FUTURE SHOCK..SAUNDERS M1A2 ABRAMS

[greengiant]

That fine silver mesh looks right. You had previously said it was from a kitchen grease spatter guard, yes? If so I'll be picking one up this week from some local store.
I agree with your assessment of the working fender. although the non working front side skirt would give it some protection. I don't think the thin metal ones sold for Tigers are meant to withstand rough handling or bashing into things either that's why I never bothered with them.
I see you did the V2 hatch variant on the left rear hull, also no air intake or rear exhaust. The v1 is very different.

[ALPHA]

That fine silver mesh looks right. You had previously said it was from a kitchen grease spatter guard, yes? If so I'll be picking one up this week from some local store.

Yes indeed Giant...it's a spatter guard..

I agree with your assessment of the working fender. although the non working front side skirt would give it some protection. I don't think the thin metal ones sold for Tigers are meant to withstand rough handling or bashing into things either that's why I never bothered with them.

Because this model has all metal running gear ...it's very much heavier than the plastic version...I generally grab the front and rear to lift it up...for transport ...what can I say...accidents happen lol...having fender's like ACTs are cool...but like having an accident waiting to happen built on to the tank...I feel the same as you about the fenders for WW2 tanks ...very cool...just not practical for me

I see you did the V2 hatch variant on the left rear hull, also no air intake or rear exhaust. The v1 is very different.

Well those hatches were the easiest to score onto the plastic....more grab handles...but still easier lol...I did do the exhaust...but that's on the lower hull...where is the air cleaner supposed to be?

ALPHA

[ALPHA]

Need this lol


ALPHA

[ALPHA]

Skid Marks...resists Skids


ALPHA

[atcttge]

Mine will get an all-metal running gear too (I still lack the metal wheels, but got the metal idlers, sprockets, and tracks already). I've made the working fenders in such a way to ensure they won't break easily. I tend to lift the tank on the more substantial portions (e.g., the hull itself) and not just a part, so I'm fairly confident that my working fenders will handle abuse. Besides, the things aren't armoured IRL and easily damaged as well from rough use of the tank. Anyway, YMMV and all that applies....

[ALPHA]

Mine will get an all-metal running gear too (I still lack the metal wheels, but got the metal idlers, sprockets, and tracks already). I've made the working fenders in such a way to ensure they won't break easily. I tend to lift the tank on the more substantial portions (e.g., the hull itself) and not just a part, so I'm fairly confident that my working fenders will handle abuse. Besides, the things aren't armoured IRL and easily damaged as well from rough use of the tank. Anyway, YMMV and all that applies....

Thats me ....I guarantee they would break in my hands...then again..there's always Murphy's law
Plus doing those would have put me about eight to twelve hours behind schedule ...Not to worry though ATC...still had an adventure making the spring hold downs that attach to the fender...I had to hollow out a piece of sprue...then shape it ...cut a slot to make it a "U" shape...then fit it to the spring ...lost four ...just had enough to finish

ALPHA

PS. Also...felt your work is outstanding...just that fact alone...is one reason not to copy it...yours should stand alone as a blueprint for others to follow

[PainlessWolf]

Good evening,
All of you currently bringing an Abrams build to completion are doing top drawer work! Each machine has some fantastic detail to recommend it, ;o)
regards
Painless

[ALPHA]

Good evening,
All of you currently bringing an Abrams build to completion are doing top drawer work! Each machine has some fantastic detail to recommend it, ;o)
regards
Painless

CEPT MINE ...Not afraid to admit it Painless...first there's Giant's ...who has probably set the blueprint for a full functional practical and accurate build...then there's ATC's ....who's blueprint is for another more equipped version....both set down for others to see and follow....cept ATC didn't do his grab handles...then that's where mine falls into place

ALPHA

[atcttge]

BWUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!! Grab handles are so small and tedious to do! So plenty too! Not touching them with a ten foot pole! BWUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!

BTW, thanks to you, I want to look for a 1/16 Hetzer and make a GuP one with the student council figures crewing it. Now, where can I get a 1/16 RC Hetzer....

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!

[HERMAN BIX]

Good evening,
All of you currently bringing an Abrams build to completion are doing top drawer work! Each machine has some fantastic detail to recommend it, ;o)
regards
Painless

Agree Mr Painless, not often a new tank out to market has such attention all at once, especially a modern one without the recognised 'ethos' of many of the more historic models available.
I only saw my first actual Leo and M1 in the flesh this weekend, and they are very imposing machines in this scale. Just goes to show how the new breed of MBT has a lot to be re-educated onto us that are fixed in black & white documentary footage of those we know the best.
These three jokers need a hell of an applause.
I will wait until there are many more aftermarket parts available for these things before I jump in.