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Tamiya Abrams M1A2 Rebuild, Repaint + Working RC Setup.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...efa7d49427.jpg Presentation Mode: With Value Gear and Spec Ops Stowage. Rebuild Photo Brief: This is an eBay find, yes, I know, Robert Herne says never do this! The Tamiya M1A2 is nicely assembled, but the model as delivered failed in RC setup (didn't work); finish paint and detail execution. I rebuilt, primed and painted it and resolved the RC Setup issues. It is setup as an IR outdoor runner and not a shelf queen. Visually it is modeled as a newly deployed Operation Iraq Freedom Tank with little weathering. Almost finished, but the week turned wet. The decals, a cooler and an operation video will follow after the fresh paint cures. The simple Tamiya Color Palette used for the model is Tamiya TS 46 rattle can, is the Abrams base color, plus air brushed accents using Tan (USAF), Gun Metal (the MGs) and Matt Black (turbine screen vents "wet" over sprayed with Tan). Tamiya clear blue and clear red are mixed for use on the vision blocks etc. For the hull bottom, used a blend of NATO Brown gradated into the base color on the glacis plate and at the rear. I used Tamiya Wood Deck to lightly spray the road wheels to simulate Iraqi dust. Everything is then sealed with Testor's Dullcote. I use color modulated, gradation with no hard edges, to mimic the dusty operating environment. The kit is built stock out of the box and runs very well. Replaced the damaged Tamiya connector cable, the major issue, $8.00 from the AAF Museum. Resetting the DMD cured the RC issues plus replacing a shorted out connection cable. Update Correction for Abrams Best Radio Choice: I am using a Tamiya Attack 4YDW 2.4G Four Channel Radio + the receiver is the R204GF-T (IMPORTANT Abrams Part Number) and it works. Sourced at Tower Hobbies USA: https://www.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXEDMK&P=ML As recommended by Tamiya USA's Gary Demory 1-949-732-3417 or email: [email protected] FYI: Tamiya USA is well aware of the Abrams RC Setup issues. You can see more Abrams rebuild photos of this tank on my FB Page. Enjoy, John https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...bc8a62a67e.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...2adfc0b9e8.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...c663c58ea7.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...8f3aed8d9f.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...710fd63db8.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...e3ade80887.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...de5463fd78.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...ffe8a6b8ef.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...07108a2976.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...4c97c66f13.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...2be075ccdf.jpg |
Nicely done
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Outstanding work John.
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Nice! Is that your second abrams now! |
Originally Posted by RichJohnson
(Post 12414943)
Nice! Is that your second abrams now! :cool: |
Tamiya Type 10 Tank Commander Half Figure 1/16.
Rendered in a Woodland Uniform, around early 2003, this Tamiya 1/16 figure works with the Abrams too.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...c8b047f72c.jpg |
Amazing work. I dont know how you kept your sanity on the woodland camo. What brush did you use?
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Originally Posted by trackmech81
(Post 12416539)
Amazing work. I dont know how you kept your sanity on the woodland camo. What brush did you use?
Martin MacDonald, FB friend, used brushes like this to paint the Type 10 figure. My sanity remains OK, a work around solution. John |
Tamiya Abrams M1A2 thirty second test Ops Video. It's Alive!
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The RC System recommended by Tamiya USA, so I used it!
https://www.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=TAMJ5252&P=FR&atrkid=V3ADW3A24148B_532 55879664_pla-357919998919__221282308935_g_c_pla_with_promotion_ _1o2&gclid=Cj0KCQjwhoLWBRD9ARIsADIRaxRUQiqTbEeQ-knEqh3Xy41C84gvbQB5tO9O3hGbzBy_TpQy5vZjDsYaAnchEAL w_wcB |
Originally Posted by Pcomm1.v2
(Post 12418074)
The RC System recommended by Tamiya USA, so I used it!
https://www.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=TAMJ5252&P=FR&atrkid=V3ADW3A24148B_532 55879664_pla-357919998919__221282308935_g_c_pla_with_promotion_ _1o2&gclid=Cj0KCQjwhoLWBRD9ARIsADIRaxRUQiqTbEeQ-knEqh3Xy41C84gvbQB5tO9O3hGbzBy_TpQy5vZjDsYaAnchEAL w_wcB |
:cool:
Me too! |
The RC System recommended by Tamiya USA has a fast, positive feel and is very direct when operating the trim tabs for various tank functions.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...d96471d230.jpg |
Wrap Up Brief; Tamiya M1A2 Rebuild, Repaint, Solve RC Setup Issues.
