Well, that’s about it. This was my first model in well over 10 years so thanks to all who provided help. The streched sprue idea from HeavyArty and Armydogdoc worked well for the antenna’s. I still have to add the tow cables.
I’m now off to join the Halftrack group build and have begun researching the sdkfz 251/1 or 251/4 towing the Pak 40 anti tank gun. Should be fun…
Very nice [tup][tup] Thanks for the pics hope to see more [:D]
Wow that’s great. Whatdid you make the sand out of.
great job! thanks for the pics!
m1a1fan,
First one in10 years? Looks good. What’s the 98% complete? What do you have left to do?
Regards,
Joe
Very well done Ryan. Semper Fi, mike
nice job!
The 98% means I have a tiny bit of work to still complete. I want to add the tow cables and there are a few minor details that still need to be added. It also needs decals.
The sand is “ballast” that is used on model railroads. It’s like a small gravel.
Ryan
Hey, you’ve got to update your user name! [(-D]
Great-looking model. I like it a lot.
What’s interesting is that I’m in the process of building the top four M1A2 kits that are available, and I can’t tell which kit this one is! I’m guessing Tamiya, based on the stowage you’ve got on the tank?
Larry,
Thanks! Ya, It’s the Tamiya M1A2 OIF kit. It went together well. The only problem I had was fitting the turret halves together.
Larry,
I’ve been following your review, I had the Academy Abrams OIF kit in my hand at the hobby shop today but decided not to pick it up as I already have enough to keep me busy. Walked away with one jar of paint instead, I felt bad.
Good luck on the review!
Ryan
It looks nice! I will have to go out and get me one of those on the next Hobby Lobby sale. What did you use to surface the top with?
Ron,
Thanks! I used Mr. Surfacer 500, I couldn’t spray it though. I painted it on with a brush and dabbed it with a stiff brush when the surfacer began to set up to get the non slip effect.
Ryan
Nice job Ryan. I like the base too. So, which 251 did you opt for, the AFV or Dragon? I like the towing idea, except I still need the 251.
Eric,
Thanks!
I opted for the AFV sdkfz 251/1 w/pak 40. Kit # 35s26. It was on this months FSM Workbench review. I’ve been doing some research and have found that the 251/1 Ausf D wasn’t initally designed to tow AT guns. It seems like it was more of a troop transport vehicle that was a bit easier/faster to produce than the other sdkfv’s. I’ve read about a few other reasons that the Ausf D came about as well.
From what I’ve read so far, the 251/4 Ausf D came about to tow the 10.5cm FH18 Howitzer and later in the war the PaK 38 and PaK 40. It seems that it only carried the crew that was responsible for manning the PaK and ammo for the gun. This is what I’ll base my build on. I have read though that even the 251/1 was used to tow AT guns as I’m sure most of the sdkfv’s probally did at some point.
The problem is, I’ve only found one picture of a 251/4 pulling the PaK 40 and of course it’s just a “rear end” shot so there’s not much detail. I picked up a book published by Osprey that covers the sdkfz 251 from 1939 - 1945. This is where I’ve gotten most of my history lesson from. I’ve done some internet research as well and have found some good pics.
Sorry for the long winded message, it is interesting though…
Ryan
Has anyone ever tried tinfoil for vision blocks and then using a clear red or blue for the final finish? I may try this method for the Bradley that I’ll be starting soon.
Ryan
Very nice build Ryan! As for ways to model the reflective foil/vision blocks on AFVs, check out last December’s article in FSM by Graeme Davidson about just that topic. He gives some great, inexpensive advice…
dt
hopefully, you’ll find a copy. If not, drop me a note [:)]
Well done there on the Abrams.
It’s such a great tank to model and appreciate especially when ya see one like this.
Great Job.
Robert