Aussie Abrams Paint & Decals

After giving the model a good coat of grey primer I had a go at spraying the lower hull with some SMS Auscam colours using thier acrylic lacquer paints. Initially all went well, these paints come pre thinned. But I was not happy with the smell firstly and secondly with the tone which I felt was too dark. Not being familiar with these paints I asked a few questions on facebook and came away with the fact that the SMS colours are very good matches for the real thing. 

However the way that they sprayed and smelt has put me off. I'm too used to tamiya & Gunze paints. SMS also do have these colours available in their Infinite range which is water based so I've ordered them as I think I'll be much more comfortable using them. Also I can add my usual fading methods as well. 

So one delay on the project but one result in the form of two sets of decals. I found a company called Hobbyist decals who had two sets I liked for sale. An order was placed and they arrived this week. They are printed really well being perfectly in register and with minimal carrier film on each decal. I now have a good selection to choose from when I get to the decal stage.

 

VE Day

 

Aussie Abrams Construction Complete

I've now finished the main building of the model with some difficult assemblies done in the last stages. especially the .50 and mount and the 7.62 as well. However I got there in the end. I did actually find a couple of parts I had missed on the instructions for the side bin frames so in the end I did not have to revert to any surgery.  

A start has also been made on gathering stowage but I think I need a couple more Australian pattern backpacks which I might just cast myself. So the model will go for a gentle wash now before a good shot of primer.

Aussie Abrams Turret

Not much progress this week I'm afraid due to real life stuff getting in the way, however I have found some time to work on the turret. Again it's quite hit and miss with the fit of parts from the Dragon kit as well as the majority needing a lot of clean up. Following the Black Ops construction notes I again found a mistake. For step 14 they advise you use parts W12 & 13 instead of W15 & 16 for the blow off panels on the turret roof. Problem is there are no parts W12 & 13, instead you should use parts Q 12 & 13. 

The turret baskets need lots of clean up and the use of tamiya quick setting glue to assemble. In my kit I was missing the etched mesh for the extra basket so I had to find some mesh in the spares box. Not probably the correct pattern but it will be covered with stowage later anyway. Finally I have found that parts N39 & 40 are too short. These parts are the framework that go around the side bins. They will need to be extended to fit properly against the rear basket. Yet another dragon frustration!

 

Aussie Abrams Tracks

A repetitive but reasonably easy task today of making up the new tracks. I have only built up part runs as the side skirts hide most of the tracks. The separate track pads got beat up with a motor tool and round burr before fitting to give some wear to them. In place they look very nice indeed.

 

Aussie Abrams Side Skirts & Turret

Some good progress this week with the majority of the details now added to the hull and the side skirts all sorted. I just need to add some tow ropes later as I am showing them as per my references fitted to the towing points on the hull and not on the turret. Just the job for an on exercise look.

The turret work started with the gun barrel and here I opted for the plastic option instead of the metal barrel. I chose the plastic one as it had a much better fit into the mantlet. I had a lot of trouble fitting the two turret halves together, they just did not want to fit. Lots of trimming was needed on the gun mounting brackets to get a decent fit. Even then I had to use superglue to force the lower part of the turret to mate up with the upper section. I think the lower part was slightly warped. Anyway much swearing ensued until it was all in place.

And finally my replacement tracks have arrived. From DEF Model they are just the job and even feature separate track pads so adding some wear will be easy.

Aussie Abrams Engine Deck

Most of yesterday saw me working away on the engine deck and rear access doors. Lots of test fitting was needed for a good fit of parts. The first of the Black Ops conversion parts went on as well. I really like the rear screens which are 3D printed and super fine. The front fenders had the mud flaps removed and they were thinned down on the insides for a better scale look. 

I have ordered a replacement set of tracks as I'm not a fan of the kit supplied ones. I'll sort out the running gear once they arrive. I'm still debating which infantry field phone to use on the back of the tank. Black Ops supply the old square type and the new version and both look very nice. A bit more research is needed before I make my mind up.   

Aussie Abrams Making A Start

Construction begins with the running gear and fitting the lower and upper hull parts together. Following both the Dragon and Black Ops construction notes parts are omitted or replaced and other areas filled. Apart from the hull parts and the links on the idler stations nothing else is glued at the moment. The rear deck is made up of lots of separate parts so test fitting is needed for a good fit. The first of the resin replacement parts is used here as well. 

Australian M1A1 Abrams Project

After lots of head scratching and going through the stash over the last week I've decided it's high time I started building an Australian Abrams. To this end I have the excellent Dragon M1A2 SEP kit and the equally excellent Black Ops Models conversion set as well as a few other bits from them. Helping me out along the way is the Tankograd book and a fair few pictures and articles I've found on the internet.

The conversion is pretty straightforward so long as you follow the construction notes Black Ops provide. I may change the tracks for individual link ones and I still need to source decals but I'm confident it won't be a difficult build.

   

Poole Vikings Model Show 12th April 2025

No modelling this week, I've been busy with other things. But myself and Brian have been down to the annual Poole Vikings show at the Parkstone grammar school Poole. Attending as visitors again this year we enjoyed the many interesting models on display. As usual the event was held in the large and bright sports hall with space for the competition available in a smaller adjoining room. 

Inevitably we also bumped into many friends also attending the show be it displaying or like us just visiting. Also in evidence were plenty of traders ranging from secondhand kits to new releases and the essentials such as paints, glues and tools. The show always has a nice mix of clubs and to me it has a real south coast feel with many clubs from the area in attendance.

So after a good look at the displays, a very good look around the traders and chats with friends we departed the show and ended up at the Royal Oak in North Gorley for lunch and a discussion of all things modelling. A superb lunch was enjoyed and we talked about upcoming shows and did a bit of planning for Belgium. All in all a very pleasant and enjoyable day.