M1 Abrams 105mm Finished 22/11/20

Taking shape now

I've spent some time on the turret stippling on some mr surfacer then once dry lightly sanding it down. This has added some very subtle variations in the armour which should show up under paint. I'm not bothering with the hull as weathering and pigments will add enough variation to that. The gun barrel is all made up and very nice it looks too, suitably different to the 120mm I think. Again though a sloppy fit in the mantlet so CA will be used to secure in place. The side stowage rack takes an age to clean up and is quite fragile so care needs to be taken. Smoke dischargers are nice apart from another sinkhole on the top of each one! I've also used some spare track and mounted this on the racking as per my refs, this adds a bit more interest to an essentially very clean tank profile.

This is looking pretty boom.king of you ask me.

The turret's taking shape nicely with a few more improvements and adding missing details. I've changed the fuel can for a spare metal type as the kits supplies you with the scepter plastic type can. I know these started to get issued during the 80's but don't know exactly when so used my refs and decided on a metal one. The gunners sight had the clear inner parts modified so I could fit after painting then some weld beads added using stretched sprue. The commander's cupola needs a fair bit of clean up and three lifting eyes added. I used lead wire wrapped around a pin to make them. Finally the crosswind sensor on the rear of the turret was binned and a new one made from brass tube. It's not 100% but way better than the kit one. Also the mount needed yet another annoying sink mark or should I say gaping hole filled with putty! 

You have certainly got it by the jewels fella

I'm a little late to the party but I'm at the back. Looking on with interest. I like the idea with the Mr surfacer.

Looking jolly good now fella .
Good luck with the side skirt idea

D*mn fine Gille De La Turretism !

The invisible glue wizard in action!