD (Missile Countermeasure Device) is the box in front of the loader’s hatch. It’s purpose is to defeat optically guided anti-tank missiles (not quite sure of the “how”). This is specific to USMC M1A1’s and is not used by the US Army. Sometimes, people confuse the MCD with the CITV (Commander’s Independent Thermal Viewer) which is mounted in the same location (sometimes referred to as the “manhole”) on the M1A2 series.
The BRE is the Bustle Rack Extension, The bustle rack is the basket on the rear of the turret, the extension is an additional secondary rack which is hung on the rear of the main rack.
Awesome…thank you very much for that lesson in M1A1 terminology.
I didn’t realize that the different services had different types.
I was just thinking, you’re going to need USMC markings for your project. I’d suggest looking for Echelon’s USMC M1A1HA Abrams in "Operation Iraqi Freedom #T35004 or USMC M1A1HC Abrams in “Operation Iraqi Freedom” (Pt 3) #T35026
I don’t think the specific vehicle in your post above is included, but either set will provide markings appropriate for a USMC M1A1.
I believe the MCD was included in the M1A1HA kit from Academy but the Dragon kit contains the 3ID BRE while the Academy kit has the USMC BRE so if you want to make a USMC M1A1HA you should probably take the parts from the Academy kit and use them on the Dragon kit. The Academy M1A1HA also has the USMC smoke dischargers as well.
My mistake… I’m not an M1 expert. Thanks for the aclaration Rob. Thanks Phil_h for the extra info, now I know a little more about the M1 Abrams. I also have the kit # 3535 and will buy the #3536 for sure. Best regards
José