M1A1 Thunder Run: Finishing Turret Upgrades

Post Reply
Uncarina
Lance Corporal
Posts: 178
Joined: Sat Dec 12, 2015 5:00 pm

M1A1 Thunder Run: Finishing Turret Upgrades

Post by Uncarina »

Thanks to the wonderful builds that I've seen, and the advice I've received since joining this forum, I'm inspired to share my build log of the Heng Long Abrams M1A2. I received the basic kit with zinc motors, and purchased the following (so far):
--metal tracks with rubber pads
--metal idlers with support bar
--metal sprockets
--metal support arms and springs
--Ultimate Edition II gearbox/motors
--360 degree slipring

I've also ordered the Tamiya Pershing sprue with the 0.50 cal machine gun, since it's much nicer than the HL version. I will be attempting to replace some of the more obvious molded-on features, and backdate the M1A2 to an M1A1, 3rd Infantry Division, OIF 2003.

Hope you like it! Cheers, Tom

Image

Image

I drilled holes in the metal sprockets:
Image

Image

Replacing some surface details (I'm starting at the front and working my way back, more or less, and will be attaching some parts after adding the anti-slip):
Image

Image

Casting numbers added using numbers shaved off sprues:
Image
Last edited by Uncarina on Fri Mar 25, 2016 12:21 am, edited 13 times in total.
ALPHA
Major-General
Posts: 10963
Joined: Thu Oct 03, 2013 1:06 am

Re: Uncarina's Abrams Build

Post by ALPHA »

LOOKING GOOD Uncarina :thumbup:

ALPHA
Uncarina
Lance Corporal
Posts: 178
Joined: Sat Dec 12, 2015 5:00 pm

Re: Uncarina's Abrams Build

Post by Uncarina »

Alpha, thanks! Will post pics of the cupola removal surgery.

Cheers, Tom
Uncarina
Lance Corporal
Posts: 178
Joined: Sat Dec 12, 2015 5:00 pm

Re: Uncarina's Abrams Build

Post by Uncarina »

Success! I was able to remove the cupola, after drilling out the three fixing pegs, adding debonder, and drilling extra holes around the perimeter from underneath. It was glued on tight, but I managed to extricate it with minimal damage.

Cheers, Tom
ALPHA
Major-General
Posts: 10963
Joined: Thu Oct 03, 2013 1:06 am

Re: Uncarina's Abrams Build

Post by ALPHA »

I saw it earlier...forgot to ask Ucarina...is that a skull on the mount that graces the mantlet :haha: :haha:

Interesting note on your cupola removal....my Abrams had very little glue on the perimeter of the ring....but a lot on those three pins ;)


ALPHA
Uncarina
Lance Corporal
Posts: 178
Joined: Sat Dec 12, 2015 5:00 pm

Re: Uncarina's Abrams Build

Post by Uncarina »

Alpha and Paul,

Thanks! Yes, this one had a zealous glue applicator. That's a Milliput prototype skull I've added--not sure if it will make the final cut!

Cheers, Tom
ALPHA
Major-General
Posts: 10963
Joined: Thu Oct 03, 2013 1:06 am

Re: Uncarina's Abrams Build

Post by ALPHA »

LOL....It's twisted (in a good way) :haha: ....Something a crew might add ;)
Image

it's a very original idea....I kind of like it :D

Merry Christmas Ucarina Image


ALPHA
Uncarina
Lance Corporal
Posts: 178
Joined: Sat Dec 12, 2015 5:00 pm

Re: Uncarina's Abrams Build

Post by Uncarina »

Alpha,

It actually adorned the M1a1HC "All Bout Da Bones" in 2003: http://armorama.com/modules.php?op=modl ... _id=210167

Happy Holidays! Tom
ALPHA
Major-General
Posts: 10963
Joined: Thu Oct 03, 2013 1:06 am

Re: Uncarina's Abrams Build

Post by ALPHA »

Uncarina wrote:Alpha,

It actually adorned the M1a1HC "All Bout Da Bones" in 2003: http://armorama.com/modules.php?op=modl ... _id=210167

Happy Holidays! Tom
Scalawag did the same model...I wonder if he used yours as a reference :think: ...Pretty surprised you use solder for 1/35th scale...not that there is anything wrong with it...it just faster to use Krazy glue lol....it also helps paint stick to the brass ;)

So you ARE going to keep the skull???...Would be cool if you did :thumbup:

ALPHA
Uncarina
Lance Corporal
Posts: 178
Joined: Sat Dec 12, 2015 5:00 pm

Re: Uncarina's Abrams Build

Post by Uncarina »

Alpha,

Thanks, yes, I was planning to keep the skull and tie chicken bones to the gun, per the original! I must say the 1/35 build isn't mine--but I'd be proud if it were!

Cheers, Tom
Post Reply

Return to “Modern Builds”