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M1A2 SEP TUSK II Abrams in 1/72...

...the kit from Tiger Models

Tiger Model is one of the most recent manufacturers of injection moulded kits, already well known for some excellent 1/35 AFV kits, while they also do some small scale 1/72 models as well.  So this one came out a while ago but I have finally managed to find one.

Neat and attractive box art, the sprues inside, plus clear parts and some etch brass parts, are all made to a high quality and it looks good from the moment you open the box. 

I have started the build, with the basic turret shell together and the hull.  The track and running gear have an interesting and very neat parts breakdown.  For each side, the other road wheels are moulded along with the bottom track run.  The upper track run is moulded along with the rear road wheel halves, idler and drive sprocket  plus the return rollers.  The outer idler and the outer drive sprocket are separate parts and there are two short runs of track to fit around the drive sprocket and the idler, pre-shaped to fit, and two more with the slightly longer lengths to complete the track down to the bottom track run.  There are lengths of plastic which connect the inner road wheels to the upper run of track which don't represent the real thing, but make the parts breakdown work and they are hidden from view once the side shields and distinctive curved armour package are fitted.

The more complex element of the kit comes with all the parts for the turret, with side armour, MG mounts and armoured shields, sensors and stowage baskets just to pick out a few.  Clear parts are provided for the MG mounts and the cupolas.  Etch parts are provided for the turret basket mesh and the panels which fit to the front faces of the turret.

Fit of parts is proving to be good and so far all is progressing without any problems.  The turret is very 'busy' though do leave the tall masts/aerials at the back until last as they could easily be broken off with handling.  The build is not difficult though and the end result looks very neat.

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Robin

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