1/72 Abrams 1st Cavalry "Desert Shield" - Dragon

Publishing my builds I almost forgot to mention quite important one for me. It was my first model built after 10 years break, first tank in small scale ever. It was also a present for friend of mine which served in 1st Cavalry Division during Desert Shield & Desert Storm. I decided to build model of his tank during these operations.

Mark in his earlier Abrams

To achieve this goal, I bought in local hobby store 1/72 Abrams model kit by Dragon. In fact I had no choice at all, since it was the only one Abrams in 1/72nd available there.

Inside the box we find following sprues

and instructions

I also bought set of US Modern Tankers figures by Preiser for this project.

I started build from the turret. After assembly it reveals quite big gap on the bottom side, which need to be filled with generous amount of putty.

Next step - hull assembly... and more putty.

Even bigger unpleasant surprise is rear turret stowage basket, which Dragon molded as a solid piece (this element looks way better in Revell kit). So, I built one a new one from styrene profiles and copper wire.

I also added towing cables made of twisted wire, and brackets from brass leftovers.
Browsing through pictures taken from my friend's collection I found another missing element - diesel generator.

I had no other choice than make one, which I did from some scrap pieces I found in my old stash. I also made ammo boxes (Evergreen profiles) and metal plate mounted on the rear basket, bearing vehicle's tactical number.

Having all components assembled, I could move to painting.

I decided to place Abrams on simple base. I used cheap picture frame, replacing glass with styrene sheet. I used scale railroad ballast mixed with sand colored pigments to imitate desert.

To complete the tank, I added various stowage item which I received from my friend Piotr. I was ready to mount Abrams on the base.

To finish the project I added two tank crew figures. It was a quite of challenge to paint chocolate chip camo pattern on them. Regarding original Marl's tank, I extracted chevrons and numbers from supplied pictures, and printed my own decals. To add final touches, I used Mig's neutral wash and I dusted tank with sand colored pigment. The Abrams was ready.

Few close-ups

This build was also the first one I displayed during model show, where it took 2nd place in 1/72 Armor category.

After the model show, I presented built Abrams to my friend Mark.