Hi everyone, this is my first time building a model, and I chose Tamiya’s M1A1 tank. Since I really like Cold War US Army armored units, I think the M1A1 represents the peak of armored vehicles in the 1980s, so I painted it in NATO camouflage.But I don’t have experience in making and aging models, so I hope everyone can teach me.
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@Reforger80s Beautiful build! I think it looks great as it is! More start of a Reforger exercise than the end 
But a great build nonetheless!
Depending on the level of weathering you want to achieve there is a lot of options. For Cold War vehicles I would go more with mud, snow, dust etc. not so much with chipped paint and missing parts etc. That happened as well, but not as frequently as for example eastern front in WWII.
Check out the weathering products on AK Interactive | Scale model shop & wargaming or Mig Jimenez, S.L. They have great weathering products and a lot of free mini tutorials for different weathering effects.
Otherwise ask anybody in here on their builds if you see an inspiring weathering effect. They will explain their approach for sure.
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Hi, welcome aboard.
Are you sure this is your first build cause it looks too good for a first build.
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Thanks so much, this is really helpful for me.
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Yes, I made it by copying a tutorial from a YouTuber.
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Damn, nice job! 
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Thanks bro
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Great looking Abrams. Very well done.
Jim
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Welcome to the forum! Many of us here can relate to your handle. That’s an excellent first build. The edges on your camo are better than seasoned modelers can achieve. What’s your secret there?
Do tell.
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Absolutely outstanding first effort!
The result is really great, especially the painting. Congrats and keep on rolling with a Bradley to pair with the Abrams!
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Excellent job on that Abram’s and welcome to the site.
My first build and finish looked nothing like that, really excellent job!
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Welcome to the forum groups and a really great build as your first exhibit… Looks like you nailed the build and finished off with a great colour scheme…
Don’t get to weighed down with weathering, be it heavy or light … Sometimes a good clean build gets the message across.
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Welcome Reforger80. There are many of us here who can recall such exercises so hopefully you’ll feel right at home. Your build turned out great and you should feel proud of your accomplishment. As you continue building kits, especially if you stay with one type such as aircraft or armor, you’ll find yourself wanting to try new techniques and products and you will start to challenge yourself to do better. This is all normal but just remember that this is supposed to be fun. It’s very easy to get too serious and get down on yourself because what you’ve built doesn’t compare in your mind to what others have built. This is a great hobby and doing so on this website makes it even better. Share what you’re working on with us each step of the way. Ask for comments, suggestions, help whatever you want but remember, this is supposed to be fun and sharing your builds on here should keep it that way. Sorry for my rambling on.
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“First build”? I am impressed.
I like to encourage new modelers. Here’s a tip for your second Abrams. It looks like you followed the instructions and glued the rear exhaust panel to the lower hull. Instead, glue the top of the rear panel to the upper hull. Doing this makes it easier to clean up the visible seam at the top rear of the hull. Now, WOW! FIRST model? That’s VERY GOOD work! And, I actually like the lightly weathered look. Just enough for some realism, without making it look like it’s been out mud bogging! VERY handsome & attractive model! Put it in a plastic case from the hobby store, take it to your local Army recruiter’s office, and I bet you will easily sell it as a display model. I mean that. KEEP UP the GOOD WORK! The absence of stowage & crew figures makes the vehicle itself the focus of attention. Too often, I see what I think are OVER-weathered models. Nice to see cleaner for a change! I like it!
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I really appreciate you telling me so much. I’m sharing my model here, and I’m really happy that so many people came to discuss it.
Thanks
Welcome aboard. Great introduction build. 
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