[Paladin18]

The Ground Vehicle Models section has been strangely quiet recently. Anyway, here's some photos of my recently acquired Tamiya Masterworks M1A2 Abrams.

As I said earlier in another thread, I think Tamiya's Masterworks offers one of the best stuff currently in the market. I don't mind it so much that it is all plastic with some metal inserted. Personally, so long as the weathering is done properly and the finishing/paintwork is realistic, I'm generally OK with it. For me, Tamiya Masterworks fit the criteria of a perfect pre-built, pre-painted miniature AFV.

The M1A2 came with a lot of accessories - ammo boxes, bedding, duffle bags, jerry cans as well as 2 bottles of mineral water in 1:35 scale! Now that really impressed me. If you look closely at the photos, I've placed it on the turret adjacent to the commander's cupola and loader's hatch.

PS: Tamiya would have impressed even more if the M1A2 came with TUSK - Tank Urban Survival Kit







Paladin18

[trex0770]

Thanks for the photos Paladin! I've been going back and forth on whether or not to pull the trigger on getting this one b/c of the plastic. It looks great. I'm assuming the commander and loader figures come with it? Would you mind comparing it to the 1/32 Forces of Valor Abrams (if you have that one)?

Thanks!

-trex

p.s. in your opinion, does this model easily lend itself to a TUSK conversion (i.e. from an accessories upgrade kit)?

[Paladin18]

Originally Posted by trex0770

Thanks for the photos Paladin! I've been going back and forth on whether or not to pull the trigger on getting this one b/c of the plastic. It looks great. I'm assuming the commander and loader figures come with it? Would you mind comparing it to the 1/32 Forces of Valor Abrams (if you have that one)?

Thanks!

-trex

No worries mate! Yes, the 2 figures came with the model. I don't own the 1/32 FoV Abrams but I have seen it in a local hobby shop. Personally, I think that the Tamiya Abrams is much sharper in detail. The Minichamps Abrams comes a close second to Tamiya. While Minichamps scores in heft, Tamiya wins hands down in the paintwork and weathering department. At the end of the day, it all boils down to personal taste. One thing I should mention also. The FoV Abrams might command a better value for money as the Tamiya Abrams set me back US$120!!!

[trex0770]

Thanks for the reply Paladine! I had the Minichamps Abrams and although the heft was excellent, I sold it b/c the FOV was much cheaper. I can get the TM Abrams for $65 so was wondering if it was worth it.

[Paladin18]

US$65 for the Tamiya Abrams? That's a very good price! What are you waiting for? The Tamiya distributor in Singapore is retailing it for US$175.00. I managed to get it at US$120 from a Hong Kong-based retailer. That was the cheapest I could find.

Oh, I forgot to mention that my modelling skills sucks big time, which explains why I am into pre-built armour. Not sure if I am in a position to comment whether the model is suitable for TUSK conversion.

Paladin18