USMC M1A1 "Kuler Blynd" Pics...

Modeling Subjects Armor
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I just completed my latest commission project. It is the USMC M1A1 “Kuler Blynd” off the Echelon decal sheet. The tank is from OIF 1 assigned to 2nd Platoon, B Company, 1st Marine Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division.

To build it I used the older Dragon USMC Baghdad 2003 kit. I swapped out the MCD with a Tamiya one and the smoke grenade launchers with ones from the Academy kit since they are open and have the smoke grenades with them. I also added a few bits here and there from the DML M1A1 AIM kit such as the APU, turret blow off panels, tow cables, sprockets, and a few smaller parts. I also used the TI/Phone box from the Academy kit.

It was painted freehand using Testors Model Master enamels. It was then weathered using acrylics. The stowage is a combo of what is in the Dragon USMC kit and from the spares bin.

I forgot to take pics of it during construction. Here are some shots of it done.




More here.

As always, all comments are welcomed.

Thanks for looking.

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Nice job Gino. I like the dusty effect, and the camo. I’ve got a couple of the AIMs, and one SEP, and plan on starting one soon. Thanks for posting.

Nate

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Hey Gino,

another very nice one! From what I see on the forums, you must love the Abrams, it shows in the quality of your builds! I’d expect a little more dust on the wheels though. Anyhow, a very nice model, keep them comin’ and have a nice day

Paweł

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Thanks Nate. I’m glad you like it. Good luck on yours.

Pavel, Thanks for checking it out. You know I like them on the less-dirtied up side. I think it is enough to be dirty, but not cover up details.

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Gino, this is one mean M1A1. The weathering is so desert. When you say freehand, did you mean not using an airbrush? Great built!

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yeah she’s a nice one gino. im putting the m1 aim kit together as we speak…alot to that one…but again, like this! [Y]

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Constructor - Thanks for the compliments. I painted it with an airbrush freehand, ie. without masks or templates, etc. I just shot the paint as I saw it in the drawings.

Camo - Thanks, I enjoyed the build. I have done the AIM and SEP and they are great kits. Good luck on yours.

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Nice work with a jarhead in a can [:O]…(I know…not PC) excellent work on the camo, nice weathering.

Your usual high standards

Rounds Complete!!

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Thanks for the compliments Mike. No offense taken by me. You know me, screw PC. Call it what it is.

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Y’know, that’s how the Army paints them, too.

Great Build!

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Thanks for the compliment. And yup, just like we do it. US Army active duty for 17 years and counting.

Go Army!!

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And I’m just going to say that this is your best finish… paint-wise yet! Love the build as well Gino!

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Thanks Kevin. I too like the way this one came out.

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Very cool, Gino–I like the dabs of color here and there and the weathering looks spot-on.

Now what’s a “Kuler Blynd”?!

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Thanks Karl. It was a fun build and weather job. Kuler Blynd is the way it was spelled on the actual tank. I don’t know the history behind it. I think it was just some young Jarhead’s attempt at humor…Kuler Blynd = Color Blind.

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Got it, Gino. Hmm.Here I was thinking it might be some mythical Persian hero or something, ha ha.

You know, it occurred to me while reading your response that it may NOT have been an attempt at humor–with today’s “text-speak” and the deplorable lack of spelling acumen in some of today’s generation, it might just have been an honest attempt at spelling “color blind”! [:O] lol!

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I don’t think it was a mistake. Most Marines I have met are actually pretty squared away. As much as I hate to admit it, it is true.

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and here I was thinking it was an intentional misspelling of cooler blend…some sort of gyrene drink…

Very Nice job… understated and restrained… used but not abused…[Y]

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Thanks Stik. I like to have them look used and weathered, but not so much that you can’t see the details underneath.