Getting near done with a build for the Thunder Run project (3ID Fort Stewart Museum) run by Robert Burik. That project really got me interested in modern armor, and was so happy with the Abrams wanted to do one for myself as well as honor the efforts of the 3ID during OIF. I chose vehicle C66, the CO's Abrams from Charlie Company (Cobra) of Task Force 1-64. This vehicle is the first tank to take out a major statue of Saddam: watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsUeq48ALsc .

Background to this build: I had a kit with several parts missing or damaged. Special thanks to Gino Quintiliani for providing most of the replacements I needed! I've already started and have most of the typical busy work done, no need to bore everyone with that. I did use some PE from ET Models Abrams update, a bit of my own scratching, and am using a nice set of tracks from HobbyGallery. They are relatively cheap and go together very nicely, built both sets of tracks in about 4 man-hours.

Here's a pic of where I am at currently, I'll put some pics of my previously mentioned Abrams in a regular posting. Hopefully I'll be able to keep this an interesting build log.

Slowly making progress, unfortunately I can only get a few hours of bench-time per week due to a neck problem. Below are the tracks after the exposed surfaces were worn down with a hot knife, scrapped and filed until I liked the look. Painting was done with flat black on the rubber parts, a dark rust wash over steel for the metal, and then the metal is retouched with steel pigment from AK and graphite. Also are pics of the wheels and hull ready for the treads. Since I had some missing parts, I had to replace with the side-skirt kit from Voyager. However I also had the upgrade kit from ET which has a really nice replacement for the back (sprocket) skirt as you can see in the close up. Much more realistic with the grooves for the bolts, I added the bolt heads. On the front side-skirts, I replaced the foot step with a thin diameter picture wire and built up the sides with appoxy putty.

Nice work, what did you use for the base colour?




cheers

Thanks Richard, the base color is Model Master Acryl Sand, FS33531.

I was lucky enough to make contact with the driver for C66. He's a great guy, I won't mention his name since I didn't ask for permission. But I got the inspiration for this tank by reading Heavy Metal by Jason Conroy (CO of Cobra and of this tank). The driver sent me a bunch of great reference pics along with answering many questions. So i've decide to build the vehicle as it looked on April 7th, 2003 right after penetrating into Baghdad from 2nd Thunder Run. By that time the vehicle had an RPG hit to the right-rear side-skirt and was rammed by a civilian vehicle on the left-rear side-skirt.

Here's the damage, these are close ups and a lot of finishing work is needed so forgive any areas that need sanding or other refinement. And weathering has barely started.









On the side-skirts the vehicle initially had forward facing chevrons which the crew painted over but you could still see them through the thin coat of paint. I've reproduced that here. Also added random dings and pings from large caliber mg fire. These tanks went through hell during Thunder Run 1 and 2, taking a lot of fire. While you can't see it in most photos from talking to various vets they were there in plenty.





Lastly some odds and ends being worked presently. The side CIPs are a combo of ET Models CIP frame and trimmed down Tamiya CIP panels, the front CIPs are scratched from card-stock that comes from most all PE sets along with some masking tape strips. The extended bustle rack is from the kit with some scratch mods (added framing and mounting straps). Its been semi weathered with scratches using hairspray technique. Thanks for looking, work continues slowly...

I've been away a while due to surgery. In fact I still can't get to the bench - the surgery was on my neck and just can't work. Typing is almost impossible too but wanted to post some pics of progress made before surgery:

















Hopefully I'll be able to get a couple hours a week on the bench in the coming months. It's sure frustrating not to!

Happy modelling!

Hello folks, I know its been 2 years since I created this thread, a bit insane. It's taken that long for me to find some relief from my neck issues and other not so wonderful items cropped up during that time. But its in the past and while not 100% I'm good enough to get an hour or so a day on the bench, can't ask for more! Anyway, this particular model is done, the only thing left is a bit of work on the base. The beginning of this ancient post explains the vehicle, tank C66 from Charlie Co. of Task Force 1-64 that took Baghdad in April 2003. The time frame is just after second Thunder Run, Baghdad has fallen, C66 has taken out the statue of mounted Saddam, and is now moving to provide cover for the occupation. She sustained some damage in the rear (both sides) and the stain you see is from oil cans rupturing in the bustle rack. I am glad to be back, hopefully you'll see me around sooner than 2018!

Excellent work.

She came out great Bill. Excellent work. Glad I was able to help out with the project.

Great Work! You really nailed the painting and weathering on this one, hard to tell if that is plastic or metal. Thanks for sharing you work with us.

Wow. Simply amazing job on this!

Top shelf workmanship. Hope you're through with the medical issues.

US ARMOR RULES!!! GREAT JOB!!!

Excellent build! I particularly like the worn look on the tracks.

Thunder Run - that was an incredible couple of trips into Baghdad. Super work on the model!

Thanks for the kind words and encouragement guys! Gino, glad to see your still here and thanks again for the assist!

Great build! - thanks very much for posting your pictures - really nice work, and worth the wait to see them.

Cheers
Nick

Bill, your Abrams turned out great! Really nice build.
Glad to see you back!
Terry

Really nice build. What kit did you use? And how did you get the exhaust grills to look so good?
Ken.

Thanks guys! Ken I used the Dragon m1a1 AIM kit and various AM / scratch enhancements. The exhaust grills are straight from the kit. If you mean the paint, it's various washes starting with a light steel over the original sand color, black pastel for the burnt look, then subtle rust highlight washes. but I don't have a consistent technique, I tend to try different methods until I get a look I like. Can always fix it if it doesn't turn out.

hell yeah!!!!!!

You nailed this one, and it turned out great, what stowage kits did you use?

Thanks G. Houle. It's been a while but I think the water coolers are DEF Model as are water bottles. The big gray box is a footlocker that belonged to the TC, it's scratch built. The packs hanging on the sides are scratch, along with the chair, battery cable, oil cans, and MRE packs in the open box. Boxes are from the kit or printed.

Wow, what a great job. Unbelievable attention to detail. I especially love those tracks.

This post really sucks! Now I have to learn some of your techniques to make MY M1A1 look as good as possible!
Seriously, this is an awesome piece of work. The attention to detail is absolutely great. Please show more examples of your work!

PS - besides the track treatment, I especially liked the stain from the crushed oil cans. Your model practically transported me back to my tank in ODS. I'm not nearly as good but I can sure look & admire.

Bill,
This is an older post-- but if you are still reading them, I had to do a double take on that first over head photo you posted of the completed model-- as I took it to be the real thing at first glance. I don't comment too much on modern armor (1990 on) but felt I had to complement you on this one-- nice job.
VR, Russ