M1A1 and M1A2 Abrams

Manufacturer: Dragon Models (Kit No. 7215 &7216)

Here are the latest boxes of spare parts fromDragon Models. A couple of months ago when Dragon announced theirnew series of small scale armor kits, I placed an order with mylocal model shop for all eight kits that had been announced atthat time. These models are now steadily beginning to arrive inthis country, and thankfully there are only a couple left in myoriginal order. Since these are the first models I have purchasedin many months, I am sorely disappointed in how my money has beenwasted, but I think that the next two will be the last ones Ibuy.

So why am I not happy with these latest kits? I guess mainly Ifeel let down because my expectations were so high. Consideringthat Dragon is the leader in providing highly detailed, accurate(and affordable) 1/35th scale armor models, I was led to believethat we could expect the same in our scale. Alas, no. I'm notsure how Dragon views small scale armor modelers, but it can't begood. They keep giving us products that are some freakish hybridbetween simplistic toys and real models. Each one of theirreleases has loads of potential, which is ultimately ruined bysome strange choice in the kit's design. In the case of theseAbrams, the primary problem is the main hull. Obviously designedas a motorized toy, the hull is simple, and mutated to accomodatea motor (not included).

The surface detail on the hull top is pretty good; again, ithad potential to be a very nice kit. The armored side skirts aremolded onto the hull, so surgery will be required to remove them,if the modeler so wishes. I haven't taken the time to measurethis kit and compare it to reference material, but I did compareit to the Revell M1A1 Abrams, and this Dragon kit is smaller thanthe Revell kit in every dimension. The turret is substantiallysmaller. In my previous articles on the Abrams, I had measuredthe Revell kit to be completely accurate in scale, so thatimplies that this kit is small (perhaps 1/73?). I will soonupdate my Abrams Comparison article, incorporating these newkits, as well as comparison scans.

The turret is modular, allowing for several options, dependingupon the version you wish to build. I like this idea. For themost part, the detail is crisp and clear, though not as good ason the Revell kit. Good luck in separating the tow cables fromthe sprue.

The wheels are nicely done. Two sets of this sprue areincluded with each kit.

This first sprue of parts shows many of the turret details.The pieces bracketed in yellow are included only in the A1 kit,and not in the A2 kit. These parts are not molded all that well,with huge sprue gates, and some soft features on many of theparts.

This second sprue shows the rest of the kit parts. Those partsoutlined in yellow are included only in the A2 kit, and not theA1 kit. This includes the new commander's cupola, and indepedentthermal viewer (which looks a little hinkey to me). Note that theA2 kit represents the standard M1A2, and not the SEPversion.

Of course, you all know how much I hate vinyl tracks, butconsidering that the side skirts will hide the top track run,these tracks may look decent enough if painted well. They arenicely detailed, and represent the T-158 style (also called"bigfoot" track, though I've been led to believe thatthis is a fictitious name). This track is appropriate for theM1A2, and late versions of the M1A1.

A final bag of stuff included with these kits are parts tomake the wheels turn. Yippee.

We are provided a vast choice of markings for each kit. Wait .. . no we're not. I guess I got these confused with somethingelse. We are actually provided with a single marking option foreach kit. The M1A1 kit gives us markings for the 3rd InfantryDivision in the current war in Iraq. The M1A2 kit includesmarkings for 194th Brigade, Task Force 1-70 at the NationalTraining Center. In addition to the waterslide decals, there arealso a couple of stickers included in each kit for specialmarkings. This is a good idea in theory, but I am concerned abouthow well they will stick to paint. Some additional adhesive maybe necessary, as well as several clear coats.

Ultimately, I am quite disappointed with these models, as well as the entire line of Dragon's kits to date. But the prices are reasonable, and they do provide many nice parts for conversion projects.

Foot note By Simon Barnes

Despite the simplistic nature of some of the details in these kits, the base vehicle is actually the most accurate out of all the Abrahms kits, do not let the poor details in some areas and the terrible lower hull. plus the fact that it is smaller than the Revell and Esci kits, detract from the fact that the kit in size and shape is accurate. I have assembled a set of 140 engineering drawings like the one below.

Be warned it is a large drawing, I have put the comparative measurements of the Revell and Dragon kits, as the Esci kit is similar to the Revell kit. From the rest of the drawings it is easy to see that the Revell kits turret front has the wrong angles. I hope to later be able to visibly demonstrate this.