M1A2 Abrams help required!

G’day AFV fanatics.
I am currently building a Dragon Model M1A2 Abrams in 1/35. Is there someone out there who collects FSM magazines, who has the July, 2001 edition? It contains an article on this same kit and I would like to obtain a copy of the article. It is too expensive for me to order a back issue as the postage costs to Australia dont justify the price of the mag. I am hoping that someone can email me the article, it is titled “Accurate Abrams” and is writen by Greg Kolasa. If Someone is able to email it to me, let me know and I will post my email address.
Also, can anyone tell me how the armour surfaces on an Abrams reacts when the paint is scraped off? Does it rust, stay shiny, or what?

many thanks
Vulcanspaag

Can’t help with the article, but the armor on M1/M1A1 is steel on the outer layer. If not repainted or constantly worn by crew movement it rusts quite nicely.

M1 series tanks are kept in relatively good condition. Tanks are sent to paint booths often to get the vehicle to look good. Most tanks have several layers of paint on them even when new. Very rearely does an M1 get the paint chipped down to the bare metal. I guess it would rust, but this would be an unkept tank, maybe a training aid like the ones I have. All of them sit with very little use throughout the year, yet there is very little surface rust (my tan one has it on the fenders) but no rust on the hull or turret itself.

Why dont you just buy it at a hobby shop, the hobby shops I go to all carry a few different issues current and past. maybe you can find what you need.