Update-2/13/20-1/16, M1A1HA Abrams, w/ TUSK I upgrades

[Barry]

Thanks guys, it's been quite a journey thus far.

I have learned a lot, not only about the Abrams but about myself and my modeling skills or in some cases lack there of.

Also when modeling in 1/16" scale even the smallest detail is necessary.

 

It has taught me more than I ever knew about soldering and how best to handle multi-piece assemblies.

 

I have built several dozen holding fixtures to position and hold pieces while I soldered and or drilled them and some of these fixtures are elaborate assemblies themselves.

 

Holding fixture for assembly of exhaust grills.

 

I have also learned patience, lots of patience! I know now that if I need 30 of something to make 32 or 33 just because "stuff happens" and if I have more then I need then the frustration factor drops substantially. The "twang" does not mean an immediate "Oh crap" and if it does then just take a deep breath and simply make another.

 

 

The build is down to the small details with all the heavy work done. I have one large hurtle to jump and that is replacing all the molded weld beads that were removed and there are more than I like to think about!

 

Cheers,

Barry

[Squizzy 78]

Very nice detailed work Barry. All that detail must ensure slow progress, but the final result will amazing! I'll be following the rest of the build, I'm looking forward to seeing more. 

[Barry]

9 minutes ago, Squizzy said:

Very nice detailed work Barry. All that detail must ensure slow progress, but the final result will amazing! I'll be following the rest of the build, I'm looking forward to seeing more. 

Thank you sir.

 

Here are a couple of pics showing the previous detail in their place. They are used to hold the Reactive Armor Tiles in place.

 

 

 

Cheers,

Barry

[Out2gtcha]

That looks tremendous in situ Barry 

[Martinnfb]

I know nothing about M1 , but this is quite a spectacle , thank you for sharing Barry.

Cheers

Martin

[Barry]

Here are a few pics of the nearly complete Loader's Armored Gun Station (LAGS).

 

Hinged armored panels deployed.

 

 

 

 

Panels lowered.

 

 

 

 

 

TAFN,

Barry

[Squizzy 78]

Now that is an insane amount of detail, I love it! I'd love to do the paint job and weathering on that, keep up the great work! 

[Barry]

12 hours ago, Squizzy said:

Now that is an insane amount of detail, I love it! I'd love to do the paint job and weathering on that, keep up the great work! 

Sometimes I feel a little

 

Careful, I may take you up on the paint and weathering.

 

Thanks,

Barry

[Out2gtcha]

Wow! 

[Shawn M]

What he said ^

 

just incredible 

[305 swag]

Wow, that’s unreal! I was a 45E in the Army for 7 years and I love the Abrams. Keep up the good work.

[Barry]

Hi folks,

 

Here are some photos of my progress on the Abrams Loader's Armored Gun Station.

 

Loader's Hatch interior view. The wing nut are functional and the Periscope insert is removable and the Periscope Housing rotates 360 degrees.

 

 

 

The M240 Gun Cradle and Shield

 

 

 

Armored Surround

 

 

 

Loader's Thermal Weapon Sight

 

 

 

 

 

As finished as possible until after paint

 

 

 

 

 

 

TAFN, Thanks for looking in!

Barry

 

 

Edited February 4, 2020 by Barry

[Out2gtcha]

Man Barry, I'm not really an armor guy, but I KNOW extraordinary work when I see it, and this is like brass nirvana! 

[Uncarina]

Barry, your perseverance, attention to detail, and flat-out skill is extraordinary!

 

Cheers,  Tom

Edited February 5, 2020 by Uncarina

[Barry]

Brian, Tom,

 

Thank you both for your kind words! I'm getting closer to closing out this 4+ year project, I hope!

 

Barry