1/16 Abrams M1A1 Thunder Run: Finishing Turret Upgrades

[Uncarina]

Here is a belated update--I've been busy scratchbuilding and painting:

--added the spare wheels and sprocket after drilling out the bolt holes, and added appropriate weathering;

--scratchbuilt the extra jerrycan holder, and installed the water containers in each via Shapeways. These cans had a slightly pinkish hue, so I added some red to the CARC color;

--scratchbuilt the folding cots using sprue (and The Chopper, a valuable addition to my tool set), and lead foil to represent the canvas;

--added the battery cables to the starboard smoke grenade mount (it has a hull, so I am using nautical terms);

--scratchbuilt the tent using Apoxie sculpt and Tamiya tape for the straps;

--upgraded the optics via iridescent film with a red hue.

 

Next: the ammo boxes, then I hope to move on to the hull!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cheers, Tom

[Youngtiger1]

Tom, she's looking mighty fine

[Uncarina]

Thank you! I'm hoping the hull will need much less work than the turret.

 

Cheers, Tom

[Uncarina]

MARU,

 

Thank you very much! This is a very fun build, and it has definitely extended my scratchbuilding experience, but I am also looking forward to adding the final details and weathering!

 

Cheers, Tom

[Uncarina]

Finishing up the turret: since I'm saving most of the stowage for last, here are some of the last details I am adding to the turret:

--scratchbuilt six 0.50cal ammo cans;

--loaded the TC's machine gun with 50 cal rounds;

--added the skull!

 

Cheers, Tom

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited October 6, 2017 by Uncarina

[GMK]

That looks great! Really like the the A1 cupola.

[Uncarina]

Thank you! To be honest, it was so far out of my experience scratchbuilding the cupola that it's hard for me to believe I did it. Having some references and a 1/35 version really helped. In retrospect the hardest part aside from the operating hatch was finding a suitable base piece!

 

Cheers, Tom

[Uncarina]

Resurrecting this!

 

Cheers, Tom

[dodgem37]

'Resurrecting this!'

With good reason.

 

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Mark

[Barry]

Resurrecting this!

 

Cheers, Tom

Barry

[Uncarina]

Thanks! After working on scratchbuilt tow shackles a few years ago my build stalled, but since then I acquired a set from Shapeways. I have a few other builds I'm working on, but then it's on to the rest of this build.

 

Cheers, Tom

Edited October 6, 2017 by Uncarina

[GMK]

Good to see you back at this one, Tom. Can you link to the shapeways shackles you mentioned?

 

Cheers.

[Uncarina]

Thanks. I'm using these: https://www.shapeways.com/product/VN9V4HL6D/bolted-shackles-asst-80ea?optionId=61021880

 

Cheers, Tom

[GMK]

Thanks Tom!

[Bill Cross]

Wow, great detailing.