Imex-Erik

Well we should know in about a week and a half. I will promise to put up all kinds of video for you guys. We just got a new video room set up today, so we will be pumping out videos now. I also got a ton of lights, the 1000W bulbs are insane! It is like sitting in front of a heater! At least now the lighting is much better and you guys will actually get to see me haha. No more famous hands....

Bagheera

I do like the train engine camo. and it seams to around the tank does it come in boat camo too or how about car LOL

Imex-Erik

LOL it took me a min to catch that one!

Augustus1967

Yes Sir!!!

Been waiting on This Tank!
Being an "86-87" M1A1 Tanker, Stationed in West Germany...
I think the Purtiest Gal at The Ball was the Abrams in her NATO Woodland Camo Pattern...
So that's the direction il be heading with the first Abrams I lay hands on...
After that... Who Knows...

As for the Challenger II... I'll save a place at the Round Table for her as well...

Happy Tanking!

-gus

Captain Nemo12

Just received an email update today from Hobby Raw, the M1A2 is now in stock! However their website has mysteriously crashed...

Imex-Erik

Why buy from an overseas company when you could get them from us? We will be selling pre checked tanks with upgraded 4:1 steel gearboxes with 20pc bearings for $229 and only 23.99 (US) shipping....

209.98+35 est shipping= HL Abrams with plastic gears from Hobbyraw
229.99+24 est shipping= HL Abrams with steel gears (the good ones will bearings on all shafts) as well as a pre checked tank and shipped from a closer dealer.... (us, IMEX)

I mean don't get me wrong, I'm not hating on them, just we are offering such a good deal I don't see why anyone would go with them when you could get a big upgrade for such a small amount. Plus, we will be checking them and adding extra packing if needed, that alone is worth the price difference there to me!

godowar

Erik,

Can you confirm if the M1A2 Abrams has the same final drive setup as the 2A6? If so .... These would be nice to install....
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...5548897&type=1

War and Peace,
GoW

Oracus

Me too! I will be downgrading mine to an A1 and woodland camo. I will be modeling it after my last armor unit. I would like to get 2 and send 1 to my old commander!

godowar

Oracus,

I will be doing the same downgrades.
As to the upgrades I will be going 360 traverse
I plan on doing the Clark TK22 M1 with the GBS module addon, and sound amplifier.
Possibly Benedini Sound if the TK22 is not sufficient
Servo Recoil
I plan on removing the Airsoft BB unit and installing a flash unit
Standard battery box removal and hull sealing
Metal Tracks
Eventually I may have my friend FAB me up an all metal hull as he has access to a CNC machine.

Excited as all get out ... Just waiting for my email from Erik so I can pay him, and have my new baby come home.

-GoW
5/77th Armor "Steel Tigers all the way!"

Panther G

Yeah I too will be retro fitting mine to an A1 just because the woodland NATO colors and pattern are so much more interesting than desert sand. Besides the Abrams was designed and built for action in Europe .

Captain Nemo12

Erik,

For me it's mostly because of the custom fees, anything that goes over $100 shipped from US is gonna get charged almost the same amount as the shipping... I like the idea of the 4:1 gearboxes but the gear ratio is too slow for modern tanks (for my tastes anyways). If I order from Hobby Raw I'll also get charged customs most likely. So I'll wait for Mato to stock them and get it from there, they're located in the province next to mine so shipping will be cheap and without custom fees.

But it's good that Imex will be carrying the M1, you guys provide a great service stateside .

Bagheera

Likely I will get mine from Matomart and Immortal Hobbies will have the we tank too. It is a hot item and be patient the tank will be here.

Johnny

17 tanks is not enough I think I need more

philipat

Would love to see the detailed build/retro threads for these. Be interesting to see the differences between the A1 and A2...not too schooled up on that.

edoubleaz

My Feedback: (1)

It is interesting the number of people who want M1A1 models. (As do I so I can do a USMC variant) You need to change cupola and commanders MG, no CITV, fewer antenna.... Depends how retro you want to go... old school doghouse.... marines use different smoke launchers too.

Imex-Erik

I will only be able to confirm once I get one here. Remember when I got mine back in Feb I said it looked pretty unfinished. I hope so, that would be a nice addon. If nothing changed on the driveline then the Leopard tracks will fit it. The Challenger also used the same tracks as the Abrams/Leopard so maybe we can get lucky there. As soon as they arrive, I'll snatch one off the truck and run into the new video room
No train camo?
Dont worry, RCU member's will go out first no matter how far down the list they are. I have always stated this and I still stick to it, my RCU members come first
You never know, send me an email/PM with a shipping address and I'll get you a quote. Plus, if you want the nylon gears, just ask. I'll gladly toss them in with the tank too if you want. And thanks for the compliment! I try my hardest! More good stuff is coming next year, it will be just as packed for releases and surprises as this year!

Oracus

5/77th 4ID or 1AD?

2/37AR 1AD "Iron Dukes"

godowar

8th ID, 5/77th Armor

Merganser

Ok, I give in and will call on Monday to get on the list. The Sherman will just have to wait. Will have to see just what add-ons I can get in the same box. l will probably have to wait for the next shipment after waiting so long to decide. John from the steppes of Wyoming.

Merganser

Ok, I may think about the Sherman on the same order. In for a penny, in for a pound as they say. John from a warm Wyoming (55 degrees today and snow tonight)

Panther G

It was a Marine div that crossed the Tigres River first into Bagdad wasn't it? That would be a cool use of the desert sand paint scheme. I do believe they where still using A1 tanks so a retro would still be needed but not an entire repaint just some weathering and detail.

Imex-Erik

Yea they are more fun with 2. Actually the more the better! It will be funny when that Sherman runs the Abrams right over, it is quite the beast.

Oracus

Not 100% positive as it was a month before my unit arrived, but 3ID had taken Baghdad airport and the Marine tank battalion were under their command. And you are correct about the desert M1A1's the Marines used.

Augustus1967

Bravo Company 1-37 Armor for me...
"Iron Time Soldier"... West Germany "85-87"...
We had M60A3's when I got there in 1985.
Transitioned to M1A1's in 1986...

Stationed just up the Road from First Armor Division HQ(Ansbach), at a Wide Spot in the road called Katterbach, across the Road from an Army Helicopter Base.

Where I fell in Love with German Beer, German Girls, German Food and The M1A1 Abrams.
And Not necessarily in That order...



-gus

Merganser

I have an interesting book by Jason Conroy called "Heavy Metal" about his experiences leading a company of M1A1's that were part of the 3rd Infantry Division during their run into Bagdad. I would be interested in hearing opinions from real tankers about the book since I hope to do a model of one of their tanks. John

philipat

Yes, Marines were first into Baghdad with the Army close behind. Not sure where that info is from about 1st Tank Bn working for 3ID. It belonged to I MEF (I Marine Expeditionary Force), more specifically to 1st MarDiv.