It's Alive! Rebuild, repaint photos:
An eBay find, the original modeler gave up on this Tamiya Abrams RC Kit, as he was using an incompatible Futaba Skysport 2.4 transmitter and receiver, but he did not know it, nor did I. Bought well, this M1A2 is nicely assembled, but the model failed the RC setup and was inoperative when received by me. The finish paint and detail execution were rough, but I fixed that. Visually it is rendered, with added stowage gear, as an Operation Iraq Freedom Tank, early 2003. From first eBay bid (only one, me), I decided to save the eBay RC tank, rebuild and paint it to a higher standard, resolve the RC setup issues. The eBay advertisement operation video showed the tank had a problem. It is setup now as an IR outdoor runner and not a shelf queen. It might participate in the SD RC Tank Club modern tank meet, the primary reason I got it, rebuilt it. Then I will pass it on after. Don't need two Tamiya Abrams RC Tanks. It took a week to resolve the RC Setup issues. The big issue was that after firing the main gun the tank would shut down, every time! Finding a solution included phone calls and emails to both the AAF Museum and Tamiya USA. Feedback from Tamiya USA was not what I wanted to hear or read. Tamiya USA was totally aware of the Abrams' RC Setup Issue, but kinda silent too about the problem concerning radio compatibility issues. Tamiya USA's only solution recommendation was to use the hugely over priced (as in gouge, swindle) Tamiiya Attack 2.4 RC System. Yes, it works, but I paid retail for the Tamiya Attack, which is more than double the cost of a Futaba Skysport 2.4 System. Anyway, the Tamiya Abrams is NOW a tested, reliable, good runner, but an unproven modern tank IR fighter. Time to move on from this model. Life is b*tch sometimes and so is Tamiya :) Bye. The End. Enjoy, John https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...0eb41a3338.jpg Tamiiya Attack 2.4 RC System. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...806bedeb80.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...47870b172f.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...8840ca7ce6.jpg |
Hi, What is your source for detailing parts such as the ones visible on the turret ? Jerrican, blankets, iceboxes... |
Originally Posted by Elefant
(Post 12419763)
Hi, What is your source for detailing parts such as the ones visible on the turret ? Jerrican, blankets, iceboxes... 1. Andy Meyers' NEW Spec Ops 1/16 modern storage gear: 1/16 NATO Gas and Water Cans, Igloo Coolers, Pelican Cases, vision block anti laser strike red tape and more: For photos, product list & price of items and to order; email contact: [email protected] or message Andy Meyers on FB for info. https://www.facebook.com/andy.meyers.39 To see Spec Op photos of items, go half way down the page: http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/rc-t...ncement-7.html 2. Value Gear 1/16 stowage tarps & crates are found on eBay from Value Gear: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-16-Univer...8AAOSwHNxZ9PJz John |
Thanks ! Good work on your M1 by the way ;-) |
Originally Posted by Pcomm1.v2
(Post 12419688)
It's Alive! Rebuild, repaint photos:
An eBay find, the original modeler gave up on this Tamiya Abrams RC Kit, as he was using an incompatible Futaba Skysport 2.4 transmitter and receiver, but he did not know it, nor did I. Bought well, this M1A2 is nicely assembled, but the model failed the RC setup and was inoperative when received by me. The finish paint and detail execution were rough, but I fixed that. Visually it is rendered, with added stowage gear, as an Operation Iraq Freedom Tank, early 2003. From first eBay bid (only one, me), I decided to save the eBay RC tank, rebuild and paint it to a higher standard, resolve the RC setup issues. The eBay advertisement operation video showed the tank had a problem. It is setup now as an IR outdoor runner and not a shelf queen. It might participate in the SD RC Tank Club modern tank meet, the primary reason I got it, rebuilt it. Then I will pass it on after. Don't need two Tamiya Abrams RC Tanks. It took a week to resolve the RC Setup issues. The big issue was that after firing the main gun the tank would shut down, every time! Finding a solution included phone calls and emails to both the AAF Museum and Tamiya USA. Feedback from Tamiya USA was not what I wanted to hear or read. Tamiya USA was totally aware of the Abrams' RC Setup Issue, but kinda silent too about the problem concerning radio compatibility issues. Tamiya USA's only solution recommendation was to use the hugely over priced (as in gouge, swindle) Tamiiya Attack 2.4 RC System. Yes, it works, but I paid retail for the Tamiya Attack, which is more than double the cost of a Futaba Skysport 2.4 System. Anyway, the Tamiya Abrams is NOW a tested, reliable, good runner, but an unproven modern tank IR fighter. Time to move on from this model. Life is b*tch sometimes and so is Tamiya :) Bye. The End. Enjoy, John https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...0eb41a3338.jpg Tamiiya Attack 2.4 RC System. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...806bedeb80.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...47870b172f.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...8840ca7ce6.jpg |
Originally Posted by Pcomm1.v2
(Post 12419766)
Hello,
1. Andy Meyers' NEW Spec Ops 1/16 modern storage gear: 1/16 NATO Gas and Water Cans, Igloo Coolers, Pelican Cases, vision block anti laser strike red tape and more: For photos, product list & price of items and to order; email contact: [email protected] or message Andy Meyers on FB for info. https://www.facebook.com/andy.meyers.39 To see Spec Op photos of items, go half way down the page: http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/rc-t...ncement-7.html 2. Value Gear 1/16 stowage tarps & crates are found on eBay from Value Gear: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-16-Univer...8AAOSwHNxZ9PJz John |
Mission Success:
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The Save the Tamiya Abrams M1A2 Rebuild, Repaint, RC Setup Project Cost List.
