M1A1 (HA) Abrams

Manufacturer: Revell AG.(Kit #03112)

This is pretty much thebest Abrams model available from any company. Most of the M1'sare average kits, and the ESCI M1A1 has some flaws. This is oneof those kits which is very close to perfection.

Extremely fine molding andattention to detail make this one of the best small scale modelsavailable today. The turret and hull have very delicate non-skidsurfacing molded onto them, and all hatches are molded open. Iwonder why Revell regressed with their later releases, by moldingthem closed.

Even the periscope coversare molded open. The turret hatches are detailed on both sides.

The chassis is verydetailed, although none of it will be visible if the tank isbuilt completely. But for those of you who want to do a dioramawith some wheels taken off, you're all set.

The wheels are spectacularand the machine guns are some of the best available in thisscale. The bustle rack framework is molded pretty well, and arequite useable, unless you want to replace it with etched brassparts. But that certainly wouldn't be necessary.

The tracks are perfect.

Markings are included fortwo vehicles: one Desert Storm, and the other in Germany, 1995.Decals are thin, matte, and mostly printed in register (the redand orange are a little off). Highly recommended.

See my AbramsComparison article for more information on this kit accuracy.