Question about building DML 3531 M1A1HA with Echelon T35014 3rd ID OIF (2)

I have an old Abrams kit DML 3531 USMC M1A1HA (no decals) and have just ordered Echelon’s T35014 set to go with it, knowing they don’t belong to the same era or unit. I have actually two questions here: 1. What modifications do I need to make on the kit to be able to use the markings from one of the four gun tanks from 2nd platoon? E.g. smoke dischargers, bustle extension, CIP’s, etc. I understand these tanks don’t have CMD or EAUP. Am I correct? I’d appreciate a list of modifications hopefully with on-line references. I’m already aware of Olivier Carneau’s excellent article “Accurizing the DML USMC M1A1HC” http://www.tfactory.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=Sections&file=index&req=viewarticle&artid=579&page=1 Something along that line for my purpose would be great. 2. Alternatively, if I were to build an ODS M1A1 HC from my kit, what markings from my Echelon set would be appriopriate for that period? What other markings would I need to add to the model to represent a tank from an actual unit, Army or USMC? Picture references would be great!

So, no one replied in three days? I thought this shouldn’t stump some of you. Anyone? Gino? Pawel? Robin? Sigh… Maybe I’ll try Armorama.

Guess I missed this one. Some answers…

All the Army parts, minus the BRE are in the kit. MCDs are not used on Army tanks. Some of the 1-64 tanks did have APUs, up to you weather to put them on or not, either way is correct. Army smoke launchers are all that would need to be changed. CIPs are in the kit too, 2 of them, you would need one more (Tamiya’s Modern Equipment set has a few) and to cut the turret front CIPs out of 0.02 sheet styrene. Add the exhaust flange, an EPLRS antenna mount on the right rear of the turret, the connector hardware for the APU, and a power connector at the front left of the turret, near the man-hole cover. You can also add the slave cable receptacle on the APU too.

Basically, you can follow Olivier’s great article, but leave off the MCD, change out the smoke launchers with the Army ones, and add the Army BRE and you are good to go.

Some examples of the above parts.

Exhuast flange

EPLRS antenna mount, install a short (1" in 1/35), thick antenna on top.

APU power connector and channel

Forward power connector

Slave cable receptacle on APU

You can either get a BRE from someone who has one left over from the DML USMC Baghdad kit, scratch one, or get one from Gary Johnson, who casts them in resin pretty cheaply.

Don’t think any of the decals are right for ODS, except maybe some of the generic chevrons and unit markings. 1-64 AR was not part of 3ID in Desert Storm. Also, the BRE APU and USMC smoke launchers were not used till after ODS either.

Good luck.

Wow, thanks Gino! I knew I could get a great answer from you. That’s exactly what I need to know. A few follow-up questions if you don’t mind. Some of these might sound dumb and betray my ignorance. Are the Army smoke launchers the optional parts that came with the kit? What is EPLRS? What is the black upright cylinder in your 2nd and 3rd picture? (Part F41 in the kit) I’ve seen it with a slightly different end. What’s the difference and when is it up or down? When do they take off the dust covers for the guns and smoke launchers? Are there rules for that? Do all big-foot tracks have hollow guide horns? Now, unless someone is willing to give me an Army BRE (any one? : ) ) I think I’d scratch one. Any link to on-line reference for pattern and dimensions, such as the file by Tankleader mentioned in Oliver’s article?

Can’t help with all your questions but the vertical cylinder is the wind sensor. It is used in the vertical position and stored in the horizontal when not in use. The covers are removed when you are prepaired to use the gun or the smoke launchers are loaded. If you fire the gun with the cover on, you won’t have a cover anymore. Greg.

No problem, glad to help.

Yes, the Army launchers are included as optional parts. They are shown as option 3, parts # F59, F60, F29, and F30. They are triangular pieces with holes for 6 smoke grenades.

Enhanced Position and Location Reporting System. A battlefield awareness and tracking system. It is used to track units on the battlefield. It uses FM signals to show icons on a computer screen for each vehicle equipped with it. It also allows limited text messages, emails, to be sent between vehicles. Other digital systems also use its FM capability to track and communicate as well.

Greg answered those for you. He is right on. To add to his description, the Crosswind Sensor senses a crosswind, then the ballistic computer corrects for it and adjusts your aimpoint on the target. High-tech Kentucky Windage. There are a couple different versions of it, basically, different maufacturers have slightly different covers on the sensor up top.

Yup, don’t know of any kit or AM tracks that do though. DML’s kit tracks are not too bad. Trumpeter’s length-and-link ones are pretty good too.

Can’y help you there. I would spend the $7 to get Gray’s. I have his USMC rack. It looks pretty nice. You also get a better APU and the ice chest and water jug, can’t beat that.

You could send Olivier a message too. I’m sure he would help you out. Check out his site for more info too. Olivier’s Modern Military Modeling site.

Thanks, Greg! And Gino, your knowledge never ceases to amaze me. Thanks for the answers and link. The reason I asked about the covers is because I’ve seen quite a few pictures of Abrams with smoke launchers covered, and less so for muzzles. That makes sense in sandy environment. I’m just not sure if they are usually covered in Iraq until actual combat is imminent. That’s why I asked about rules.

Usually, the smoke grenade launchers are covered unless loaded with smoke grenades. There are electrical contacts for the firing mechanisms down the tubes. Dirt and water don’t do well with these. The barrel cover is not usually left on, or at least not as often as the smoke launcher cover. In Iraq, you will not usually see the covers.

Thank you, Gino! That’s what I suspected. To model loaded launchers, would I simply add cylinders with slightly larger diameter than the tubes to their ends? Would the crew load their launchers as a matter of procedure when on patrol, engagement, or assult?

Yup, the smoke grenades are just as you said, tubes with slightly flared ends. They are pale green in color adn stick out about 1/16", in 1/35, form the launcher. They would usually be loaded anytime you cross outside the wire.

Thanks, Gino! I just had a chance to look over Dragon’s poster of their M1A1 AIM kit, and most of the stuff we’ve been discussing are addressed in that kit, including smoke grenades. Sigh… A victim of obsolescence. I guess there’ll always be better and more accurate kits coming out, faster then we can finish what we have on our hands.

Dragon’s new one looks to cover all the bases and looks like it will be great. Now if they would only get it on the shelves…