The M1 was a good tank, but the M1A1 improved on it with survivability features like NBC protection and blowout panels for ammo lockers. It also added the heavy-hitting power of the Rheinmetall 120mm smoothbore gun. These guns, loaded with depleted-uranium shells, proved extraordinarily lethal to the tanks of the Iraqi Army. Now you can build America’s toughest tank in a ‘snap’! Snaptite kits are perfect for introducing new modelers to the hobby and history. This kit features glue less, snap-together construction, pre-painted polystyrene parts and illustrated instructions.
- Product ID: 85-1973
- Overview
- Skill Level: 1
- Scale: 1/35
- Length: 11″
- Width: 4″
- Height: 3-1/4″
- Parts: 58
- MSRP: $17.99
This model took me some 45 minutes to build. This is the Snap Tite M1-A1 Abrams tank from Revell. This is a level 1 model and being Snap Tite it requires no glue or paint. There are 58 parts to put together and all details are molded on. The main gun barrel can be moved freely up and down, tracks do work, and the turret rotates; so yes, there is some play value on this model kit. However, it is not to be played rough with it.
As advertised, the model falls together very nicely so the young modeler will have no troubles building this kit. The instructions are very straightforward and easy to follow. Not required, but I recommend using tweezers while applying the stickers to avoid leaving finger prints on them. There is stowage moulded on the right side and rear rack. For the young model builder, that would like to take this Abrams one step further, a set of Testors Military Paint Set from the craft store would be the answer.
Now, if Revell could listen to my humble input: This is a novice oriented model kit. As Pegasus Models does with their EZ Snap line, it would be a great opportunity to introduce those model builders to water slide decals. Besides the chevron marks on the sides and turret (those triangles you see on the model) and minor stenciling, it would be nice to have both options – water slide decals and stickers- It will be a nice introduction to the Level 2 models that most likely new folks will get from this model on.
In general, I like the model and I would recommend it. It is ideal not to mention a cool subject for the audience is intended to.
There is however 1 last thing I would like to bring. Again, my humble suggestion to Revell and that is the color in which this model is molded. The Abrams Tank sports and Desert Sand color. The color in which this model is molded is a Desert Pink color suitable to some WW-II subjects in North Africa. Along I am providing a comparison picture of the model next to the 1/32 Abrams from Unimax. The Abrams tank from Unimax is NOT a model kit. My point is that if Unimax can mold this tank very close to the real Desert Sand, then Revell can make the proper adjustments as well.
My sincere thanks to Revell USA for the review sample.