The eBay Tamiya Abrams Tank. $970.00 Tamiya Attack RC System. $180.00 TBU. $83.00 Paint & Model Supplies. $50.00 Value Gear Storage. $25.00 Spec Ops Gear. $25.00 Total. $1333.00 :cool: Not to bad for a Tamiya RC Tank Build and yes the wife knows! ;) Enjoy, John |
Update; Turret control unit failure.
Currently, Tamiya USA asked me to send them my Abrams electronics package plus the radio system to resolve the failure, after all else failed at my end. One set is erratic and fires for a bit, then fails and my new tested set simply does not fire the main gun without a complete shut down. My sets were purchased in early Nov 2017. A cross town FB friend dropped his Abrams gear off (purchased in Feb 2018) at Tamiya USA for the same reason this past Wednesday. Per both the Abrams manuals a flashing red LED 1 or 2 means a turret control unit failure and return to Tamiya USA for repair; if the reset does not resolve the failure. Via email, the Tamiya USA guys said they had the same problem with their inhouse build. How they will resolve the firing failure issue for the three sets just delivered to them, I do not know yet. I am aware of the same failures, both erratic in nature or a complete failure with the Abrams turret control unit amongst other builder/operators. As for the Tamiya Type 10, I resolved the TBU issue of taking and giving reliable hits by using a Futaba Skysport FM Ground Radio, for sure, that model was allergic to my Futaba Skysport 2.4 radio system. As for the Tamiya Abrams with the cannon fire failure issue, what radio one uses will not matter if the turret operation unit (mfu) is bad. That is my hunch with my two sets, at this point, after repeated, precise testing, including dissassembling the built model, so all the electronics would set on my work bench, outside of the hull, for precise testing, a small pain. It is noted all other transmitter, trim tab functions work perfectly: lights, volume adjustment, turbine shut down - restart, flashing mg, turret rotation, main gun elevation - depression and all driving functions; for both my Abrams electronic sets and the SoCal FB friends Abrams electronics. The rc radio selection may not be a factor for the cannon firing shut down issue. Tamiya USA may have given me an inaccurate rc radio recommendation. Stay tuned. Enjoy, John |
Originally Posted by Pcomm1.v2
(Post 12422695)
Currently, Tamiya USA asked me to send them my Abrams electronics package plus the radio system to resolve the failure, after all else failed at my end. One set is erratic and fires for a bit, then fails and my new tested set simply does not fire the main gun without a complete shut down. My sets were purchased in early Nov 2017. A cross town FB friend dropped his Abrams gear off (purchased in Feb 2018) at Tamiya USA for the same reason this past Wednesday. Per both the Abrams manuals a flashing red LED 1 or 2 means a turret control unit failure and return to Tamiya USA for repair; if the reset does not resolve the failure. Via email, the Tamiya USA guys said they had the same problem with their inhouse build. How they will resolve the firing failure issue for the three sets just delivered to them, I do not know yet. I am aware of the same failures, both erratic in nature or a complete failure with the Abrams turret control unit amongst other builder/operators. As for the Tamiya Type 10, I resolved the TBU issue of taking and giving reliable hits by using a Futaba Skysport FM Ground Radio, for sure, that model was allergic to my Futaba Skysport 2.4 radio system. As for the Tamiya Abrams with the cannon fire failure issue, what radio one uses will not matter if the turret operation unit (mfu) is bad. That is my hunch with my two sets, at this point, after repeated, precise testing, including dissassembling the built model, so all the electronics would set on my work bench, outside of the hull, for precise testing, a small pain. It is noted all other transmitter, trim tab functions work perfectly: lights, volume adjustment, turbine shut down - restart, flashing mg, turret rotation, main gun elevation - depression and all driving functions; for both my Abrams electronic sets and the SoCal FB friends Abrams electronics. The rc radio selection may not be a factor for the cannon firing shut down issue. Tamiya USA may have given me an inaccurate rc radio recommendation. Stay tuned. Enjoy, John We noticed our M1's shutting down during battles after firing the main gun. It was due to the barrel recoil getting stuck when firing and that prompted the tank to shut down. Do check that.... |
mine also shuts down when firing the main gun. I partially built the tank and havent finished it due to frustration. I am using the 2.4 futaba skysport . Its a great tank but the electronics arent the easiest to figure out
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Hello K3nny,
Thank you for the tip and alerting Tamiya Abrams kit builders of something to check and watch out for! I did not notice my barrel stick or jam when plugged in. The recoil unit once ran way and would not stop, when the turret control unit was in demonstration mode (which gave a LED 2 Red Flashing Light). The barrel moved repeatedly, freely and quickly and was not sticky or jamming. I did consider a faulty recoil unit and tested it. But knew it was a turret control unit fail, but checked the recoil unit to be sure. So, I ran my tests with both the recoil unit plugged in and not plugged into the turret control unit, same results every time: the LED 1 Red Flashing Light and a shutdown. And no more run away recoil unit issues. Never got the runaway recoil unit issue again, when in demonstration mode or not, while doing tests. Enjoy, John |
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