Tamiya Models M1A2 Abrams Model Kit

This is one of the better M1 tank models on the market. Assembly is good, there's a few issues I'll detail later. However for the price, it's a good representation of several versions of the Abrams tank, and comes with a lot of nice extras. So first, the good:+This kit will let you assemble one of the following: two different M1A2s from 3 ACR circa 2003, one US Army M1A1 from 2003, a USMC M1A1 also from 2003, and then two US Army tanks operating in Germany or Kosovo circa 1999. There's decals for all of those, complete painting schematics, and the different equipment from type to type (CITV for M1A2s, Missile Counter-Measure and different smoke grenade launchers for the USMC version etc)+Assembly is pretty easy. There's nothing that was too tricky about it. Almost everything fits+Instructions are clear, each different type of tank has clearly marked call outs for specific assembly steps.+Tracks are great for "rubber band" style. They take and keep paint and glue, handled all the weathering products I use without damage or marring.+Unlike many models, it comes with bags and boxes to help you fill out the stowage.And the bad:-Minor fit issue with the top hull to the rear of the tank. If you don't do anything to it, it sorta stands out a little bit, but it cleans up okay, just annoying.-This is not the most detailed Abrams on the market. It's quite nice, but it does not have the non-skid texture the Abrams should have on the hull. The clear plastic bits provided for the periscopes and optics are lame. I used large mylar confetti cut to fit instead, looked better.Basically this is a great model for the price. If you're a serious hardcore modeler you might be happier with a Dragon or other higher end model for the fine details, but if you just want a solid 1:35 scale Abrams, and have fairly modest modeling experience, this model will get you what you want for half to two thirds of the price of a more expensive model. Even if you are into more fancy models, this would be a great starting point for after market kit parts.

Clear instructions.

Lots of options. Very detailed. Parts fit well. A tad small but still a great model.

Another great Tamiya offering in 1/35 armor with old-school band tracks which I prefer. The mighty M1 Abrams has matured over the decades to remain a lethal but dated killing machine. The Tamiya kit is an easy build and offers the modeler a great experience. The kit gets a 5 for overall enjoyment.

Just finished putting it together today. (Just an FYI this is a model kit that requires paint & glue to assemble) Tamiya is one of the best model companies & they're kits are well worth the money if your in to the hobby. It comes with enough parts to build four different versions (two dessert & two NATO)It took me about a week to finish. For the supplies I got Testors glue & a Testors military flats paint set for detailing small parts (get brass & copper paint for machine gun bullet detail) There are some parts that are kinda annoying to work on like some of the ammo boxes need assembly even though they seem small enough to mold in one piece but I think it's so they can make the larger boxes more detailed (which they are)The treads are rubber & the wheels roll which is a pretty cool bonus to this kit. A small annoying thing is they require you to cut very small windows out of a clear plastic sheet which is included. Also some of the decals are so small there hardly noticeable from a distance & somewhat difficult to apply but it does add to detail. Another small annoyance is I have to cut squares for the two armor plates for the front of the turret then I had to paint them & decal them.The quality is the best & I had allot of fun building it. It even taught me a few things about the M1 Abrams anatomy. Also love the fact that it's molded in light sand (TS-46) so you don't have to do to much painting.

I like the way it looked when it got done. I enjoyed the process of assembling it.

Accurate description and great service.

Great model! Enjoyed the build! Not quite finished yet. directions were easy to follow. Pieces fit right!! Which is a huge plus!! Why i buy Tamiya models!!Simply the best in the business as far as fit, finish and overall quality!!