My latest project is another commission build. This time the Dragon M1A2 SEP with the addition of Legends TUSK 1 set, a mine roller, and a full interior to include the engine compartment.
I started with the interior. I used the older Dragon Abrams kits’ interior pieces for the driver’s compartment and upper turret. I also added the old Dragon M1A2 CITV screen and data station to the TCs station. The complete lower turret is scratch-built. Of course, I forgot to take pics before I closed it up. It is the 3rd Abrams full turret and interior I have done though, so it looks pretty much identical to the previous ones, which can be seen below.
With the addition of the CITV and data screen, barely visible in the TC’s hatch.
The full lower turret.
Driver’s compartment.
The engine and its compartment are from the excellent CMK kit. It is designed for the Tamiya Abrams kit, so took a little tweaking to get it to fit, but wasn’t too bad. It is a great set and the engine is very detailed. I hollowed out the exhaust and added screens and gaskets to the radiators as the set is not meant to have the rear doors open to show these areas. The battery compartment on the right side is from the old Verlinden M1A1 interior set.
The Legend TUSK 1 set is very nice as well. I had no issues with it. The instructions are very simple and show how to assemble it well.
The plow is from the Dragon M1 Panther 2 kit and is nicely detailed. It went together with no issues.
I plan on putting the tank on a dio base with a couple mechanics preparing to pull pack or do some maintenance in it. The weapons will be out of their mounts and laid out on a tarp net to the tank, along with the engine compartment cover and a few other pieces.
It is coming together well and has been fun so far. As always, all comments are welcome.
Gino, people like you always make me fell a bit inferior when it comes to modeling. It always makes me feel that I have a lot more to learn in my modeling prowlness. [:D[[:D[[:D[
All I can do is strive to meet a level near to yours. Nice job.
[dto:] I am so with you Mechtech! Maybe we should vote to expel him from the forums? Wait a minute! Maybe it is a bad idea because we will never improve ourselves when we see his posts. [:D] Gino, outstanding work so far! [Y]
A bit inferior???.. Not in my case a whole lot inferior geeze thats some amazing work…Thanks for the insperation though I have an Academy M1 on the back burner that I would like to get to soon.
Thanks for the compliments guys. I take it this one is a hit. No need to feel inferior. I bet any one of you could build this as well. All it takes is patience and good referance pics/drawings to do. I think you guys should give it a try. I bet you would surprise yourselves with the results you get.
Very nice work on the details Gino and up to your usual standard when it comes to modern subjects. Look forward to seeing more progress on this one. [Y]
Thanks guys. I hope to get some paint on it tomorrow. I was at the do-it-yourself garage today working on my truck doing some fall maintenance. New tires, changed oil and filter, lube the chassis, and changed the trans fluid and filter. Gotta love getting greasy.
Mike, wipe your chin, you’re getting the floor all wet. [:P]
