FUTURE SHOCK..SAUNDERS M1A2 ABRAMS

[ALPHA]

That piece of angle iron you mention that's it the edge of the blow out panel frame. I don't think it covers any conduit. Looked back at the pics I used when I did mine I have one that shows it on all the tanks in one unit and it looks more like it was added more as a toehold to keep people from slipping on the angled part of the blow out panel frame that is easily accessible to GI feet.
The second pic (although it doesn't give a side view) doesn't seem to shoe that added angle iron piece.

Hey Green...thanks for the additional info...that was one detail that left a big question mark for me...just because on the Model itself there is a weld that looks like it should be continued....found out later that there is no weld there at all... ....I did manage to locate one photo...yours is better...

What I did notice was where the angle iron ends (towards the front of the turret) there is a round pipe that goes into that collector box ...that box also is connected to the angle iron that leads forward...to the outboard launcher on the left side...I just assumed it was some kind of conduit...as I am not that well versed ...and there is little information on these modern tanks
Thanks for the look see and additional information...at least I know for sure that angle piece is there...since I couldn't locate the image that I found after that first night of research...the bonus is I don't have to carve it off

Thanks again Green

ALPHA

[greengiant]

The angled covers with wireing in them all go into that box at the at the corner of the blowout panel frame. When they rebuilt the M1A1's and A2's to the SEPv1 no wiring was needed to go to the new AVU unit that replaced the old APU. All the connection ran out the bottom, ran across the turret bottom and entered the turret near the rotation ring. I didn't model that because you wouldn't see it unless the turret was turned 90 degrees and you stood under the overhang and looked up.
The SEPv2 which is the current US model has a different layout of equipment in the bustle rack that I haven't researched. But there are a lot of pictures now showing its commanders new remote control 50 cal mount which looks really cool, a slotted cover over the right rear tail light and on the right side only and no vent for the APU on the rear panel.

[ALPHA]

The angled covers with wireing in them all go into that box at the at the corner of the blowout panel frame. When they rebuilt the M1A1's and A2's to the SEPv1 no wiring was needed to go to the new AVU unit that replaced the old APU. All the connection ran out the bottom, ran across the turret bottom and entered the turret near the rotation ring. I didn't model that because you wouldn't see it unless the turret was turned 90 degrees and you stood under the overhang and looked up.
The SEPv2 which is the current US model has a different layout of equipment in the bustle rack that I haven't researched. But there are a lot of pictures now showing its commanders new remote control 50 cal mount which looks really cool, a slotted cover over the right rear tail light and on the right side only and no vent for the APU on the rear panel.

Yes...ATC is doing the full on transformation into the V2...doing a bang up job just like you did...even mentions you in his build...You know Giant...I never thought I would get a modern tank...but I am really enjoying this one...and getting advice from both you and ATC...really makes the experience a great adventure...am learning quite a bit about the Abrams

Sorry about not having images yet...haven't quite finished putting the lift rings and handles on the APU...almost there though... ...so maybe tomorrow

I also found something to take the place of the rubber mud guards...it isn't rubber..it's a tad thinner...and I'm hoping it's a little friendlier once I put them on


ALPHA

[greengiant]

Like to see this thinner stuff. The bicycle inner tube worked really well and super glue adheres well to it but it is a bit thick. Something half as thick that's just as flexible would be great.

[ALPHA]

Like to see this thinner stuff. The bicycle inner tube worked really well and super glue adheres well to it but it is a bit thick. Something half as thick that's just as flexible would be great.

Sent you a PM on it....everyone else will have to wait till after paint...think it's better to do it that way instead of cutting off the molded on plastic guards too far ahead of time

ALPHA

[ALPHA]

Finally...made some time to take some pics...

The APU...Two tries..made with the stock HL and some Pantiger remnant...the body was easy...the louvers is what needed to be done twice

If you wonder why...this lower section couldn't be seen in any of the photos I found...ATC's fine work on his is what clued me in to do it over...the rectangular section is from a KV

Since I didn't really want to revisit that area of the Turret...I also did all the handles...there is still a bunch more to do...but my eyes started to fatigue ...so there is always tomorrow ...or maybe later today

CARPE DIEM GENTS

ALPHA

[ALPHA]

Added note: Most of you know I am not a rivet counter....and that my Genre doesn't really require that methodology...this build will basically stick with the GUP style...So it's going to be decent and simple...hopefully durable like all my tanks are

ALPHA

[atcttge]

Please please I hope you put a Saunders decal or Kay "noseart" or something somewhere on your build.

[ALPHA]

Please please I hope you put a Saunders decal or Kay "noseart" or something somewhere on your build.

Hey there ATC ....I already have a Kei figure that will ride in the commander's cupola when it's sorted out...the markings...yes ...will represent the SAUNDERS school of tankery
Two more major mods to do...then all the hand grips...then paint...application of flexible mud guards and finally the engine grills ...if all goes well..she should be done by next week

I wondered if you might have watched GUP ...Because of the Pikachu in your M1 ...

Thanks for looking in ATC...It's no where near yours or Green Giants...but at least it will be pure GUP

ALPHA

[atcttge]

Only some bits. Haven't had time to watch the entire series. I'll have to rectify that error soon hehehe