Thought i'd post these here since they'd get lost in all the panzers on the CC board. The first is the Dragon M1A2 SEP. Probably the most out-of-the-box kit i've built in a long time, but i still found room for improvement. An excellent kit overall, but with a few fiddly details. I love those DS tracks though.



Next up is an IPM1 converted from the Tamiya M1A2 turret with the original M1 kit hull and some bits leftover from the SEP kit. Thank you Dragon! I did procure another engine deck/grill sprue from them which i've used here. The adjustable idlers will be a nice bonus once the tracks go on (armour track T-156).







Sorry for the fuzzy pics. No tripod!

"Consulting - If you're not a part of the solution, there's good money to be made in prolonging the problem." - Anonymous

Great work Brian. The A2SEP is a nice, clean build.

Your IP is inspirational... I am in an "Israeli phase" but might have to change topics and do an IP build with all DML parts and a Tammy gun... If it is possible, please post more pics of the IP. The use of the DML engine components is a great idea. If you have not started, you will soon find that the ATL T-56 is about as fiddly as MK track. Is the IP going to be marked as one of the CAT 87 tanks??

John

Thanks guys. John, i was forced to go the TAM route because the tank i'm depicting did not have non-skid applied. That obviously took the excellent Dragon kits out of consideration. Yes, it's going to be marked as the CAT 87 high scoring tank, per that thread over on armorama. I started assembling the tracks the other night and quit after 10 links. The armour track stuff is definitely fiddly, and the fit is so tight that i've already broken a couple of links trying to get the end connectors on.

"Consulting - If you're not a part of the solution, there's good money to be made in prolonging the problem." - Anonymous

Brian,

These look fantastic. Not knowing much about the IPM1 (or any M1, for that matter), are the "blow off" panels on the IPM1 rectangular? I only ask as the Tamiya kit portrays them as angled (with all of the dangers of using a kit as reference).

Regardless, they are very impressive with excellent attention to detail.

Keep the pics coming. . . .

Greg

yes, the blowout panels are rectangular, not the odd shape in the original TAM kit. There's been some discussion about it here if you search, and the KC AMPS page has nice pics complete with measurements.

"Consulting - If you're not a part of the solution, there's good money to be made in prolonging the problem." - Anonymous

Glad somebody is making use of the pics. For those that are Google challenged:

http://kcamps.org/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=7427

http://kcamps.org/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=3490

http://kcamps.org/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=3713

I am working on the M1A1 AIM and M1A2 SEP, so I appreciate seeing what little bits you did to the AIM.

What are you using for your optics?

Jacques, a magician can't give away all his secrets now can he? Kidding. the optics are iridescent gift wrap that i found at the local craft store. One roll will last you a lifetime. I glue it on with canopy glue and then go over it with permanent marker, alternating red and purple. it still changes color as you shift your viewing angle, and still has some degree of transparency. In all, probably the closest i've found to the real thing.

"Consulting - If you're not a part of the solution, there's good money to be made in prolonging the problem." - Anonymous

Your builds are making me want to haul my Abrams off the shelf. Nice work and I am glad you found the reference pics from the KCAMPS site useful. Gary and Tom spent a lot of time tracking down those vehicles and getting the shots.

Rob

I definitely did. I scaled the actual measurements down to 1/35 too! Thanks for making those available!

"Consulting - If you're not a part of the solution, there's good money to be made in prolonging the problem." - Anonymous

Brain
I am a big fan of the early M1 (105mm) and your IPM1 is great. I cant wait to see more of both your Abrams.

Grant

I can tell you "matter of factly" that Brian's pics su_k. Both of these projects are outstanding as is his knowledge of the subject matter. The pics do not do justice to his work. Great job.

Roy

but what did you use for your vision blocks?

Hey Scott,
see my reply a few lines up:

"Jacques, a magician can't give away all his secrets now can he? Kidding. the optics are iridescent gift wrap that i found at the local craft store. One roll will last you a lifetime. I glue it on with canopy glue and then go over it with permanent marker, alternating red and purple. it still changes color as you shift your viewing angle, and still has some degree of transparency. In all, probably the closest i've found to the real thing."

"Consulting - If you're not a part of the solution, there's good money to be made in prolonging the problem." - Anonymous

Hi Brian,
Fantastic work, very inspiring and a great marker laid down in terms of modern armour builds. Great reference for those of us that may someday build one of these beasts! Thanks for sharing.
Glen

I only wish you could purchase the DS tracks by themselves.

Matt

Hello Brian,

I love the M1IP and I am currently building one myself using the DML Panther II hull and Tamiya turret.

Could you share with use the dimensions for the blow out panels in 1/35?
I ask as my maths is not the best.

Regards
Phil

Brain
I am starting a IP and was wondering if you could emai me? I have a few questions. If you could email me it would help


Thank You
Grant