Another year another modern MBT with full interior build. Pairing RFM’s newest Ukrainian Abrams with a full interior. Unlike my Leopard build I am thinking of doing this one as an “expanded view” build to display more of the interior details.
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Looks great so far Alex, I love the idea of an exploded view ( not destroyed that is ! ) model. I’ve seen a few at model shows and really should try it sometime.
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Should be a great model. If you have access to a 3D printer, there is a set to complete the details under/around the turret on Cults 3D.
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Thanks for the heads up Gino. It really felt compared to the leopard the interior seemed a little too simple.
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Got some more work done on the Abrams, engine and lower turret basket have been built.
So far I am really disappointed in how simple this kit is compared to the leopard. Maybe the Abrams interior is simpler overall than the Leo 2 in real life, but the details just don’t seem as sharp. Also the kit lacks any interior decals for stencils which maybe the Abrams doesn’t have but somehow I doubt it.
Oh well, I have started thinking about the finish and will most likely do this one up in AUSCAM as the newly delivered Australian ones have seemingly retained their camo. I think contrasting auscam with CARC Tan/Green ARAT/gun shields and Soviet ERA will make an interesting vehicle
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I served on ‘A1s and the basics look ok when you think about how much you see through the hatches. Thete is a lot more you can add thru scratch building if you like.
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Yes, there are a lot of little things that are missing from this kit. And there should be more stencils, actually stickers, inside.
Ken
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Yep, among other things completely absent traverse gearbox.
Edit: seems I’m not quite right , basic components are there but manual traverse and elevation handles are shown mounted to the bottom of the GPS when they should be part of the gearbox which I guess are parts L14 & L35.
https://www.scalemates.com/products/img/2/9/6/1004296-36-instructions.pdf
Looking forward to seeing what you do with it.
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Thanks for the info Sean and Ken
I really sound like a broken record but this kit is really a disappointment compared to the Leo interior. Not really sure I have the time to scratch build the missing bits as I’m getting ready to go on course. Maybe my next hyper detailed interior will be the T-72AV from amusing in Ukrainian service.
Here is where we are with the kit.
Paint is up next. The upper hull is badly warped and will take a great deal of effort to sit on the hull tub,
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If you want to have a go at adding some of the missing cabling
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Alex you’re doing a great job on that interior, it looks great to me despite missing elements/ details. That breach looks great!
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The slog continues in this build. Paint and some misc placards from the spares bin have been laid down. I’ve decided in a gizmology approach as I think this will be mostly buttoned up.
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That’s a pretty great build.
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That breech is especially well done. Nice use of actual references on the powerpack. I don’t know how you plan to display it, but if those knock out pin marks are visible you might want to take care of them. And maybe add the cable.
Obviously, RFM left a lot out, but some things are an easy fix - not too late to wrap some Chartpak tape around that duct .
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I’m going to have the power pack in the engine bay, but will have the top cover open and the rear open to show it. Thank you for the reference pics, I think I can still add the visible plumbing and tape up the Duct
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Little things like that will make a huge difference - even touches like the dark red in the above photo. I’ll send you some more later so you won’t have to guess.
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I am just surprised RFM didn’t include any placards in this kit like they did the Leopard kit. Seems like there is more then enough reference material for it
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I use railroad locomotive data plates.
Check your email for something from wetransfer.com. It’s not spam.
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