in my iraqi dio, i have a hummer, M1A1, and a soon to be built M2A2. if i want an OIF dio, with all corresponding markings, is there a decal kit out there? or which seperate sets do i have to get? and what is the outer difference between M1A1s and the M1A1HAs? because i have the old academy M1 but i want a modern dio, so i was looking at the Echelon M1A1HA decal set. the USMC does NOT use bradleys, correct? just checking on that. and with the Echelon set, if i got it, could i pick pieces out and use em on the M1, the M2, AND the hummer? thanks!
The USMC does not use Bradleys.
Markings for an M1A1 and M2A2 would be similar, but would have different battalion markings. Under normal circumstances, M1A1s are in armor battalions and cavalry squadrons. M2A2s are in mechanized infantry battalions. They would be in the same brigades and divisions though.
Not much visual differences between an M1A1 (as in the old Academy kit) and an M1A1HA. Tracks would change from the chevron patterned T-156 tracks in the Academy kit to the newer style T-158 found in the DML, Trumpeter and newest Tamiya kits; however, older M1A1 tanks still in service would have had the tracks replaced with the newer style so this is not a hard and fast identifier.
Turret size is the main difference, but unless you measure kits, you would be unlikely to spot the difference that way. Many external fittings are continuosly updated on older tanks via modification work orders (MWO) so the minor details are difficult to use as an identifier.
Most early M1A1s have a non-slip pattern that looks like it was literally applied with a paint brush (like a house painting one). You can see the brush strokes and the pattern is rather subtle and not really rough.
Later M1A1HA tanks have a really pronounced (rough) non-slip surface. It looks uniformly applied and masked (not applied) around areas where handles operate and grab rails are present.
The only true way to tell the difference is by the serial number. A non-HA tank has a serial number like L1234 or D1234 (L=Lima Ohio tank, D=Detroit tank). An HA tank would have L1234U or D1234U (U=Uranium armor).
The HMMWV could have either an infantry or armor battalion marking, but the vehicle number would be from the headquarters company scout platoon (HHC-xx or HQ-xx). I am assuming you are referring to an armored HMMWV M1025/26/46 type.
the hummer i have is not completed, it is the italeri Desert Patrol, with that hard box on it. i have the verlinden M998 Conversion set, but have not really started it yet.
You probably already knew this but you’ll need the fording snorkel for your Hummer if you are doing USMC.
yeah, thanks, i was orignally going to do the USMC but since i needed to get that and some other stuff for the M1A1 that Marine tanks have, that i heard about, i just am going to do an Army dio, so i ordered the Tamiya M2A2 ODS to go with it.
so if i order the Echelon M1A1HA decal set for the 3 ID, i can use different numbers basically and use it for the M2 and the M1? what about the M998?
Yes, the Echelon 3ID set would have numbers that could be used on the M1A1, M2A2, and the M998. Just be sure you use an Infantry Bn (3I 1-15I) number for the M2 and an Armor Bn (3I 1-64^, ^ being a solid black triangle) number for the M1. The M998 could be from either Bn.
alright, thats what i needed. thanks.