DEF tracks finished. Took about the time for both sets as it did for the single RFM run. Detail isn’t as good as the RFM ones but oh well. Paint next then decals and weathering for the Abrams
6 Likes
That is some significant size difference! Which size is correct?
1 Like
I am glad to see someone else’s work mat looks as grotty as mine. Nice work!
4 Likes
@Barney not sure would need to defer to the Abrams experts.
@Bkkinman it’s due for a replacement but that would require the entire desk to be cleaned off
Got the tracks painted. Base coat of Dark Umber mixed with Hull Red, over sprayed with Dark rust. The pads were painted rubber black then picked some out with rubber black mixed with graphite. Did a dry brush with an even lighter mix of rubber black and graphite.
Next will be clear coat as I have a dozen models waiting for clear coating.
11 Likes
Looking good. You may want to do less blackening on the outer grills. Only the center is the exhaust. The outer two are outlets for the radiators.
6 Likes
Thanks for the advice, I am going to respray them and correct that.
2 Likes
Looking great! Thanks for sharing, I look forward to seeing it once you’re done. 
2 Likes
If there’s too much black soot in the exhaust area, there are problems. As you can see from SableLiger’s photos, and my own, you get heat discoloration, not a lot of soot. (soot is a result of a few things - mainly cold starts and fuel mixture, but under normal conditions the soot with be almost nonexistent, You can also see from my photos the right side radiator grill is often painted black, inside and out. I’ve also seen both painted black, if you want some variation from plain sand.
JP-8 burns very cleanly. Diesel and blends will produce more soot, but the fuel of choice when available is JP-8. The best examples of extra sooty Abrams are found online - in model forums.
For fun here’s one from the interweb. Everyone loved it.
97 and counting. Only nine more days left this year.
7 Likes
That’s a fact.
the most
You’ll see in the back of an Abrams is the CARC burned off from the heat generated by the turbine engine. So flat black for the center exhaust vent and some rust dry rush to replicate the scorched paint.
5 Likes
Okay after receiving feedback I tried to recreate the burnt metal rusty but not sooty rear grille
Teaser for the build as it stands now
Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year!
12 Likes
That is ℧Β.
2 Likes
Latest image of the Australian M1A AIM SA in Ukrainian service.
Why did you go with the SCWS on the turret and not the A1 version?
1 Like
My assumption was they were going to upgrade the Aussie Abrams to the same standard as they did the A1’s they received from the US. Honestly this build turned into a bit of a what if with the SA and ARAT and no ERA. I just liked the idea of AUSCAM + CARC Tan + NATO Green combo, showing all the nations supporting Ukraine.
3 Likes
These tanks were not upgraded by Ukraine. Ukraine got them that way from the US. They were former USMC M1A1 FEP tanks that had the SCWS as part of a USMC upgrade.
2 Likes
If I remember correctly the earliest Abrams images we had in Ukrainian service had no SCWS, SA or ARAT. I assumed like the earliest Abrams they were upgraded in Europe or in Ukraine before the hand over.
At this point I am more then happy enough to call it a what if build just because I liked the colour various elements I’ve cobbled together.
1 Like
