Had some AM arrive for the build. The def model set includes the reflective lenses so for $20 I thought it was worth getting.
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Was able to find a reference photo for an Aussie Abrams wearing ARAT. Seems like all the Aussie Abrams remove the last panel of the side skirts.
Lower hull and side skirts/ARAT completed. Test fitted the Panzer Art Barrel. Debating whether I want to cut of the last skirt panel and if I add the included Kontakt 1 ERA
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Turret is mostly done. Just need to finish the 50 cal and loaders 240. I replaced the RFM smoke dischargers with the DEF model ones and added the straps for the .50 cal boxes
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Looks fabulous! I can’t wait to see the finished result. Are you going for an early war or late war Abrams, and if so are you planning on adding cope cages and ERA.
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I have the ERA from the kit I might use. I found this video of a donated Aussie Abrams still in AUSCAM being used in training with the 425th Assult Regiment. My thinking is AUSCAM for the tank, CARC Tan/Green for the ARAT and then the front mounted ERA. I have some ICM Ukrainian tankers I might stage with the tank in a training ground scene.
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Interesting. I love where this build is going. Good luck!
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Chopped off the last piece of skirt to match reference photos. Grafted the attachment point from leftover panels included in the kit.
The tracks really are an ordeal. 6 pieces per link in total. Oh the joys of modelling
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Well after 486 pieces and 3+ hours on one track, I’ve come to find that despite using tiny amounts of glue the tracks froze in a number spots and don’t fit the hull well.
Instead of forging on I’ve gone ahead and ordered the Def Model Tracks instead. The use of the centre connector and end connectors is my preferred Indy link assembly method.
Now that I will be waiting for them to arrive I will move on to painting of the tank.
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I envy you, My next project will be this one. lol.
Is it hard to make or?
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Its not bad, most of the build falls together pretty well. The tracks are a bit over the top, 1000 pieces almost for both sets
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The Def tracks are nice , with separate pads allowing them to be shown missing or heavily worn or even with ice cleats. They don’t have the hollowed out pin end of the kit tracks, though.
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A trade off I am ready to make at this moment considering how much of the track is hidden by skirts and how arduous putting together 1 run was.
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I hear ya , but you might also consider building only the part of the run that is visible .
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Exactly. Gentlemen don’t look under skirts.
But I’m no glentleman.
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lol . that made me laugh.
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Started laying down the base colour. The AK 3G Aussie Camo brown looked too tan, so I added a few dashes of Vallejo Orange Brown to shift the tone more to the correct colour. Hopefully it turned out
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That looks fantastic. Nice color.
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