M1A1 Abrams

[jeman]

Hi Guys, I've just added a couple of hatches to the rear of the Abrams as you just cant get hold of ANY upgraded parts But on the plus side there are Jerry cans I've found so happy days ha ha. I'm no modeler but I'm pleased with them. Ive seen more bits I want to add to it in time and slowly get it to how I want it. The spare tracks on the side are just hooked on and they are not permanent YET I'm really pleased with the two spare wheels I've made and positioned them one either side on the turret. Ive painted the spare wheels green as apparently the spare parts usually come in that colour................now enjoying a cold beer


Cheers

[greengiant]

Big improvement over the bare rear deck even though they are surface mounted and not recessed like the real ones.
May I suggest you do the large rear lift rings next which will give you the opportunity to do some plausible looking (not operational) rear grill hinges at the same time like those on the HL Abrams.

[jeman]

Cheers Greengiant. I totally understand about the recessed bit on the hatches, but I really cant go to that level for now without the fear of messing it up and don't have the knowledge or tools to do it. The rear lifting rings I'm sure I have seen on various pics so they will be next on my list

[greengiant]

Scribing in the hatch shapes in the flat deck and then adding the hinge and other details to the surface would give the hatches the recessed look. If the deck is metal that would be difficult, if fiberglass care would be have to be taken to not leave small fracture lines at the point the scribe lines are made.
If you do the nonslip surface Abrams have that would help hide the surface mount of the hatches as you have them now.

[kj68]

Hi that is a beautiful tank and a beast to. Very nice indeed.

[jeman]

Scribing in the hatch shapes in the flat deck and then adding the hinge and other details to the surface would give the hatches the recessed look. If the deck is metal that would be difficult, if fiberglass care would be have to be taken to not leave small fracture lines at the point the scribe lines are made.
If you do the nonslip surface Abrams have that would help hide the surface mount of the hatches as you have them now.

Cheers for that Greengiant, I didn't think about the nonslip surface ! That could be the way to go Great ideas and thanks for the info

[jeman]

It's a beast jeman

Cheers Kiaser ! It does take a bit of getting used to, but I just want to add little touches to it for now Trouble is finding somewhere to put it so its STILL in the front room for now................my wifes very supportive to say the least, but it cant stay there much longer

[jeman]

Hi that is a beautiful tank and a beast to. Very nice indeed.

Thanks Kevin, it is a bit of a brute, but they all are