Tamiya M1A1 Abrams Tank - Building The 1/35th Scale Model

Possibly the most famous tank in current use. This is my build of the Tamiya M1A1 Abrams Tank. Still going strong on the 1/35th scale model tanks, this is a fantastic looking kit that I am just hoping I can do justice to.

Building The Tamiya M1A1 Abrams Tank

You can check out my full inbox review video of the model HERE. As expected the build is pretty simple with things like the suspension and a lot of the Hull details pre-moulded.

Making A Start On The Tamiya 1/35th M1A1 Abrams.

First Stage Of The M1A1 Turret On The Tamiya Scale Model Kit.

More Details Added To The Abrams Turret.

Side Cages Fitted To The Turret On The Tamiya M1A1 Abrams Model Kit.

As you see the build has been pretty simple and has gone along with no real issues. The most fun and most challenging part is the rear storage cage. A little bit of delicate work to cut and secure the mesh in the bottom of the cage.

Close Up Of The Tamiya Abrams M1A1 Storage Rack.

Fitted The Storage Rack To The Rear Of The Abrams Turret.

That is the build phase complete, as you can see the build has been very quick. So to get the most miles out of the model I will dig deep into the weathering.

Painting The Tamiya M1A1 Abrams Tank

The Wheels Have Been Painted Yellow And Will Need To Be Touched Up With Black.

As they say practice makes perfect and as I contiune to build model tanks I get better and better at the wheels.

Started To Paint The Wheels Of The Model Tank.

The model has had a lightened coat of desert yellow all over. Now I have lightened the paint even more with some white and sprayed the centre of the panels to give them a bleached look.

The Desert Yellow Paint Lightened And Sprayed On The Panels To Represent Sun Bleaching.

Time To Hand Paint The Tracks For The Tamiya Abrams Tank Model Kit.

It Took About 1 Hour Per Track But They Look Good.

Here Is A Close Up Of Both Sides Of The Abrams Tracks.

Most of the track on recent project have just been metal colour, so simply dry brushing has been sufficient. These guys how ever are metal with rubber pads. So after a couple of hours of hand painting I have a decent set of scale model tank tracks.

Fitting The Wheels To The Lower Hull Of The Abrams Tank Model.

I Want To Try Out Some Of This Polished Metal Pigment From Mig.

Turret And Hull Of The Tamiya 1/35th Abrams Ready For Varnish And Weathering.

Turret Of The Abrams Tank Painted And Ready For The Next Stage.

I’m pretty happy with how the painting has gone, I have finished up with painting in all the small details and fitted on the gun and tow ropes. The bleached panels really look good to me, so I just hope the next stage goes as well.

Weathering The Tamiya 1/35th Abrams M1A1

Using Some Premade Washes From AK Interactive Made For OIF Models — Using Some Pre-made Washes From AK Interactive Made For OIF Models.

I usually make my own washes with oil paints but as I have quite a lot of OIF (Operation Iraqi Freedom) models in my stash I decided to invest in these pre-made washes from AK Interactive. One is a general wash and the other is for streaking.

I Have Applied The Enamel Wash To The Tanks Hull.

The Enamel Wash On The Abrams Models Turret.

The Abrams Model Tank After The Enamel Wash Has Been Cleaned.

So you can see here where the wash has picked out the details really well, and the streaking effect has given some extra depth to the model tank. The pre made washes are convenient, I’m not entirely sure about the cost vs making your own but they are definitely a good addition to your weathering stash.

Now Some Chipping And Streaking On The Tamiya M1A1 Abrams Scale Model.

Finally, I have painted on some chipping to the Abrams bodywork. The last job I want to do is add a little bit of stowage to the Storage containers. Just to give this model another dimension.

This Is The Stowage I'm Going To Use On The Tamiya Abrams Tank Model Kit — This Is The Stowage I’m Going To Use On The Tamiya Abrams Tank Model Kit.

That's The Stowage All Completed, I think It Looks OK But Only Time Will Tell — That’s The Stowage All Completed, I think It Looks OK But Only Time Will Tell.

I'm Going To Call This One Done, I'm Really Happy With The Outcome Of This Little Guy — I’m Going To Call This One Done, I’m Really Happy With The Outcome Of This Little Guy.

My Completed Tamiya 1/35th Abrams M1A1 Model Tank

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