Tamiya 1:35 M1A2 Abrams - OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM

The kit proposed by Tamiya company includes a plastic model kit of American main battle tank in 1:35 scale.

During the design work on the new main battle tank for the US Army and Marine Corps, engineers have set the goal of continuous development of the structure in the future. Most components can be replaced, removed or added without rebuilding the main vehicle structure. M1 Abrams has served in the US Army for more than 25 years and is consistently upgraded. Not only is this a change in armaments (a new 120 mm gun since 1984, M1A1), armor (uranium-depleted turret, 1988), but also electronics and optics (M1A1AH, 1990). Thanks to the experience gained during the First Gulf War, in 1992 the first Abrams modified to A2 were commissioned. The add-ons consisted mostly of electronics and introduced better vehicle identification systems and communication between them (the reason was the cases of fratricidal fire during Operation Desert Storm). The tank commander received a new thermal system and a digital battlefield display, further facilitating combat orientation. The M1A2 was first used in Iraq in 2003, where, alongside the M1A1HA, were the main combat strength of US armored units.

The Tamiya kit allows building the model of the modern American M1 Abrams M1A1AH or M1A2 basic tank with two crew members (commander and loader). In the box are 2 elements of the hull, 6 frames with model elements, rubber tracks, mesh for carrying a transport basket, Pla-plate for making CIP panels and decals (allow reconstruction of the vehicle from the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Mechanized Infantry Division The 1st Marine Division, 1st Infantry Division [Mechanized].

Plastic parts should be cut out of frames, fit together and glued according to the assembly instruction. You should paint the whole model using modeling paints according to the proposed paint scheme in the instruction. It is important to remember that some plastic parts require painting before gluing. In the end, it is needed to apply decals according to markings or graphics in instruction.

Paints suggested by the manufacturer for the best effect:

Vehicle:

• Tamiya XF-59 or spray TS-46 (armor, desert version)
• Tamiya XF-67 (spray TS-61), XF-68 (TS-62), XF-69 (TS-63), XF-59 (TS-63) (armor, Marines camouflage)
• Tamiya XF-67 (spray TS-61), XF-68 (TS-62), XF-69
• Tamiya XF-56 (metal fittings, towing rope)
• Tamiya XF-1 (bandages, rubber elements)
• Tamiya XF-62 (ammunition boxes)
• Tamiya X-10 (WKM, KM-y)
• Tamiya X-23 (viewfinders)

Crew:

• Tamiya XF-57, XF-60, XF-68 (desert uniform)
• Tamiya XF-67, XF-68, XF-57, XF-69 (NATO uniform)
• Tamiya XF-49 (reviewers)
• Tamiya XF-62 (helmet, waist belts)
• Tamiya X-18 (goggles, headphones)
• Tamiya XF-57 (shoes, Iraq)
• Tamiya XF-1 (shoes, NATO)
• Tamiya XF-15 (leather)

Set contains:

• The assembly instruction.
• Frames with plastic parts.
• Decals.
• Rubber tracks.
• Transparent plastic elements.
• Soldiers / crew figures.

Kit does NOT contain paints and glue.

Here are the basic tools and materials you need:

• Pilers for cutting plastic parts.
• Modeling penknife.
• File or sandpaper.
• Cement for plastic models.
• Brush or airbrush.
• Modeling paints.

If you are not sure of any accessories or colors of paints you need for your model kit, please ask us, we will be glad to help you.