The M1A1/2 Abrams main battle tank is manufactured by General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS). The first M1 tank was produced in 1978, the M1A1 in 1985, and the M1A2 in 1986. The first M1 Abrams battle tanks were delivered to the US Army in 1980. In all 3,273 M1 tanks were produced for the US Army, 4,796 M1A1 tanks were built for the US Army, 221 for the US Marines, and 880 co-produced with Egypt.
- Highly detailed plastic pieces molded in tan color
- Angular form with 120mm gun accurately captured
- Hull and turret feature realistic non-slip surfaces
- Hull weight gives a realistic heavy feel
- Assembly-type tracks with single-piece straight sections
- Commander torso figure included
- Waterslide decals
- Kit No. 32592
- Illustrated instructions
- MSRP: $34.99 USD
- Street Price: $25.99 USD
MARKINGSÂ OPTIONS:
One decal sheet with markings for 2 versions:
1) 2nd Platoon, F Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Iraq, April 2003
2) 4th Platoon, F Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Iraq, April 2003
BOX ART & SPRUES
Another week another plastic model kit. The attention this week was for a model kit announced not so long ago. This is the 1/48 Abrams M1A2 U.S. Main Battle Tank from Tamiya. Most if not all kits from their 1/48 Tamiya Miniature Series feature a diecast lower hull. I was surprised to find out that this one isn’t given the fact that it is not a super detailed part that a diecast attempt couldn’t handle. As usual, when Tamiya offers these kits in regular styrene, they offer metal either steel plates or rods. This adds more mass to the model for a more realistic display while keeping all the tracks flat on the surface it is being displayed.
As its bigger older brother the 1/35 Abrams, it is very easy to build with nice and crisp molded details. This one, by the way, has molded on anti-slip material. It is subtle but very realistic and in scale with the overall model.
The tracks are supplied via 2 sprues. 2 large sections for the tracks are provided for the top and bottom with 2 medium ones provided for the return roller and main sprocket. 11 individual links will per side will complete the entire track.
For the kits usually, Tamiya Ultra Thin Cement will do the job. But for the track, I personally prefer faster/stronger cement like Ambroid (still have some left), Plastruct, and/or Plast-I-Weld. Unfortunately, Tamiya dries a bit soft for this job. To install the tracks on these kits, I add them by attaching the main sprocket side first followed by the return roller.
-That way I don’t have to force the tracks in general- Once I have them in place, I proceed to add the rest of the remaining wheels and cement them from the inside when they don’t have polycaps.
To paint this Abrams M1A2 model kit, I used the following paints:
-MMS-006 Tan Primer
-MMP-006 Light Neutral Tan
-MMA-006 Clear Gloss Coat
-Decals
-MMA-006 Clear Gloss Coat over decals
-AMIG-1007 Enamel Wash
-MMW-004 Clear Flat Coat
-MMW-Transparent Dust
