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M1A1HA, 9/18/23 update. Delay of Game, two week penalty!

Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2016 2:40 am
by BarryC
Well I had originally thought I wanted to build a A2 SEP V2 but after studying many photos in the Tankograd M1A1/M1A2 SEP TUSK and M1A2 SEP V2 publications I think I really like the look of the M1A1 HA with TUSK I like this..

Photos are from the Tankograd publication and are posted under the "Fair use Act" for instructional purposes only.

I really like the NATO Camo with the contrasting TUSK I elements.

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I am starting with the drive train then electronics followed by the modeling elements of the conversion. I will install all metal drive components as well as new Ultimate II Gearboxes. I will also install the main drive axles supports and Henntec Track Tensioner.

I am looking forward to the challenge but looking at all the awesome builds here I know I can get plenty of "qualified" guidance needed!!!

Thanks for looking,
Barry

Re: HL M1A2/A1 HA Build

Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2016 3:26 am
by ALPHA
Looks like a very interesting build...Nice research Photos....Going to enjoy watching your build :thumbup:


ALPHA

Re: HL M1A2/A1 HA Build

Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2016 4:44 am
by Uncarina
Barry,

Great intro! I am looking forward to watching you work your magic!

Cheers, Tom

Re: HL M1A2/A1 HA Build

Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2016 1:15 pm
by BarryC
Thanks Alpha, Tom and Paul!

Tom, I am still "blaming" you.. :haha: .. for getting me started!!! Looks like I am going to be following your lead on the TC cupola with the addition of the 360 degree commanders shield as used on some of the TUSK I installations.

Paul, I have read both your Challenger build here as well as your Abrams build over on the Scale Tank World site. I really like the video with the sound system, very cool!

The build will progress slowly as it is but one of too many I have going on.

Barry

Re: HL M1A2/A1 HA Build

Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2016 2:46 pm
by MichaelC
TUSK......... That would be the reason I would get an Abram. Watching with much interest Barry ! Especially the cupola........ :-)

Re: HL M1A2/A1 HA Build

Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2016 10:15 pm
by BarryC
MichaelC wrote: Especially the cupola........ :-)
Should prove to be challenging but fun Michael. I thought about TUSK II but then considered finishing it in this lifetime!

Barry

Re: HL M1A2/A1 HA Build

Posted: Sun Jan 24, 2016 4:15 am
by MichaelC
OMG the TUSK II cupola......... I am not too thrill with the "shoe holder" side armour though. TUSK side armour and TUSK II cupola. That would be something else.

Re: HL M1A2/A1 HA Build

Posted: Sun Jan 24, 2016 4:39 pm
by greengiant
Like the look of the mixed camo and sand parts also. Will be looking forward to seeing the build progress.

Re: HL M1A2/A1 HA Build

Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2016 1:35 pm
by BarryC
Michael, Greengiant,

Studying the Tankograd M1A1/M1A2 SEP Abrams Tusk publication the TC's Cupola armor is not exactly the same as installed on the TUSK II. It has the left and right side pieces with armored glass and short angled "wings" for stability but not the rear piece. Apparently the TC's hatch serves as the rear protection device.There is also a piece installed between the TC and Loader's position with armored glass and expanded metal. This piece is hinged and folds forward and down so I am guessing the metal "grate" is to protect it from damage when stepped on. I am thinking about making all the TC and Loaders armor panels out of sheet brass to make them sturdy enough. I will also have to make them easy to remove for maintenance inside the upper turret.

The TUSK I side armor should not be a big deal, my plan is to fab and detail a couple of vertical tile pairs then have a good friend in the casting business replicate the 32 pairs needed. I will do the same for the mounting brackets used to secure the tile sets. The front and rear "bumpers" will be fabricated out of brass sheet.

I really need a good photo of the complete mounting system without the tiles in place if someone has such a photo please contact me!

I am thinking about using brass as well for the CS/AMM 50 cal. mounted on the main gun mantel because it will be in a very exposed location and easily damaged. I will likely pin the CS/AMM and TC's 50 cals. so they re removable. The Loader's Armored Gun Shield (LAGS) and weapon will be removable as an assembly for maintenance.

Like modeling most military subjects I will select a particular tank for detailing. Right now it will either be "Bad Blessing" or "Bad Influence", B Company, 1st Battalion, 35th Armor Regiment, Iraq 2008. Both have NATO camo with desert sand colored TUSK Mod components.

Cheers,
Barry

Re: HL M1A2/A1 HA Build

Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2016 1:47 pm
by AlwynTurner
Hi Barry, this was my conversion of a Hobby Engine M1A1 which I did - I used balsa wood for the side armor and covered it with small styrene panels. The worst job was the bolt heads - 256 of the flaming things!
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I didn't do the automated gun on the turret roof, might add that later together with a decent paint job. I didn't want to spend much time on it as it was a cheap spares/repair tank that I converted to HL electronics and just wanted to see how far I could get without spending bug bucks.

While doing my build I found this and it was really useful with lots of photos - maybe something useful there for you
http://www.primeportal.net/tanks/jeff_d ... php?Page=1

Good luck with your build and will be following along. :thumbup: :thumbup: :wave: Alwyn