Info about Aussie M1 Abrams

[Antoine]

Hi guys,

 

Got a few questions related to an Aussie project turning around an M1 Abrams

 

- Can I have confirmation that Aussie M1 are M1 AIM?

- If so, are they exactly to this standard, or there are differences? In other words, I got a Dragon M1 AIM, can I build it as an Aussie straight OOB, or do I need some aftermarket (Appart the decals, see below).

- Regarding decals, I've located an Echelon decal sheet, but is there's anything else on the market?

 

Whatever, any help/info aside those questions will be greatly appreciated.

 

Cheers!

[demiles]

Antoine,

While our M1A1s are AIMs, you can’t build OOB, but there is salvation.

Arms Corps Models do an update set for Aust M1A1 based on Dragon Models M1A1 AIM 3535 but it is only a partial update, below is the link.

http://www.armscorpsmodels.com.au/ACM35853_Option_3.html

Basically, there is a difference in the rear section of the engine deck between AS M1s and US M1s

Also, you will need to get Bronco’s AB3522 T-158LL "Big Foot" Tracks and Voyager’s PEA258 Modern US Army M1A1/ M1A2 stowage bin/baskets/CIP (For DRAGON 3535/3536)

 

the other two Arms Corps sets are for use on Dragon’s M1A1 SEP kits 3536 and 3556

 

When I build my M1A1 Arms Corps had only one option which is now option one.

 

option one

http://www.armscorpsmodels.com.au/ACM35853_Option_1.html

is based on the vehicles no long after they were delivered and painted tri colour cam.

http://www.armscorpsmodels.com.au/ACM35853_Option_2.html

appears to have some addition

 

the decals, these are your only choices and they are good.

 

sorry I had to add a bit about paint, Aust green is very particular, some people use FS34102 as a substitute but this is to green and darker than our green also the brown is FS30129. Mouser House do the paint (link http://www.mheaust.com.au/MHE/Paint/MAP1.htm)

white ensign also did the green but this is the only part number I can find WEM-AROZ01 listed as Olive Drab (Modern Australian Army) 14ml

found it here

https://www.sovereignhobbies.co.uk/collections/colourcoats-land/australian

for the brown, you can use model masters 1742 Dark Tan which is the correct colour however I usually tone it down a bit by mixing in about 10-15% model master 1735 Wood.

 

Hope this helps

 

David

 

Edited April 20, 2017 by demiles
additional information.

[Antoine]

Hi Dave,

A big thank for this very complete answer.

I'll take some time to study all of this, and come back to you if needed.

[Antoine]

Option 2 looks good to me, as I've also a SEP.

Wonder if I would also need the Bronco tracks, or if the kit's are sufficient.

[Romeo Alpha Yankee]

Antoine,

 

If you have the M1A2 SEP kit then the track in the kit will do the trick. I have this kit and the Mouse House update set for my build.

[Antoine]

Hi there, 

I'm wondering if Arms corps is still around?

Sent them an email moons ago, without any answer so far.

I checked again their webpage this morning, and noticed they had troubles with their resin provider, and also with their mailbox.

Fine... but then saw the date, december 2015!

Can someone confirm they're still active?

[Antoine]

No one?

[pacificmustang]

Still not active  unfortunately Antoine.  I have not heard of any updates on when they may start producing again

 

Bruce

[Antoine]

Thanks Bruce.

There are little chances, but I'll try for ebay.

[Skyhawk174]

Oh that is some interesting info on Arms Corps Models. I was putting off picking up his set so now I may be out of luck? Hope not. I will have to keep an eye out for when they return, I hope. I have seen his resin set used on a Dragon Abrams and it looks great.

 

Also, I recall seeing that Voyager is releasing an Australian Abrams update set? Maybe I am wrong and now I should go do a search.

 

Cheers

Chris

[Antoine]

Hi Chris,

Those are not exactly informations, as I'm not sure about anything, and so far, nobody confirmed anything.

I just know that they didn't answered to my mail.

[demiles]

First, I have to say hooray, Mouse House has re-started casting their M113AS4 and mine arrived yesterday after a well over 16 month wait, very impressed, fine casting and great detail, John has done a superb job; hint here Antoine a great and unique Aussie vehicle (the stretch limo of M113s link to a good pic

https://www.armyrecognition.com/images/stories/oceania/australia/light_armoured/m113as4/pictures/M113AS4_light_tracked_armoured_vehicle_personnel_carrier_APC_Australia_Australian_army_military_equipment_013.jpg).  Sorry to hijack the thread but this leads on to the thread.t

 

I tried calling Arms Corps but no success so while I was talking to John I found out that Jason has shut down, (in part, the reason why mouse house closed-down for a while and the delays in casting the AS4s), and it appears he may not return to casting, so unfortunately the parts for your M1A1 Oz style (and other things) may have to be scratch built.  Antoine I’ve sent you a message.

[Antoine]

MP answered, Dave, thanks.

[Antoine]

On 08/03/2018 at 3:33 PM, demiles said:

hint here Antoine a great and unique Aussie vehicle

 

I love the 113, but an Aussie Leo 1 would suits me well, too.